R8216 Points decoder

[Spireblade]

Hi, I have just wired up an 8216 decoder and having technical issues. Firstly Railmaster will not READ the decoder saying that the CV cannot be read on that model. Is this correct?

I have followed the instructions to the letter (I think) but having no joy. I only seem to be able to get information regarding the R8247 which does read CV's.

As I am attempting to programme the 8216 (via Elink), the status bar seems to work as normal but I am not sure Railmaster is connecting with the decoder if I cannot read it.

Can anyone shed any light? 

 

Cheers

[Chrissaf]

The R8216 is obsolete and really old. I believe that it has to have port 1 connected to a solenoid point motor before CV's will read and write correctly. Additionally I also believe that the R8216 needs to be connected to the main track output first for two minutes to be charged up BEFORE connecting it to the 'programming' output.

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No guarantee that these tips will work for you, but worth a try if you haven't done these things already.

[Spireblade]

I have 2 solenoid motors connected to port 1 and 2, but I haven't tried the "charging up" process.

 

When I press the write button the unit gives a small click but still nothing as far as changing  the points. Trust me to get an obsolete bit of kit.

 

cheers

[Spireblade]

Haha!!!...nice one, it works. Many thanks  Chrissaf

[Chrissaf]

Don't forget that once it has been programmed, it has to be reconnected back onto the track output to be tested. The 'programming' output is a low power output and does not have enough power to operate the decoder for testing purposes.

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After pressing the 'write' button (pen icon). If you 'read' the decoder again you should be able to see if your address programming has been successful whilst the decoder is still connected to the 'programming' output.

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EDIT: I was typing this reply whilst you were trying my tip. I didn't see your last reply above until after I saved the text above. I assume you mean the pre-charging up was the missing element of your previous programming attempts.

[Billy Bong]

you go into the hobby shops in OZ you ask for a Points decoder and they sell you the R8216  I now understand is the very old model and I followed the instructions up above one worked after a few tries the other  I just can not get it to work.

[96RAF]

In my notes I found this:

Unlike the earlier R8216 it is possible to programme the R8247 unit from the low current “Programme Output” of a DCC controller. i.e. it will not require several attempts in order to charge the internal capacitors of the unit.

Unlike the R8216, the R8247 can be programmed in any mode and may be read back.

 

From this I deduce you cannot read back an R8216 and even if pre-charged it may take a few pokes to get it to program..

Rob

[Fishmanoz]

I seem to remember that some surly 8247s are marked 8216 incorrectly, Can't remember the date codes.

 

I have a tip for anyone that is having trouble with 8216s, either initial programming or subsequent loss of address or other incorrect operation.  Once a problem occurs, disconnect the 8216 from everything, pick it up above the layout, then move transversal until it is immediately above the waste bin in the railway room.  Now release, then go out and buy a real accessory decoder.

[rpjallan]

I seem to remember that some surly 8247s are marked 8216 incorrectly, Can't remember the date codes.

Yeah, that's correct. I have a couple of early R8247 decoders that are marked as R8216 and they work fine.