One.
Verify the decoder type and firmware version by choosing Programmer/Extended
decoder information from the Top Nav Menu.
Sometimes a v4.0 ends up in a Select box and even
marked with a blue S. No great loss except frustration trying to use a Select file instead of v4.0
file. This simple check also verifies communication with the decoder. No comm, no nothing....
Two.
Force a firmware update. Sometimes decoders just get confused
and a manual firmware update fixes a lot of issues. This can be done manually with the
LokProgrammer software by selecting Tools/Update decoder firmware from the Top Nav Menu.
Three.
Some motors simply don't have enough
resistance to be seen by the programmer.
LokProgrammer must detect
resistance across the motor or it will not program the decoder.
Insert a 100 to 1000 ohm 1/4 Watt resistor in parallel with the track leads; even better, wire the resistor in parallel with the motor.
Four.
Clean your track and wheels. Jumper directly to red and black
wires. Program on a
LokTester. Verify track joints. Verify connection between computer and
LokProgrammer and track.
Poor continuity kills communication...
Five.
Add dead weight on top of the model if decoder is installed in a loco. The weight will help to improve the continuity between loco wheel and rail.
Six.
Try a larger power supply. Many people replace the stock
wall wart with something with guts like a laptop brick. I use an old MRC
Control Master 20 DC power pack. High power and adjustable... The
extra volts and amps helps push the data in.
Seven.
Make sure you have the latest version of
LokProgrammer.
Can't use old computer software with newer decoder software.
Eight.
Eliminate secondary connectors from the circuit. The 73700 is technically a decoder on
an adapter board. Sometimes the adapter board is the problem. Either some internal circuit or poor connection through connector makes it hard to
program a decoder on an adapter board. If you have a
LokTester remove the decoder from the adapter
board and connect via the Next18 connector on the tester. Sometimes just
reseating the decoder in the connector is enough too...
Nine.
Make sure the decoder you are working with is the only decoder you are working with. My test track/programming station at the Backshop is a universal tool including multiple
LokTesters and test tracks interconnected for many reasons.
I cannot count the number of times I had a loco on the track or a decoder on a
LokTester only to discover it after hours of asking WHY WON'T YOU PROGRAM THIS DECODER.
LokProgrammer will only program one decoder at a time. The first thing the programming routine does internally is read the extended decoder information and verifies the open CV data/sound file is compatible. If you have any other decoder in the loop you WILL get an error.
