pooldoc58

On 13/05/2021 at 19:04, peterfgf said:

 

ERROR98 nach Update von Roco multiMAUS => Wer kann helfen? (h0-modellbahnforum.de)

 

 

ERROR98 after updating Roco multiMAUS => Who can help? (h0-modellbahnforum.de)

1 hour ago, GoingUnderground said:

ESU also release firmware updates for their LokSound and LokPilot loco decoders and for SwitchPilot V2 and SignalPilot accessory decoders from time to time to fix bugs or add new features They give outlines of the changes in the Additional Information on their LokProgrammer download page and in the Release Notes included in each LokProgrammer software download.

 

You must use the ESU LokProgrammer hardware and software to update ESU decoders as the firmware updates themselves are contained within the LokProgrammer software and the LokProgrammer hardware provides the physical interface between the decoder and the computer running the LokProgrammer software. I have a LokProgrammer myself and first used it many years ago to update the firmware in a later model LokPilot 3 to activate RailCom.

 

I agree that standardising on one make of decoder is a good idea, and Zimo is a good choice. But decoders do evolve over time, and different models from the same manufacturer may have slight differences to certain CVs whilst still keeping within the NMRA CV structure. So I'd be inclined to keep a record of the model/part number of the decoder in each loco anyway.

thank you that seems a sensible thing to do I see if I can add the decoder type in the loco description in the Z21 

First sorry if this is in the wrong area.

I want to fit a decoder to a old set I got off E-bay. 

My question is can I get a board from anywhere that I fit and than fit a chip to that.

I hope that makes sense

1 hour ago, WIMorrison said:

You should try to standardise on one manufacturer of decoders across your fleet and not mix and match manufacturers. You will find this really helps as you get a larger fleet because it means you only have one set of CV meanings as opposed to different ones for each loco  

I am going to use the ZIMO ones in the future thanks for the adivce

1 hour ago, jpendle said:

Hi,

 

As you are now using the Z21 I would suggest standardising on Zimo decoders. They are excellent decoders and 

Zimo are unusual in that they let users know about bugs in their decoders, and then release firmware updates to fix them.

The Z21 allows you to update the firmware in Zimo decoders without the need for a separate decoder programmer.

 

Regards,

 

John P

thanks for that

3 minutes ago, GoingUnderground said:

You can ask as many questions as you like, but to get good answers you need to give us more information about what's going on.

 

For instance, you haven't told us which of your 3 DCC systems you were using as from your previous posts I gather that you have 3: Piko (ESU) SmartControl; Piko (Uhlenbrock) SmartControl Light; and a Roco Z21.

 

You need to give us a bit more information about the make and model or part number of the decoders, and whether they're new or secondhand. This can be relevant for Bachmann decoders who buy them in from specialist manufacturers and have been known to change suppliers.

 

You also need to tell us into which loco or EMU you have installed the decoders with which you are having problems. This might not sound relevant, but there are known to be certain combinations of model and decoder which should work but don't for reasons unknown.

 

It is not unknown for 8 pin sockets to have electrical faults caused by stray bits of wire or solder bridging the solder terminals on the underside. So it would be worth looking at the underside of the socket to see if there are any such problems.  Also, there can be issues with the pins on the decoder or its trailing plug touching the live chassis or sometimes bare wires beneath the socket. So a close visual inspection might give you the answer. 

 

Also you say that 2 decoders aren't working. Did you put one of them in a loco, and then when it didn't work, take it out and try another decoder only to find that it too didn't work? If you did that could indicate a wiring problem or a loco and decoder compatibility issue as it is unusual to come across 2 new faulty decoders at the same time.

Sorry 

will try to give better info

I am now only using the Roco Z21 system

I only buy new decoders I have just reiceved 2 new ones

the Zimo MX600R

the STANDARD+ V2" 1.0/1.8A 3 FUNCTION OUTPUT A,B,C. by Digital plus by Lenz

I am at the moment only buying piko trains which are either digital ready or have been in a digital starter set (I needed track to build a layout and a control system I thought this was a good way to get started ).

