Athearn 2-8-2 programming

[porthole]

I recently picked up an Athearn 2-8-2 and would like to know how to program it. I placed it on my layout (DCC equiped) and can't get the loco to do anything. Tried to change address, use address #3, program in 128 step, 28 step, program mode, phys mode, direct mode, ops mode. .........no response to any of this.Also, does anyone have the instructions that would have come with this engine?..I think mine is an older version of this engine, if that is any help....I am using a Digatrax Zephyr. Thanks

[Cjcrescent]

The Athearn steam locos came DCC ready and not DCC equipped when new. If there is a small circuit board on the end of the Athearn harness about 1/4" long and the width of the plug on the end of the harness, its still not DCC equipped. That's just the jumper plug. Athearn's harnesses are JST, meaning that most decoders has to be unplugged from the harness they are supplied with, and plugged directly on to the Athearn harness. You can also see if the loco will run on address 00. If it does, its NOT DCC equipped.

[porthole]

The Athearn 2-8-2 is DCC and sound equipped. I bought it used so I don't know if it is in the original condition. I put it on my programming track and was able to read the address. I the put that address in my Digitrax Zephyr and the engine ran. The sound works also. The engine ran real herky-jerky which is what the seller said. I took the bottom plates off and discovered lots of oil which is preventing the engine from getting good electrical contact. I will clean all the oil up and it should run fine.

[Cjcrescent]

That info was not in the first post, which would have helped with a proper answer. However, that's water under the bridge.

Its good that you were able to ID the address on the Zephyr. I would highly recommend that you use a good degreaser to remove the excess oil. I would also check for wipers, if any, and make sure that they are clean as well. Lastly clean the wheels on the loco as well.

These mechanisms were built for Athearn by Samhongsa, the ex brass builder from Korea. Samhongsa was known for their high quality, smooth running mechanisms, and once the Athearn mech. has been de-bugged, and balanced, you should be very pleased.

Since this is a sound equipped unit, and IIRC, the Zephyr should be able to program it using programming on the main. Most DCC command stations cannot program sound units on a programming track without a booster. Also IIRC, if the sound unit is a QSI, some,(if not all), of their sound units can be programmed on the programming track with no trouble without a booster.