Re-programming using Select DCC controller

[Chrissaf]

I recently took delivery of a TTS Vent Van. Initially I had trouble trying to programme it. Eventually, I decided to reset the Select controller and start again with allocating fresh numbers to each of my 3 locos as well as allocating a number to the van. The Van will not play now despite having had some random sounds out of it previously when first purchased. My 4MT tank engine (Bachmann) has programmed up ok but the 2 Hornby EMUS just sit on the track with the lights flashing on and off with a buzzing sound. They will not respond to the controller at all. I have tried starting again several times but each time the same result. The 4MT is fine and working well but the 2 Hornby EMU's and Vent Van refuse to co-operate!  Any ideas please as I don't wish to be bald just yet awhile. Regards Chris.

[Chrissaf]

What is the firmware revision of your Select controller?

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If it is a very early version say version 1.0 to 1.2 then that could very well be a contributory factor to your current issue.

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The current installed firmware is displayed as the very first number to briefly appear on the Select screen as it is being powered up. Expect to see a number between 10 and 20. At the time of writing, the latest version is 1.6 [16] or 2.0 [20] - both the same. These latest versions completely transform the user experience of the Select controller and add the ability to write (not read) all CVs up to CV255. As well as access to the full F0 - F28 range of functions required for the VentVan.

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Note: Version 1.5 [15] also has support for F0-F28 [VentVan] but not the write to CVs feature.

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The upgrade charge is typically £15 plus VAT [£18] plus your sending postage costs. You need to get a 'returns number' from Hornby Customer Services - see 'Contact Us' link at the very bottom of the page.

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If you do arrange to get your Select firmware upgraded, then you will need both the Select version 1.5 full manual and the version 1.6 addendum manual. As the operation of your Select (how to use it) will be completely different in certain areas of operation compared to your current firmware version.

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You can download these two manual PDFs from here:

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/downloads/view/index/cat/12/

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If nothing appears to happen, check your nominated browser download folder for the files as they can download silently in the background.

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TIP: As a newbie poster on the forum, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

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See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[chris_pettman]

It is the latest version of the Select controller. I am also using a short piece of programming track not connected to the main system. It is strange that the Bachmann reprogrammed ok but not the 3 Hornby items?

[96RAF]

If yours is indeed the latest version V1.6 or V2.0 (pre/post facelift Select) then I suggest you perform a reset of each decoder in addition to having reset the Select.

 

Once each decoder is reset check it on the main for full functionality before readdressing it to the address of your choice.

 

Repeat this for each decoder.

[chris_pettman]

How do I reset the decoders please? Can this be done via the select controller or do I need some specialist knowledge or equipment?

[Chrissaf]

How do I reset the decoders please?

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You say you have the latest version of the Select. If it is genuinely the latest version with either version 1.6 or 2.0 firmware [16 or 20 displays briefly as the very first number on the Select screen when being powered up] then use the Select to write a value of 8 to CV8. Writing 8 to CV8 is a fairly universal method of factory resetting any DCC decoder.

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Note that what Rob did not mention was that resetting the decoder to factory default will also reset the DCC address to 03. It is this 03 address [the address that the Select boots up into] that should be used for testing purposes before making any further changes to the decoder configuration.

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...do I need some specialist knowledge...

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Not if you can read a manual.

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Writing CVs is covered in the Select manual, but you need to be reading the 1.6 Addendum manual downloadable from here if you do not have a paper copy.

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You can download the Select manual PDFs from here:

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/downloads/view/index/cat/12/

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If nothing appears to happen, check your nominated browser download folder for the files as they can download silently in the background.

.

TIP: As a newbie poster on the forum, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

.

See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[chris_pettman]

I have reset the Vent Van decoder and it has now reverted to 03 initially and now back to 05 its original programme number. However, when I turn off the function (Of) the sound (FO) continues to carry on permanently. The van emits sound as soon as it touches the live track with no prompting or command entry. Also when the function is ON, the lights come on on both EMUS but that is all.

I have set another sound on the Vent Van but I cannot turn the sound off. I have also tried to reduce the volume by entering the relevant CV number but again it makes no difference. I am now wondering if the Select contoller has a bug in it of some sort because even the cancel button does nothing. The Select is definately the latest version as '20' flashes up when first switched on and it came with the addendum sheet as well as the manual.

It is all definately not working how the manual says it should. Maybe I just cannot understand the instructions but they appear simple enough!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Chrissaf]

You have tried resetting the decoders, but have you tried factory resetting the Select using the 1.6 Addendum instructions?

[96RAF]

Resetting the VV decoder by writing value 8 to CV8 will switch all the sounds off and put the address to 03. You say it is now at 05 again so you must have deliberately readdressed it. Did you check functionality before readdressing it i.e. on address 03 as advised. This will tell us if the thing works at factory defaults.