With the 2 decoders which where not working I swapped them into trains which were working and was able to narrow it to the decoders. I took the decoders out checked them to ensure I was fitting them correctly.

the ones I had the issues with were the Bachmann 0.9 Amp 4 Function 8 Pin DCC Decoder featuring RailComPlus I have sent them back to see what the company say. Have installed 3 of these with no problems I think

I had problems with that decoder in 2 trains they were stuttering badly at slow speeds, the Hobby DB Netz BR218 Diesel Locomotive VI HO Gauge 57902 and Piko Hobby OBB IC Electric Analogue Starter Set HO Gauge 97947. I swopped out these decoders with the two new ones and they working really well now so (but I installed one of these decoders in to a second hand loco not sure what make sorry (brought from shop in Germany last October) and it works fine)

 I have 2 old trains which I want to convert and will start to look at soon but I needed to sort these problems out first 

I had 2 brand new locos which where dcc ready I fitted chips in to them and they stuttered at slows speeds so on advice form above I got a limo mx600r and a digital plus lokdecoder (which was recommended by the shop I visit in Berlin) and what a difference. I did not think there could be so much difference. So much I have to learn about the model railways even on things I thought were set

Z21 is here and up and running first 5 locs done. still playing around with it and finding out what's what but gosh its so good.

1 hour ago, GoingUnderground said:

I think that you said elsewhere that you have the SmartControl Light. This is made by Uhlenbrock and is based on the Uhlenbrock Daisy 2 (Uhlenbrock 66300/66350). 

 

 

Most of the comments in this topic relate to the original Piko SmartControl, which after the launch of the Piko SmartControl Light was renamed the SmartControl Elemente to distinguish between the two very different versions of SamrtControl. The original SmartControl was made by ESU for Piko and uses a Piko branded version of the ESU Mobile Control 2. Whilst Piko have discontinued the original SmartControl (Elemente), ESU now sell it as an ESU branded product the CabControl. 

 

 

You might find this topic more relevant if you do indeed have the SmartControl Light. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/130804-low-cost-system-piko-smartcontrol-light/

many thanks I actually have both got 2 starter sets one I got in Berlin that was on sale just had to get it 

On 29/12/2020 at 18:55, Solo said:

I bought a Piko Smartcontrol system several years back when it was first introduced.  The interface is lovely, by far the best I tried with its combination of a high quality (and very smooth) control knob and touchscreen access for dcc functions, perfect for actually watching your trains as opposed to having your eyes glued to a speed display/functions.  The smart-box is a very compact command station to boot.

 

But mine is temperamental.  Wasn't so bad the first couple of years but lately the handset in particular is prone to either freezing up or being very slow to respond to button touches....not so handy when you're trying to switch between locos or when an engine is nearing the end of the track!  Often a total re-boot is required and I have kept it pretty well updated with software upgrades etc. (though note - and this is a problem for me - you can't download a software update via a MacBook, had to borrow my Dad's Windows computer).

The shame is I really think the handset is far superior to any other control product on the market so have considered replacing it but they don't seem to be available any more or possibly only in conjunction with a full-scale ECoS command system?

 

But if you do get one and it works it really is a great way to control trains, especially if using DCC sound.

Had my Piko smart control system for around 8 months and have had similar issues waiting for a Roca Z21 to arrive today hope I have better luck with this

16 hours ago, WIMorrison said:

if you go to https://Www.z21.eu then you can download the Z21 Maintenance Program for you PC which is an excellent tool for programming decoders (amongst several other things, including a firmware update that was issued 4 weeks ago )

will look at that thanks

thanks to all who have relpied this is very helpfull to a total novice

1 hour ago, KingEdwardII said:

My own preference is for Zimo or Lenz decoders, e.g.:

 

Lenz Standard+ V2

 

Zimo MX617, MX600R.

 

These are Railcom capable.

