Large Scale Central

QSI NCE Pro-Cab Dash-9 install fails

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

I decided that I will need sound for several Aristo Craft and USAT diesels that I already have.
I purchased a QSI NCE pro-cab throttle, 1 x Quantum Aristo sound decoder, 2 x QSI Magnum decoders and 3 x QSI GWire receivers.

Being new to DCC control, the first locomotive sound/control install I attempted was the Aristo Craft Dash 9.
Installed the PnP sound decoder and receiver in the loco, no problems, easy install, now to program the NCE throttle.

The only programming I made was to program in a long address for the loco road number.
The power source I am using is from an Aristo Craft older train engineer, suppling about 5amps, with 20.7 volts at the rail.

I powered up the track, loco lights and sound OK at idle, in forward direction the loco did not respond until I applied about 10-12 volts, then the loco took off at speed. I understand that I will have to change the CV for ‘slow start” response.

The problem I have is that when I change direction to reverse on the throttle, the loco just sits at idle and won’t back up, no matter how much voltage is applied, even though the NCE indicates REV has been selected.

Changed power supply to another transformer, but still the same problem, foward OK, no reverse.

Went back to the original Aristo power supply, set the loco to forward on the NCE, the loco moved about 3 feet then stoped, no sound or lights and the circuit breaker tripped on the transformer, now each time I turn on the transformer, the CB trips.
Removed the decoder and tested the loco with the bridging plug replaced and the loco operates fine. How when I install the decoder I get a short circuit, so looks like the decoder is damaged.

I replaced the original decoder with one from the Magnum non PnP board, this one works, but still with the same problem of not being able the select reverse direction.

I hope I can get some help with the reversing problem and it looks like I will have to return the ‘maybe’ damaged decoder to QSI for them to check out.

I think it will be best that I hold off the other installs untill I find out what I am doing wrong.

Wayne

#2

Wayne,
Greg is who you need to talk to. You can contact him through his website.
Ralph

http://www.elmassian.com/

#3

That aggravation is why I decided to stay quiet and stick with DC.

#4

Yes, Greg can prolly help you out. I have used the Pro NCE garden wire throttle, is that the one you have Wayne??? I have had QSI/G-wire and T-9000 throttles for over 2 years and the NCE listed above for about 1 1/2 years and the only problem I had was that the batteries were a little low, and caused the throttle to not function properly. As far as everything else I have also been track powered, and battery R/C for over 2+ years, and a few little quirks here and there, but nothing that myself, and or Greg E. and or Noel Wilson couldn’t resolve together. I love the system, So great system, you need to look at Greg’s site, and or get ahold of him when he has time to talk you through something on the phone, or email, he is very very busy. Regal

Check out my you tube and live site and see!! Everything on there is QSI/G-wire, except for the Green SD45 it had Phoenix. I got rid of all my Phoenix anything and went QSI/G-wire because of simplicity of install, sound, cost effectiveness, just an all around Easey Peasey system.

http://www.youtube.com/user/7485jerry

http://www.livestream.com/crazytrainguyschannel/

http://www.livestream.com/noelw

#5

Something sounds really funny. It seems that you might not have the receiver plugged in correctly.

You should be running constant track power if you are track powered, not bring it up slowly.

Are you sure you have the channels on both the NCE and the Gwire receiver the same?

You can easily plug the thin cable in backwards, there is a bright orange paper with the Gwire, read it carefully. If you inserted the cable by eye, it’s wrong, trust me.

The side of the connector that looks like it has the contacts, does not. The cable is single sided.

You also need the NCE throttle on first I believe.

Regards, Greg

#6

Thanks for the reply Greg.
I have the receiver flat cable pluged into the QSI decoder correctly (checked several times) and I am sure the channels on the NCE are the same, as I can trigger the horn & bell, plus forward direction from the throttle. The only problem is that loco won’t reverse, even though the NCE indicates reverse has been selected.

Sorry I worded the track power up process badly, I have a constant 20.7 volts at the track but the loco won’t start moving till I noch up the throttle to around speed 10-12 (out of 28 max), then it takes off, no slow startup.

I hope this explains the reverse problem a little clearer.

Regards

Wayne

#7

really sounds like there is damage to the decoder, one of the output transistors.

There is an outside possibility that there is a wiring problem in the loco, a connection between a track pickup and motor would allow it to run fine with the shorting plug in place, but could damage the motor output when the decoder is in place.

I believe after re-reading what you typed both times, that you have a shorted output transistor. Accidentally plugging the decoder offset by a pin or 2 can cause this (no blame given here)…

I’d return the decoder, or see if you can “borrow” another one.

Regards, Greg

#8

IF I read this right, he has the reverse problem with 2 different decoders…
Ralph

#9

Yes Ralph, you are right, swaped out the decoder with another new QSI decoder and still have the same problem, no response in reverse, so thinking it may be a coding issue.

My job is an electrical designer and having striped and rebuilt many locos for sound, battery conversions etc, I have a pretty good understanding of electronics, but this has me cornered.

Wayne

#10

OK, of course, start by doing a full reset on the decoder. CV 56.128.255 = 113.

Now check it (It’s probably not this, but try it to be sure).

If both decoders still do not run in reverse, then either both are damaged, or there is some short between the motor pins and the track pickup pins.

I have a ton of QSI, never seen this specifically.

Regards, Greg