NCE Power cab Programming issue

[Rscott417]

I have the NCE power cab controller. I have 4 locomotives programmed on it already and when I try to program a 5th one it doesn't respond. Do I have too many already programmed? I know the power cab doesn't allow a lot of locos to begin with. If this is the problem does anyone know how to reset the power cab?

[Chuck]

The number of locomotives shouldn't matter unless the amp draw is exceeding the limit. You should be able to press select loco and choose another loco. Mine only holds two numbers in recall, but I usually have 4-5 sitting on the track at one time. I've never had an issue with selecting a locomotive.

To reset the power cab, turn the power on, unplug the cab, and then hold select loco as you plug the cab back into the bus. This will open the programming mode. Keep pressing enter until you get to the prompt to reset the cab. Follow the instructions, and voila! The cab will be reset. Hope this helps!

Chuck

[Rscott417]

I gave it a try but nothing came up about resetting it. When I press enter it displays Yard Or Normal, Ballistic Track, Speed Button, and Program Option Key. When i put the train on the track the engine sound comes on and the road number that i programmed it to shows up on the cab display screen but it isn't responding to any functions.

[Rscott417]

I just programmed it about 4 times in a row and its working now, I have no idea what happened but its working. Thanks Chuck for your help.

[torikoos]

What brand loco was it that you had the issue with?

reason I asked is that I had an issue programming a loco too, (an Atlas loco), and was advised to check all electrical connections, particularly those from the wheels to the frame/wiring.Aparently an issue that Atlas locos can suffer from.
After I cleaned all that etc, programming was no issue. btw that loco worked fine in DC, but DCC , particularly in programming mode, needs reliable connections, as the stream of digital bits (0's and 1's, electrical pulses) is crucial to give it the right programming instruction. If one is missed out due to a temporary electrical issue, the instructions reaching the decoder inside the loco are 'corrupted', and give a completely different result, or no result at all.

It is generally a good idea to make sure all electrical connections are secure and wheels contacts are clean etc. anyway.
For Athearn locos (particularly older bluebox locos etc) it is advisable to add wires to the trucks leading to the decoder and not to rely on the truck mounts (between truck and frame) and contact strips , a little extra work here will result in a much better / reliable performing locomotive.

Koos

[Rscott417]

It's an Athearn Genesis MP15AC

[torikoos]

OK thanks. Happy to know it worked in the end, but I'd suggest to see if there are any bad connections or dirt.
Those black little caps/wire locks on the ends of the main circuit board are not the most reliable, I'd suggest to remove those and solder the wires instead if you can.

Koos