I bought a new DCC loco the other day and went to program it today but each time I do the steps I get the "dnd" error message. When I got my first 2 DCC loco's I had a heck of a time getting them to program as well. I have my programing track connected to my main track with insulated connectors. I have my programming A&B wire soldered to the programing track but I still get the "dnd" error. I have tried different pieces of track, different wire but still end up with the "dnd" error. Any help would be appreciated. thanks.
What kind of DCC decoder? You might want to try placing a 1K 1/4 watt resistor across your programming tracks (connect rails A & B with the resistor). That can give you a "boost" for certain decoders.
Its a Bachmann loco so i'm going to assume its a bachmann decoder. The first 2 loco's I have were bachmann as well.
After messing with it all day, by trying different solder points, and different track the fix was simple. all I need to do is put my fingers on the track while programming. I'm not sure why this works but it did. I'll give the resistor trick a try too once i'm able to get one.
Also please try out OPS mode programming with the locomotive on the main instead of programming track. I've noticed some different brand decoders required ops mode programming versus the safety of the low power programming track.
Bachmann decoders need more current to program than others. This is especially true if yo start working with sound decoders. The resistor is about the only way to fix your problem.
Resistors/Fingers Fingers across the track is much like a resistor across the track ... good accidental find that solves this issue ... simple/works ... thanks ... BTW, does Bachman make decoders or do they use someone elses? I've a few Atlas locos that use a Lenz decoder (maybe) that I'd like the CV specs for but cannot find its ID to get the CV specs.
TO find out who manufactures the decoder read CV8 and then look up the id using the chart at this location: http://00200530.pdl.pscdn.net/002/00530/MRH04/DCC Shortcuts Card.pdf
I was using the programing track, I setup my first two loco's on the main track but decided to setup my programing track for future use. I'll give the resistor a try but since it works with my fingers across the track i'm in no rush.
I've had good luck by placing a DC engine on the program track along with the DCC engine. Anything that will add a load should work.
