ESU LokSound decoder problem

[MIKEA]

I have an Atlas Gold series SD 24 with factory fitted ESU LokSound decoder (Guide book dated October 2013).  After storage for some months the loco now refused to respond to any attempt to get it to run even after many attempts to factory reset the CVs both with the magnetic wand and on the programming track with my Digitrax DCS 100 and DT 400 system.  I have tried all four of the possible programming modes and to read back of CV values and only get a "Fail" messages.  I did get the lights to flash once in the direct programming mode while trying to confirm the read back of the ESU ID no.151 in CV 8.
Is there anyone who is familiar with ESU decoder fault finding?
Regards,
Mike.   

[BigEd]

Do you have someone with a PR3/4 nearby?

Where are you based? We have someone in Cape Town with a full ESU system...

[Freightcars]

Mike,

Are you sure it's an ESU decoder?  To my knowledge there has never been an ESU decoder that has been able to reset by using a magnetic wand.  That was more of a QSI thing.

Did you actually read back the values of CVs 7 & 8 to confirm the ESU ID?

Given that you aren't able to read anything leads me to two possible conclusions:
1)  Some sound decoders need to have a programming track booster.  They require more power than is put out by your Digitrax system.  As Ed mentioned, a PR3 is a good alternative if available as with the right power supply (16V 1amp) it can read most decoders.

In my experience this is not the case for ESU decoders unless it's maybe fitted with additional keep alive capacitors.

2).  There could be a poor connection between either the power pickups and the decoder or between the decoder and the motor.  You indicated that you got the lights to flash once so this seems less likely.

HTH,

Niel

[MIKEA]

Hi Ed and Niel,  Thanks for the replies.
I do not know of a PR3/4 nearby, I am in Claremont CT.

The Atlas booklet with the loco states it is equipped with ESU LokSound Select sound decoder and the Atlas booklet includes information as the ESU 30 October 2013 quick start guide version 1.5 for ESU firmware version 4.7.9148.

I have had another attempt to read back CV 7&8 without any luck.

I switched the DCS 100 to O/G to get more power on the tracks. Under Po mode on the main track (not programming track) both the front and rear lights came on dimly for a short time but CV 8 would not reset to the factory settings.  The loco does have has a reed switch and there is a magnetic wand in the Atlas box but there is no response on trying to factory reset.
Regards,
Mike

[Freightcars]

Mike,

Ed can probably point you to someone with programmer down near you.

Po mode or Ops mode programming does not allow read back of CVs unless you have additional equipment.  You can only write.  Also unless you know what the loco address is you aren't going to be able to program that specific loco.

The scale switch has no effect on programming.  It regulates the track voltage on the Rail A and Rail B outputs.

Given that you aren't able to get any acknowledgement with any of the reading I'm starting to wonder if there is an issue with the wiring or even just a bad decoder.

[BigEd]

MIKEA, both me and Looville have a system that can do computer reading of decoders and we are both in Cape Town. I am currently not setup to do much as I am in the process of building a train room with some house attached...

BTW what scale are we talking?

But send us your details via pm (to keep the crooks away) and we'll see how we can help.

[capeklr]

Hi Mike,
I do have the ESU decoder programmer.
Regards Jörg.