E5 "Hayabusa" Shinkansen N scale DCC problems

[gavino200]

I'm brand new to DCC so forgive me if my questions are very noob-like. I did search for an answer and couldn't find one. If a previous thread has the answer to my question I'd very much appreciate a link.

 

I have an MRC prodigy advance DCC system. It's working fine so far on three Kato engines.

 

I'm having trouble with the Shinkansen. I installed the EM-13 motor decoder and it works fine. Shink motor responding appropriately to commands.

 

The trouble is with the FL-12 light decoders for the cabs. I've looked at a lot of descriptions (text, photos, videos) and I'm sure I've installed properly. I've read that the contacts are tricky and I've tried adjusting the position of the decoder multiple times with no success. I've even disassembled the entire cab. (No damage - the lights still work fine without the decoder)

 

With the decoder in place the lights wont work.

 

I found a video on youtube of someone with the exact same problem. He said that he thought his problem was a contact issue. However, he was told by someone on JNS forum (that's how I found this website) that it was "a strange decoder glitch that would not allow the lights to work with the standard function 0 position". I don't know what this means. The guy didn't explain how to fix the problem. I came here hoping to find a thread with the answer. 

 

It could just be that I don't know how to program the decoder so that the DCC unit can recognize it. If someone could run me through this I'd really appreciate it.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

Gavin

[inobu]

Functions refers to what the decoder does. A Zero function decoder

Has no extra function such as lights.

 

The EM13 is a motor decoder with no function.

 

The Kato decoders are made by Digitrax for Kato. Some times

It can be a challenge to program. There was an issue

With them because of that I started to hard wire mine instead

Of using the drop in.

 

Lets see it I can find it.

 

Inbou

Edited May 17, 2014 by inobu

[gavino200]

Thanks. Yes the EM13 is a motor only decoder. It goes in the motor car and only controls the motor. It's working great.

 

It comes with a second light function decoder - FL12. It controls the lights. That's what I'm having trouble with. 

 

 http://www.katousa.com/N/accessories.html

 

The kato site has a link to programming instructions in English. I can't make any sense of them.

[inobu]

Here is the one of the TOP sites in the world. No really!

 

http://sumidacrossing.org/ModelTrains/ModelTrainDCC/KatoDCCDecoders/

 

Inobu

[inobu]

Gavin,

 

Scroll down to my operator error. It might be the same issue.

 

Inobu

[gavino200]

It was the same issue. Everything works. I just put interior lights in the cars too and it looks great. 

 

That website is awesome btw. I used another link on the same site to put the decoders in, in the first place.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Gavin

[inobu]

That's Good,

 

Welcome to the forum. It is a Good Place.

 

Inobu