 

The exact choice depends on how many functions you need and also on the space you have available to fit the decoder in your loco (MX617 is a small one, for example)  - and your budget!

 

Yours, Mike.

thanks for the info just ordered 2 Lenz Standard+ V2 I will see how I get on again thanks 

thanks for the replies 

adding to the above does anyone have any suggestions to which 8pin decoders I should be looking at  

Hi all me again what the short time some has been a member before being asked to leave for too many questions lol.

Ok I can read a decoder in a loco I can change the address but when I try to turn on lights or power it nothing try another chip from another loco and all working any help gratefully received the chip in question is (branchline E-Z command 8 pin) , and I cant even read one of the them out of six I have got 4 working and the 2 I have problems with 

32 minutes ago, TWG said:

If you are going to change, the Z21 may well be a suitable choice, but what makes you think that you will get on better than with the Piko systems?  Your post is not entirely clear, but I infer that you have both the Smartcontrol and the Smartcontrol light systems (which are not directly compatible with one another).  Both are good systems in their different ways that could serve you well.  Have you tried both with equal lack of success?  Before you spend a lot more money, give us some details of your problems; someone may be able to help you overcome the difficulties.

I have tried for 4 months now sometimes I can program the decoder other times it do not see it and the hand controller (handsfree) locks up I  have to turn everything off and try again and if I try to program using the light system the small smart box shows a red light and never get past that 

15 minutes ago, Yardman said:

The main difference is the program track is low power and will not damage an incorrectly fitted decoder. So should always be used on a new decoder install. Also a program track allows feedback to the comand station of CV's loco number etc. programming on the main is better for setting speed curves, sound parameters and the like as the effect of changes can be seen as you alter cv's.

great thanks so its ok just to have a simple loop to do this on then

sorry I know this must be a dumb question to most of you but  I am not sure.

difference between main and program track if I just have a simple loop that I can use to set up decoders and try out lights etc.

Using just the one train at a time can I set decoders on the program track, is it ok to have a complete loop, then will the train run or do I have to then rewire to main track

sorry in advance for the dumb question

try giving the screw driver a tap while in the screw again this may help break the seal but using a good flat head driver is a very good shout

56 minutes ago, Nigelcliffe said:

 

With the full-fat "Z21" yes, it should work on the LocoNet-T socket.     

 

The Piko controller is a re-badged Uhlenbrock Daisy II.   That's on the list of things Roco list as compatible with the Z21.   
There will be some limitations, which depends how much of Uhlenbrock's protocols for loco programming have been implemented (so possibly programming locos from the Piko handset may not work via the Z21).      Control of locos and turnouts should be OK.  

 

 

- Nigel

 

thank you for the info I have gone ahead a ordered a Z21arrives tomorrow I can't wait

Piko do a wide range of dcc ready wroth a look at

1 hour ago, WIMorrison said:

The Roco Z21 is an excellent bit of kit and you can hang almost any handset from it.

 

I personally like to use the Roco WiFi MultiMaus but the wired version is just as useable. There is also a free phone and tablet application for it, also both extremely useful.

thanks  for the info do you or any one know if the wired Piko smart controller light hand set will work with the Z21 system

Hi I have just joined and I am already looking for some help I recently took early retirement so at long last had some time to do stuff for myself. I did have a load of old TT (from east Germany) and had add a few bits to it over time, but while visiting my son I Berlin I saw a Piko start starter. I have now gone down that road I had a Piko smart controller light and the more expensive set with a wireless controller. I am having so many problems with trying to set the extra stock I have into the system. I am giving in and going to change tack I think I am going to go with the Roco Z21 ( I will try to sell the Piko controller’s on Ebay to help fund the change). Am I doing the right thing and is the Z21 the way to go I am a compete novice the copule of people who I knew who were really good with train electrics have both passed away sadly so I am really starting out on my own.

I have the layout built in the attic just in the process of insulating it.

So any help or comments would be helpful sorry it is such a long drawn out question.