SoundTraxx DSD-150/DSX Owners Manual - Manual (Page 34)

34 Digital Sound Decoder Owner's Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you should have any difficulties with the operation of your SoundTraxx Digital Sound Decoder, first check this
section for hints on troubleshooting. If you cannot isolate and find a solution for the problem, we suggest that you
write the factory a note describing the problem in as much detail as possible before returning the unit to the factory
(see Service and Warranty Policy).
The locomotive runs for awhile and then stops.
The decoder may be overheating. Be sure the decoder is located where it can dissipate excess heat. You may also try
lowering your command station’s track voltage setting.
The sound works for awhile and then stops.
The decoder amplifier may be overheating. Be sure the decoder is located where it can dissipate excess heat. You
can also try lower the volume using CV 50 or your command station’s track voltage setting.
The locomotive doesn’t move.
Be sure the locomotive address matches that of your controller. If the acceleration CVs are loaded with large values,
the locomotive may be also be very slow to accelerate taking almost four minutes to reach full speed.
The decoder and lights work OK but there is no sound.
Check that the CV 50, volume control is not set to zero or that the mute function (F8) isn't on.
The locomotive buzzes when moving at slow speeds.
This is a normal characteristic of virtually all DCC decoders and is an unavoidable side effect of using PWM (Pulse
Width Modulation) to drive the motor. The buzzing can be minimized by adjusting the drive frequency via CV 9 and
lubricating the motor brushes with a conductive lubricant such as Aero Car Technology’s “Conducta”.
The lights won’t turn on and off.
This is caused when the decoder is set up for 14 speed step operation and the throttle or command station is sending
28 or 128 speed step packets. Reprogram the decoder and/or command station so the speed step modes match. For
more information, see CV 29.
An alternate cause may be that the decoder functions have been improperly mapped to another function key. See
CVs 33 to 42 for more information.
The headlights flicker on and off as the throttle increases.
This occurs when the decoder is set up for 14 speed step operation and the throttle or command station is sending
speed and direction commands for 28 speed step mode. Reprogram the decoder and/or command station so the
speed step modes match. For more information, see CV 29.
The Hiss function does not work.
If the auto blowdown feature is enabled, the hiss function cannot be manually controlled. See CV 51 for more
information.
The Exhaust Chuff does not work.
If you are using the exhaust cam, be sure the wiper is making contact with the synchronizer disk and there is no
buildup of dirt or grease. If you are using the Auto-Exhaust feature, be sure bit 2 in CV 52 is set to 0. See CV 52 for
more information. If the DDE is disabled (CV 52, bit = 0), be sure exhaust volume (CV 56) is not 0.
The Locomotive Just Sits and Flashes Both Headlights
This indicates that the CV data has become corrupted and all CVs have been reset to their default values. The DSD
will return to normal operation after about 30 seconds, or if power is turned off and back on. You will need to
reprogram any CVs you previously modified.