Headlight Not Working After Decoder Programming

I took a huge step this evening in my DCC learning curve. I had already installed a TCS decoder in my Kato F7, and downloaded JMRI to my computer. So, after connecting all the wires, and double checking connections, it was time to program my very first decoder.

I bounced back and forth between the JMRI manual and DecoderPro on my computer, and lo and behold my F7 actually got programmed, and ran fine....except for the headlight. Not even a flicker.

I see only two opportunities I had to mess things up: installing the decoder and programming it. The headlight worked on DC before installing the decoder.

I can't see any visible indications on the TCS board that anything is amiss, and I didn't change any of the default CV settings regarding lighting when programming the decoder. I don't know where to begin troubleshooting, and would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

-Ron

 

I had the same problem until I got out the instructional manual and began the step by step process. It sounds to me like you are all but on to it. Real close to solving the problem. Most of the time it's something simpler then I thought. Guessing that might be the same for you.

Look for a button that has a light bulb indicator and push it once.

 

Yes! Did you turn the headlight on?

 

I get it now!

Rick & Laoch,

You've probably seen the cartoon imagery of a lightbulb hovering over someone's head, or heard/read the phrase "seeing the light". Both are very appropriate, and I can only say, "Oh, I get it now".

Thinking in DC terms, I expected power on, train running, light on.

Humbly, I say thanks for taking it easy this newbie. You could have responded more like the old story of a computer tech support encounter, where the tech, in doing step-by-step troubleshooting with the computer owner, finally asked him to check if the computer, which wouldn't turn on, was plugged in.

The owner said he couldn't tell because it was too dark. The tech asked why it was so dark, and the owner said, "Because the power is out."

The tech calmly asked the owner if he still had the box his computer came it, that he would need to take it back to the store. The owner said, "It's that bad, huh. What should I tell the store when I take it back?'

The tech said, "Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer."

Thanks again!

-Ron

 

The thing that tripped in my mind was "it was time to program my very first decoder." I've had the light bulb thing happen to me once or twice.