My Zephyr and Lenz deco dont get along

[MarcO]

Ok I finally got my zephyr in the mail (nice, worth every penny). set it up on my 4x8 N-Unitrack -

I have an Atlas #49364 SD-50 which came with a Lenz LE062XF decoder installed. The train runs fine, lights and all. Problem is, whenever i try to program it using the program track I get the "d nd" error. Zef manual says that this means the there is an open circuit on the programing track but there is none. I tried OPS too but it did nothing just blinked at me.

Same error when i try to read a CV as well.

The program track works with my MRC decoder so Im a bit at a loss. Is it possible the lenz decorder is bad if it runs fine and has the stock address (3)?

 

[MarcO]

well - Lenz told me that I need to email Atlas, but they said that if I lay a 100ohm resistor across the prog track that should do it. I only had a 27ohm and it did get rid of the error, but it didnt reprogram the decorder.

At least now it acts like it works! Anybody have another idea????

 

[MasonJar]

MarcO,

Sorry you aren't getting the answer you need. I have a Zephyr, but no Lenz decoders (although one was in my plans...!). This sounds very similar to the issues that the Zephyr had/has with the BLI sound-equipped locos. IIRC, the solution was as you describe - to add resistance across the programming track.

You might try two more sources - the Yahoo Digitrax group, and Tony's Train Exchange. I believe that Tony's has a device that you can install permanently on your track to take care of this and other similar situations.

Andrew

 

[MarcO]

Mason thanks for your help. I went from 27ohms to 123ohms and it progies fine now. Seems strange that the error went away at 27ohms but it didnt prog until i upped the resistance but w/e.

 

[MasonJar]

Glad to hear you solved it!

Andrew

 

[Harold Cole]

Soundtrax has a PTB-100 booster that i use to program those stubborn decoders and it works GREAT.