ScaleTrains Standard Turbine Tender Programming Problems

[robert3985]

Okay...I've spent the last three hours attempting to get the tender-mounted backup light working on my ScaleTrains Standard Turbines, reading and re-reading the included manual, which states NOTHING about programming the tender, just about how to turn off the engine's backup light if you're running a tender.

I've also gone online and located one short YouTube video about how to program a ScaleTrains GTEL Turbine Tender, but plain ol' programming doesn't work on any of my seven tenders.

I've tried running the engines with tender attached with the factory address of "03" or "3"...no tender backup light.  I've tried giving the tenders a new, two digit address...on my programming track where it says the programming was successful...but the light still doesn't work.

I then reset the tender back to factory default in case I'd done something wrong, tried it again on address 3...nothing.  I tried acquiring it as a locomotive using both 3 and its two-digit new number...nothing.

Spookshow and several other reviewers state that the tender indeed has a decoder in it, but never say how or if they programmed it.

And, I tried programming new addresses into both engine and tender at the same time...and that didn't work either.

Instructions say to use "Paged Mode" for programming, but I got no results on the tender using Paged Mode, or with Direct Mode.  I got confirmation of both resetting the tender back to factory default and its new addresses using Physical register mode....Ph...but it still didn't work. I also tried Ops Mode, which also gave me confirmation of the address changes, but still no backup light.

I am at the end of my rope soooo...if anyone has their Scaletrains Standard Turbine Tender's backup light programmed and working...I would sure like to know how ya did it!

I'm using Digitrax with a Soundtraxx Programming Track Booster on my programming track.

I'm posting this at "DCC / Electronics" also, but I thought it might get more reads here.

Thanks in advance...

Bob Gilmore

[spookshow]

I've never had to program my tender. As delivered, the tender backup light comes on when I change the locomotive direction to reverse (using the default locomotive address of 03 and with F0 selected).

-Mark

[robert3985]

I've never had to program my tender. As delivered, the tender backup light comes on when I change the locomotive direction to reverse (using the default locomotive address of 03 and with F0 selected).

-Mark

Thanks Mark.  I think I have one that I haven't fiddled with the address yet.  I'll give it a try and see what happens.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[ridinshotgun]

I learned that the lok programmer will not read the tender decoder since it is not an esu decoder board.  My sprog with JMRI reads it as some off brand decoder but gives me no option to write any changes to it.  I just gave up on it. I don't run on the default address so can't use it but not real happy with that for the price you pay.

[ek2000]

There was a defect with the tenders and if the address was changed on the loco with the tender on the track, the tender rear light would not come back on. ST fixed all my tenders under warranty. Haven't tested yet after the fix.

"At some time, you contacted us regarding lighting or programming issues with your N scale tender. We have received and tested the new decoders and are ready to begin repairs.

We are very grateful for your patience as we worked through several failed attempts at a working replacement decoder. You may be asking why we experienced this problem when they had worked in the past. The COVID pandemic has affected so many things and one of them is the microchip manufacturing industry. The components that had been used were suddenly not available and workable substitutions were sought that did not workout in the end.

As agreed, we will send a prepaid shipping label so that you bear no cost for getting the model to us for the repair. We are also covering the return postage. In order to begin the process and receive your prepaid label for shipping, please acknowledge that you still have the tender you contacted us about (listed below) and wish to have it repaired.

N scale GTEL #26 turbine tender

If you have any questions, please contact us. We are glad to help!
"

Thanks Mark.  I think I have one that I haven't fiddled with the address yet.  I'll give it a try and see what happens.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[robert3985]

Well...I sorta solved the problem.  Contrary to advice, I programmed in the new addresses to both locomotive and tender while coupled together on my programming track and five of my six turbines now have working backup lights. 

I'm not sure what the problem is with the one that doesn't work, but perhaps it's a faulty decoder in the tender and ScaleTrains will have to fix it for me.

I'll see what I can figure out in the next couple of days when I've got some extra time.

Thanks to everybody who has responded so far!

Cheerio!