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What is the difference between programing on the layout using Track A and B and using a dedicated programing track using Pgm A & B. Is there a difference in voltage, packets, protocol between the two? Programming Track Broadcast programming, also called service mode programming, uses a programming track. The programming track is electrically separate from the rest of the railroad, and is connected to the "PROG A" and "PROG B" terminals of your DCS100/200 or Zephyr (Xtra) command station.One major advantage to a programming track is that many systems can read-back the Configuration Variables (CV's) that are in ...
There are 1024 different CVs that have been defined to handle many characteristics you might want to use for your locomotives. Your decoder manual has a complete listing of CVs that are available in specific decoders, what they do and suggested values for each CV. 1. Place the decoder equipped locomotive you want to program on the programming track. If you are using operations mode programming, the loco you want to program can be anywhere on the layout but it must have a decoder that is capable of ops mode programming installed. 2. Enter Program Mode by pressing the PROG ...
Q. I tried to program an SFX0416 with my PR2 and the sounds did not "Take". I clicked the big green "Program" button and after the initial buzzing for about 15 seconds, nothing further happened and now the unit makes no sounds. I am using a Compaq XP-home 1.5GHz laptop with SoundLoader version 1.16. How can I fix this? A. The most likely issue is that you are using the earlier SoundLoader version 1.16, which was not configured for full support of 16M bit flash sound memories, such as those used in the recently released SFX0416. SoundLoader was updated in ...
Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) and Zephyr (DCS50) systems can program Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders using Blast Mode Programming on the Mainline. Blast Mode Programming will program EVERYTHING sitting on the main line track so, you MUST remove everything from the track that you are not programming or use an isolated piece of track connected to Rail A & B. NOTE: Track power must be ON during Blast Mode Programming. Blast Mode programming will work with all sound decoders not just Tsunami. You will not be able to read back CVs using Blast Mode Programming. To use Blast Mode Programming with Zephyr, close ...
CV29 is called the configuration register. It controls the following decoder characteristics: 1. Whether the decoder uses 14 speed steps, 28/128 speed steps or loadable speed tables. This affects how smoothly the loco will move and how it responds to throttle controls.2. Whether the decoder automatically converts to analog mode when no DCC signal is present. This allows the decoder to operate on a DC layout even though it is DCC equipped.3. Defines the normal direction of travel for the locomotive. Normal Direction of Travel or NDOT can be changed when the motor connections of decoder have not been connected so that the locomotive runs ...
Digitrax Series 3 and later mobile decoders are reset by setting CV08 to a value of 08 to reset everything or 09 to reset every thing EXCEPT the loadable speed table.Earlier Digitrax decoders require resetting each CV individually. To reset earlier Digitrax mobile decoders: Reset your decoder to the factory settings by going into program mode and manually resetting the following CVs to these values: CV01=03 CV29=06 CV03=00 CV04=00 CV02=00 CV05=00 CV06=00 If you set up loadable speed tables, you may also need to reset CV65=00 CV66=00 CV67=00 CV68-93=00 CV91=00 CV95=00
Some DCC systems need to have CV's 17 and 18 programmed separately to assign the decoder a 4 digit address.Digitrax command stations handle this automatically by default. If you have a decoder that needs manual entry of CV17 & CV18, follow these steps:You cannot simply split the four digit address in 2 halves and input these into CVs 17 and 18. A conversion from decimal numbers to hexadecimal numbers is required. Once the hexadecimal conversion for the 4 digit address is performed, this number is then split in half and then each half is input into CV17 and CV18 respectively.To ...
Programming the locomotive decoder with DT402 or DT400: Place the loco on the programming track 1. Press the "PROG" key. 2. Make sure "Pg" is displayed in the bottom center of the display if you want to use Paged Programming Mode. If not, press the PROG key until the programming mode you want to use is displayed.3. "AD2" should be displayed on the left side of the screen. 4. If you want a two digit address (01-127) use the right throttle knob and select the address you want to program into the loco. If you want to program a 4 digit ...
When I turn the throttle knob, my locomotive quickly changes speed in large increments.A very common common problem is the throttle "jumping" 3 or more steps each time the throttle is turned. This simply means the system is not set for 128 Speed Steps in that particular address.Earlier decoders, and some less expensive decoders, were set up for 28-speed steps or even 14-speed steps; very early command stations were only capable of handling 28 or 14 speed steps. Technology has marched on, and most modern systems now operate using 128 Speed Steps.When first turned on, Digitrax systems are set to ...
The Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr is set at the factory to send 128 speed step commands to all mobile decoders.If you have a non-Digitrax decoder that can’t run in 128 speed step mode, you can change the number of speed steps the DCS50 sends to that decoder so that you will be able to control the decoder. This is called status editing the decoder. When you status edit a decoder, the DCS50 will send a different format to that specific decoder address without affecting the 128 speed step operation of Digitrax decoders and other 128 speed step decoders on the railroad.NOTE: ...
