PLEASE READ. I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE!!! Reset tip

Well? Did it resolve the original issue?

There is a difference between a conventional reset and the DCS Factory Reset.  I've seen a couple of instances where only a conventional reset would fix things.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

There is a difference between a conventional reset and the DCS Factory Reset.  I've seen a couple of instances where only a conventional reset would fix things.

I ran into this situation with a PS3 FP45 that was "stuck" in reverse; caused by a pinched wire against the frame and shell. Performing a conventional reset did the trick.

I tried using an old Lionel Type 4050 transformer to do the reset (no horn/bell buttons; just a speed lever). I had it so I tried it. Did not work. I ended up getting a used MTH Z1000 transformer. That did the trick.

@Hudson J1e posted:

Well? Did it resolve the original issue?

From @John C.:

This is called a "hard reset" and it worked.

@John H posted:

From @John C.:

This is called a "hard reset" and it worked.

I don't know how I missed that! Getting old I guess. Thank you @John H

I find this confusing, in that using DCS, there are provisions for both a “feature” and a “factory” reset. Why would a feature reset not work using DCS, and yet work when performed conventionally using a transformer?

The significant difference between a feature reset and a factory reset is that the factory reset resets the ID and deletes the engine from the remote.  The conventional reset is different than either of these.  This is also not well documented by MTH.

Sometimes you can't get dcs to find your engine but after you do a conventional reset and then hear 2 whistle toots you know the reset took place and you'll now be able to add engine with DCS and find engine!

MTH PS2 PS3 conventional factory reset using z 4000 and z 750 transformers - YouTube

Alan

Totally agree. This works very well. I keep most of my engines unpowered on the layout or on shelves. If it has not been very long since one was used, then a feature reset using the remote or app resets all the features that may not be responding. If it has been months since I ran the engine, i usually have to 1)delete the engine and re-add it to the dcs system or 2) do the conventional reset with the horn and whistle combo. Then it responds normally. I always found this interesting, but just another example of a tidbit I learned somewhere on this forum years ago. My 2 cents!

Mike

Here's another tip if you have issues reseting an engine...I have a finicky PS-3 GP9 that occasionally needs a reset.  I've had occasions where DCS (feature/factory) reset will not work nor will conventional reset via my Z-4000 using 1H/5B combo.   But what WILL WORK is a Z1000 controller and brick with the 1H/5B combo.

So hang on to that old Z1000 controller if you have one!

Kevin Mac

I'm always curious how DCS locomotives acquire weird problems that call for a conventional reset. I've never had an issue with a PS2 or PS3 locomotive caused by it sitting for a year (to be fair all my PS2 locomotives have BCRs). After sitting for a year I just put them on the track and away they go without issue.

My weird DCS locomotive problems (no smoke, horn, lights) typically show up when running it solo after it has been configured/ran in a multiple unit consist with one or more other locomotives.  Typically, a DCS feature reset will knock them back into shape but that PS-3 GP9 is my problem child that often requires a hard reset jolt from the Z1000 controller to get it back on track.

It is not called a hard reset.  That was a procedure for PS-2 5V board where you shorted two pins on the processor to reset the processor.  This usually happened when the memory stored an ID out of range of DCS ID and before software was upgrade to include "recover engine".  In the PS-2 world, the only time I have seen conventional reset versus dcs reset differences was in the trolley world.  Based on memory storage location I believe.

Doing a conventional reset does not recover and out of range ID.  So I am at a loss why folks think it recovers and engine.  I have seen plenty of engines that have features turned off and the conventional reset restores it.  Lights, sounds.  I don't think I ever run into a PS-2 engine that loads into DCS and functions but does not respond to a Feature or Factory reset unless it winds up on a section of track with poor signal strength or defective TIU.  G

The trolley is indeed where I saw the conventional reset being needed, drove me nuts for a spell!