Hornby DCC decoder that works but won't program.

[ColinB]

Has anyone had an issue with Hornby DCC decoders that work perfectly well but won't program or let you read anything out of them. I think this decoder came with the loco I bought on EBay, I tried to change the address and nothing happened, similarly I tried to read the Man Id and version number and on my Elite I just get the dreaded XXX. I have reset by writing 8 to CV 8, but still no joy.

I have replaced it with a Zimo so it is not an issue, but just before I allocate it to the bin, I just wondered if it was an issue with the early Hornby DCC decoders.

[Rog RJ]

Possibly an old R8215 decoder which can't be read from and will only accept 2 digit addresses? (Plus having other annoying features)

[ColinB]

It is the bin then, probably explains why it was cheap on EBay. Runs really well though with a Zimo decoder in it.

[rpjallan]

Possibly an old R8215 decoder which can't be read from and will only accept 2 digit addresses.

 

 

Yes, I agree, from my experience. Not much you can really do with it…

Just out of interest though, does it have a dot of coloured paint on it?

[ColinB]

Sorry, I never noticed a dot, I binned it last night. It did have some white stuff on the underside underneath the clear sleeve. I suppose it might have been heatsink compound.

[Bulleidboy]

I have just one R8215 decoder which I bought years ago and fitted to a Hornby Class 08 Diesel Shunter - it accepted a three digit code and the slow running speed has to be seen to be believed. I have read on this forum and elsewhere a people having trouble with the R8215.

[96RAF]

The latest version of R8215 (post late 2007) with a red dot on the MCU supports long and short addressing and interrogation in Reg Mode.