 

Operating a VV from a Select is a real pest as the Select has no permanent screen indicator that a function (sound) has been selected thus you either have to write down a tick list of functions in use and when you put them on and off or you have to have a good memory as the only on screen indication is when you input the function number and see the on or off flag come up.

 

The added complication is you can only play three sounds at once and those sounds are either on/off manually toggled or they are play through spot sounds, all of which have a play out time, so depending upon where the sound set is through its cycle determines how long it takes before it plays out and stops after you have set it off.

 

A further complication is when you select a play through spot sound on the Select you have to select it again to reset it ready for next time. Added to this is the telephone bell which tells you that two toggled sounds are already playing and the one you have just selected makes three therefore you will have to switch one off before you can play another.

 

You need to reset the VV and methodically work through the sound list one by one allowing each to play out after selection/deselection to see if there is a basic fault in the decoder. I have several of these VV and they can get their knickers in a twist so easily by mishandling.

 

Select and VV are not a match made in heaven.

[chris_pettman]

Thanks for all the help so far. I did not reprogramme it to 5, it went to 03 initially then within seconds went straight to 5. This tells me that the resetting is not working for some reason. I have tried turning the selected sounds off individually and waited for the time elapse but still the sounds run as soon the van is on live track again. I had also reset the Select to factory settings but again I do not know if this was successful or not. It is all a bit of a mystery for something which purports to be very simple to set up and run. I have had the van for about 6 months now and trying to get it to work properly has been ongoing all that time. I think once the virus restrictions are lifted more I shall go back to the dealer who fitted my DCC decoders along with the controller and see if he can help sort it out.

Hornby should take note of issues like this as either the instructions are not clear enough for everyone or there is a fault with the controller. Again, interesting to note that the Bachmann 4MT still runs correctly but not the 3 Hornby vehicles.

[96RAF]

If you are having still problems and say you are following the correct versions of the manuals exacty, then without actually sitting at your elbow and watching your button presses, then I am afraid any further advice from me would just be repeating what I have already said.

 

Hornby do take serious notice of comments made about their kit.

 

Personally I find the latest Select to be an extremely simple to use basic controller, much easier and more versatile than some other makes.

[chris_pettman]

Hi again, I have now successfully reprogrammed all trains, including the Vent Van (2 Bachmann and 2 Hornby) except for a 2 car EMU from Bachmann. It was fitted with DCC at the same time as the others by a dealer. They all worked fine until the Vent Van problem.

When placed on a live programming track, the lights inside immediately start flashing on and off.

I reset the Select again and tried re-programming the train once Select was at 03, onto programme 01. 

I tried several different numbers to programme it but it still just sits there flashing on and off with an intermittant buzz from the train.!  Nothing I do will stop it apart from turn the power off. As soon as the power is turned on again it starts flashing and buzzing again. I have cleaned the wheels and track.  Any ideas please???

[96RAF]

This seems to have now gone from a controller problem to a single (albeit a twin unit) loco problem causing the Select to play up, so we take the Select out of play for now.

 

Do you know which decoder is fitted to the twin unit.

 

Does each unit respond (separately and when connected together) to a battery across the wheels - Caution - going nowhere near a live DCC track with it at this stage. If so do the lights work and the motor run correctly when you also reverse the battery connection.

 

If not what response do you get if any.

 

Once we have a response to those questions we can suggest what to do next.

[chris_pettman]

Hi again. The decoder is a Bachmann 21 pin and fitted to the 2 car Bachmann EMU by a dealer.

I have tested the unit with an independent 12 volt source with and without the trailer car and reversing the terminals. The lights come on normally and do not flicker the motor runs correctly in both directions.

The trailer car lights however do not light up, although I am not bothered about that, unless it is something to do with the problem. I have tried putting the motor car back on testing track and it still does the same, lights go on and off (not flickering) and a buzz emits from the motor. All other trains functioning normally on the track.

[96RAF]

Despite the fact the dealer fitted a decoder it sounds literally like there is no decoder fitted as it responds to direct DC and the motor protests when put on track, although the flashing lights suggests something is overloading and re-cycling on and off with the lights following suit, maybe the trailer lights are causing the problem.

 

Running out of suggestions apart from replace the decoder to prove/disprove the decoder or loco being at fault.

[chris_pettman]

Thanks for your help. I suspect I will have to take it in to the dealer to check it out. I do not like fiddling inside the works!!! This unit was functioning correctly ever since first purchased and decoder inserted, so it was ok to start with. Having tried resetting everything several times the problem persists so I think it time to take it back to the dealer!

Incidentally, I notice that you appear to have been in the RAF as a Boy Entrant. I was a Regular from 1960 - 1975 in trade group 14, Photographer. I was a Sergeant at retirement. Thanks for you help, regards, Chris.