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Find Decoder Address Using Macro 97
Here’s a little bit of philosophy to save some time: it is a common misconception that
determining a decoder address is important. In actuality, there is very little to gain. Instead
of determining the address, simply program the decoder to the address you want.
Programming a new address always overwrites the old address. Don’t waste time learning
the address - just reprogram the decoder.
EasyDCC provides a quick and easy way to verify the current address of a motion decoder. Most
sound decoders can’t use this feature due to their high surge current which confuses the
programming track circuit.
Macro number 97 determines the address of a decoder placed on the programming track. Macro
97 is the “find address” macro. Macro 97 only works with locomotives placed on the
programming track. It does not work on the main line. It also works best with modern, Type-3
decoders although it will work with older Type-2 decoders too.
For this example, the motion decoder is believed to have been programmed with the address of
5321. Macro 97 will be used to confirm it.
m SVC PRGM If the command station cannot determine the
type decoder and asks you to confirm it, then macro 97 will not
work with this particular decoder. The first message must be
“Program What.”
m MACRO
m 9, m 7,
m ENT
At this point, the display will show word “address.” Notice that the Program LED and the OK
LED will be blinking signifying the sending and receiving of decoder data. You may see the
locomotive move a tiny bit as the motor is pulsed during the verifying process.
Once found, the display will show the decoder's address. The
message will stay until you press the ESC key.
If Macro 97 Doesn't Work
If the yellow PROGRAM LED light is on but not the green OK LED, there is a short circuit on the
programming track or the locomotive is not on the programming track. Once the problem is
fixed, press the ESC key and start over.
If Address Can't Be Determined
If the address can not be determined, usually because of some kind
of mechanical problem, decoder failure or it has excessive surge
current, the display will show the “not found message.
Make sure the loco is on the track completely. Also check for dirty track or dirty wheels. If
everything looks OK, check for broken wires and or a bad decoder. Turn off all lamps and/or
sound effects and try again. Excessive current draw will also result in the address always
stopping 0000 or 0001.
Program Track
Program What?
Program Track
Macro# __?
Reading Decoder
Address
Decoder Address
5321
Decoder Address
Not Found!!
If Macro 97 Doesn’t Work
If macro 97 always halts at an incorrect address such as 0000 or 0001, there is
probably too much current being drawn by the loco - a common problem with
sound decoders.
The Command Station relies upon current sensing to determine when the
decoder pulses the motor in response to Macro 97. However, the Command
Station can not detect the difference between a pulse of motor current or current
from other loads such as lights or sound systems. In such a case, the decoder
will always accept a programming command, but verifying or confirming will
not be possible with macro 97.
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