I've got a brand new Atlas GP-35. I use an NCE PowerCab on my layout. Today I programmed the GP-35 to set the addresses and everything went normally. The engine ran for about 20 feet and then stopped. When I tried to reprogram the loco, I get a message that the CV is undetected. I can still select the loco and turn the headlight on and off, but cannot get any motion at all. Any ideas?
It sounds like the motor contacts are not working. You need to take the shell off the loco and investigate. Be sure the motor contacts are clearly protected from any contact with the frame as this would introduce full track power and blow the motor drive on the decoder. Also be sure the decoder is seated securely.
The decoder is not being read by the Powercab. It could be a poor connection somewhere which is perhaps intermittent. Check the decoder installation to make sure it is making correct contact. Could even be a faulty decoder.
Thanks for the suggestions. I took the shell off and looked things over. This is a factory installed decoder, so everything looked secure and proper (as much as I can tell). I'm new to DCC so I'm not very familiar with what I'm looking at, but Atlas does supply a good exploded diagram for reference. It looks to me like the Atlas decoder connections are all 'blobs' of solder that contact the frame. They slide into slots on the frame and all appear to be tight. I don't see any wires running from the board. My other DCC locos work just fine, so I can rule out wiring problems to the track. At this point, it looks like I'll be contacting Atlas for warranty repair.
