Atlas S2 sound effect driving me crazy

[AKNscale]

The nice thing is, once you get it programmed the way you want them, it's very simple. When it comes to the S2, I redo the programming because I don't like how Atlas has them setup

[OldEastRR]

Yes, not only did I get the S2 to simmer down, the same technique worked on my FA2 w/ an ESU sound decoder. Excat same sequence of numbers, too. And tho it may be a pain to do all these CV adjustments for sound, performance, momentum, back EMF, etc, once you get them all set to your satisfaction it does enhance your loco running. Another good point is there's no need to have to do ALL of them before you can rest ANY of them, so if one CV is giving you fits for an hour you can just stop working on it and run, or pick an easier CV.
JMRI is possible if you're somebody whose computer station and DCC command station are pretty close to each other. I have a dedicated space for my desktop, and it's on the other side of the room (20') from the layout. Trying to connect the two is not something I want to do.

[nstars]

JMRI does sound like a good way to go. Have to read their site to see if it plays with Mac OSX. BTW, I have an S2 with sound, that I have not run on DCC yet. But when I had DCC running, just getting into it 2 years ago, I was holding manual in one hand, trying to keep it open flat, DCC throttle in the other, and going to computer to various websites. Oh, crap, put the book down, Where was that page?, etc........   After moving into house, computer is not near layout area now.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

JMRI runs without any problem on a Mac. I always use it for adjusting the sound levels of sound decoders. I do this by first reading all the CV’s on a program track and then adjusting the levels on the main. The advantage is that you immediately hear the effect. The only ‘problem’ is that reading ESU decoders takes a long time (about half an hour). 

Marc

[AKNscale]

It's not too surprising, my LOKprogrammer can take a little bit to read stuff too.

[Joetrain59]

How do you interface the command station (my NCE cab control?), to my Mac? Is that a CAT5 cord that connects to controller? Anything to make this easier. I could set up a programming track by the Mac.
 Thank you all very much,
 Joe D

[Steveruger45]

You will need nce USB interface and connect as shown in this link.
https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/211937383/USBInterface_Ver_7-corrected.pdf

Steve

[Lemosteam]

I have as Ps2 with the old serial port connection. I assume, while not as efficient as USB, will still work?

[Joetrain59]

Thanks for the link Steve!
 Joe D

[Steveruger45]

You're welcome Joe.
BTW you can also connect the coily cord to the back connection socket on the PCP panel.  I asked nce on this a while back and they confirmed, when I connected my laptop PC  to my layout after installing JMRI.
I made a small sliding laptop draw table on my layout and bring my computer to the layout. 
Much more convenient especially when you start speed matching locos.
You could make a programming track near the computer but then you would have to have another PCP panel (abt $20) near the computer too plus bring in you power cab and power supply wall wart as well.
In the attached photo my interface board is mounted behind the power cab pocket and I still have the coily cord in he front right socket on the PCP panel. You can see the USB cable on the draw table ready to plug into laptop.
Hope this helps you decide how to proceed. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Joetrain59]

I have an iMac desktop. Not even an easy thing to carry. I could bring what I need, DCC wise upstairs once in a while, though.     Now tonight, NCE PowerCab could not read decoder in Atlas S2! Ugh. I have programmed addresses for loco's before. But I see note on P.2 that I made of this condition, so it must've happened before. Don't remember from over 2 years ago what fix was.  NCE manual makes comment about older decoders that use paged mode. Loco runs fine on DC.
 Think I need to hire a tutor, Really.
 Joe D
 Hold on, I made a bonehead error. Did not have flat controller cable plugged into proper input on black PC board. (They're not marked, realized when I opened inside front cover flap. )

[Joetrain59]

OK, I get decoder to read. But MFR #, and decoder version are both 225? Even with as little as I know, I don't think that's kosher. As soon as controller is powered up, loco sits on track, making a buzz with lights on. After a short while, top of hood was warm. But controller interface at step 7 (P2 in manual) goes right to long address. Following other steps, I eventually get to motor config.
 This is killing me with internet acces/layout acces together.  OTOH, maybe I'll lose some weight with all the up/down on the stairs!
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[peteski]

OK, I get decoder to read. But MFR #, and decoder version are both 225? Even with as little as I know, I don't think that's kosher. As soon as controller is powered up, loco sits on track, making a buzz with lights on. After a short while, top of hood was warm. But controller interface at step 7 (P2 in manual) goes right to long address. Following other steps, I eventually get to motor config.
 This is killing me with internet acces/layout acces together.  OTOH, maybe I'll lose some weight with all the up/down on the stairs!
 Thanks,
 Joe D

Something is wrong.  Leave the DCC system on (in this weird sate), remove the S2 from the track, place another (known good) DCC locomotive on the track and see how it behaves. Try running it, and also go into programming mode and see if you can read some CVs. Are you sure that you are using the "wall wart" that came with the NCE PowerCab?  It outputs 13.5V DC and even if you hooked the loco directly to its output, it should not make the loco buzz (or do any damage).

[Joetrain59]

Yes Pete, using the NCE wall wart. BTW, that 225 should read 255, my bad. I'll try your tip later today.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[Joetrain59]

Just put Bmann NW2 on track, and worked fine. Loco address was previously set. Did not try to read CV's yet. And no buzz.
 Joe D

[central.vermont]

Joetrain59, are you sure this S2 has a decoder in it? Sounds to me just like what you would here if it was a DC version engine. Just saying.
Jon