Cannot program NCE 408 Decoder with my Lenz DCC system

Yves, I've never had any problems programming the NCE 408 but I have a NCE system. The NCE 408 decoder gives the motor a short pulse of electricity when you change one of the parameters such as the address. The very slight movement of the motor tells the user that the programming was accepted by the decoder. I am wondering if the 408 needs to have the motor connected to complete the programming task you are attempted to do. I've never attempted to program a 408 without the motor connected so I don't know if that is the error one would see. Either that or perhaps this particular decoder is bad.

I can't think of any reason why a Lenz system could not program a NCE decoder especially since as you mentioned you were able to program the smaller decoder. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Just wanted to add that the few times I have needed help from NCE they have very good customer service. If you can't figure out here I would suggest calling them. I have been told that the owner is an O scaler.

Did you put some type of load across the motor output, like 100 ohm resistor? The motor would be better but at least 100 ohm.

Thanks Folks, I will put some type of load across the wires leading to the motors.

If that does not do it, then I will give them a call or an E-mail.

Yves

I use Lenz, I also have that same decoder installed in one loco...programming was no different than any other decoders I have done...has to be the partial install your trying to program around as Dan suggested...put a load across the motor output.

Bob

You must have a motor connected or other load on the decoder to program successfully on a Lenz DCC system.

Folks,

That was it: once I connected the motor, it was a breeze and all programming went fine.

Again, many thanks for your great help and recommendations. I suppose, I have been toying with so many static decoders that I forgot that you have to have a motor sometimes.

Jerry,

Thanks for the offer. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of bringing the Jawn Henry to your place to try it out and make odd ball pictures of a N&W Monster in a Californian landscape. I am waiting for parts from Sunset and as soon as it runs I will be at your place (a transmission axle was bent). It will be DCC equipped of course #2300.

Thanks and best memories.

Yves