NCE decoder install in Atlas MP-15: Trouble shooting!

[Philip H]

So I did my first plug-n-play decoder install last night for my N Scale Atlas MP-15.  I got an NCE decoder a while back for it, and while I ahven't actually hooked up (or purchased) my DCC system (which is leaning heavily toward NCE as well) I figured I would do this now, as I've got the engine apart for detail and paint work.

Running it after with my MRC Tech II pwer pack I observed something very interesting.  The loco runs one direction no matter which way the direction switch is turned on the power pack.  being a DCC noob, I have to ask (red faced and all) - any clues?

[sizemore]

You may need to perform a factory reset on the decoder, and then set CV29 -to do that you would need a DCC command station.

The S.

[Philip H]

O know, I know - cart before horse and such.

Had we not had some plumbing leaks in June that requried repair . . . .

Almost back on track though.

Unless someone close by has a track I can borrow . . . .

[John]

You really shouldn't run a decodered loco with a power pack .. unless you want to replace the decoder ..  it's looking for a constant voltage ..

http://www.hollywoodfoundry.com/Docs/DCC%20Explained%20Simply%20Part%201.pdf

Q. Can I run a DCC equipped locomotive on a plain DC system?
Again yes. But in this case the decoder equipped model will require a higher starting voltage before it begins
to move compared to other models on the track. This is because a good model motor may begin to creep
along at around 2 volts, but the decoder in the DCC model requires a higher voltage to operate the electronic
decoder chip and will not start to move until there is enough voltage on the track to start the chip running.
If you want to run a DCC equipped locomotive on a plain DC system permanently, my recommendation is to
remove the decoder if possible. If it is a plug-in decoder, this should be relatively easy to do, providing you
insert a blanking plug into the vacant decoder socket.
Another problem is with pulse-width control DC controllers. The DCC locomotive will see the pulses as
potential control pulses and may behave erratically. So no DCC locomotives on pulse-power controllers.
And another potential problem is with feedback DC controllers, again the DCC equipped locomotive may
behave erratically.
General Rule: Run DCC equipped locos. on DCC systems. Run DC locos. on DC systems. Do not try to mix

[Philip H]

I know, I know, but the NCE package insert in the decoder said to try it out first on a DC power pack to make sure it runs.  So I did.  Call me foolish, but I do actually read the directions once in a while.

[diburning]

are you sure it doesn't mean to run the loco on DC first to make sure it runs, then put in the decoder?

[Philip H]

Nope, after telling you how to disassemble the frame, insert the decoder, and reassemble the frame, it says to run on DC to test operations.  May still be a typo in that they wanted it somewhere else in the brochure, but that's what it says and where it says.

[wm3798]

Bring along the MP-15 and the decoder manual, and I'll see if I can make it go.  As John and his supporting documentation suggest, East is East and West is West, but you can set up a Digitrax decoder to run on DC, so I imagine NCE provides a similar feature.

Lee

[Philip H]

But being from the South, those direction thingys are all too complicated for me . . .

WILCO on the bringing.