Q: I have a Digitrax Chief system. I wired the programming track as per the manual, using PROGA and PROGB outputs on the DCS100. I turned on the system and checked the track voltage with a Tony Trains RRamp meter, the mainline read 14.2 volts. The programing track did not read anything. I then checked the two wires coming from the DCS100 and they did not have any readable signal. A: The programing track connected to PROG A and PROG B will NEVER have track power on except the very instant the program message is sent. So, you would not ...
Your DCS50 can read back the CV data values programmed into your decoders. You will use your programming track for reading back CV data values.To read back CV values using a programming track:1. Be sure that only the locomotive you want to read back is on the programming track.2. Press the PROG key to enter programming mode. The Zephyr DCS50 will display one of the programming modes available. Once the mode you want to use is on the screen you can go to step 3.For example, to use Paged mode stop pressing the PROG Key when the following screen appears:3. ...
These are the basic DT400 and DT402 series throttle operating instructions designed to get you “up and running” quickly and to minimize your “frustration level” as you learn to use the throttle. Turning Track Status On and Off To run your layout you must be sure track power and track status are both ON. Follow these steps with your DT400 or DT402 series throttle to do this. Press the "PWR" key on the bottom left side of the throttle. The words “+ON -OFF” will come on in the display. Press the “Y +” key quickly and you should see the ...
Status Editing - a DCC decoder's status can be manually changed by a Digitrax command station at any time the decoder is selectable. Speed steps are the increments of motor voltage that a locomotive's mobile decoder produces. Most DCC decoders can operate in 14, 28 or 128 speed steps. In some cases, older decoders operate only in 14 steps. You also may find that it is better to adjust the number of speed steps used by a particular decoder. Digitrax uses status editing to change how the command station communicates with an individual decoder. Our systems power up with the ...
There are many different CVs that have been defined to control operating characteristics of your locomotives. Your decoder manual has a complete listing of CVs that are available with specific decoders, what they do and suggested values for each CV. Programming these CVs is simple:1. Be sure that only the locomotive you want to program is on the programming track.2. Press the PROG Key to enter programming mode. The DCS50 will display one of the programming modes available. Digitrax recommends the Paged Mode when you are using the programming track. As you press the PROG Key repeatedly, you will cycle ...
This is a table of the various DCS50 Programming Displays. There are four programming methods available in with Zephyr, which are displayed in the left hand column. The right columns show the display for each type of method:
1. Be sure that only the locomotive you want to program is on the programming track.2. Press the PROG key on the DCS50 to enter programming mode. The DCS50 will display one of the programming modes available. Digitrax recommends the Paged Mode when you are using the programming track. If you press the PROG key repeatedly, you will cycle through the following choices: PAGE PHYS dir OPS For example, to use Paged mode stop pressing the PROG key when the following screen appears:Each time you press the LOCO key the display will toggle between Ad2 and Ad4. ...
Two Programming Methods Are Supported by Digitrax Command Stations:Service Mode Programming is done on an electrically isolated programming track. Using this mode, the command station broadcasts programming information to all decoders on the program track. Within Service Mode programming are Paged, Direct and Physical Mode.Because these are a broadcast modes, we must isolate the decoder we want to program from the others on the layout by using a separate programming track that is connected to the command station for programming but not powered for operation of the locomotive. This mode works with all DCC decoders. This is the most commonly ...
My Atlas DCC N-Scale locomotives that are equipped with factory installed Lenz062xf, Lenz063xf decoders will not program using any mode on Program track. I know the system works because I can easily program every Digitrax decoder loco that I have, but if I put an Atlas DCC factory loco on the programming track I get the 'd nd' error code. There are decoders now present in the market that do not draw enough current for the programming track to reliably detect that they are present, hence the error report of "d-nd". All you have to do is to ...
This article was originally posted on this site in 2006, but the source material dates back much further than that, probably back to the early 1990's, when DCC was an emerging control system. The article discusses non-sound mobile decoder programming operations. Many of the issues discussed in this article are less relevant when using recently produced decoders, but this text still does cover some questions which may be raised when you are using mobile decoders which were manufactured by other companies. These decoders will operate in the Digitrax environment, but you may need to make some adjustments.The earliest Digitrax mobile ...
CV08 is the factory reset CV for all FX3 decoders and also the Manufacturer ID CV for all decoders. This procedure is performed on a programming track. To reset all CV values to their factory default, program CV08 to a value of 008/x08 while the locomotive is on the programming track. To reset all CV values except for 28 step speed tables to their factory values set CV08 to a value of 009/x09. Earlier Digitrax decoders must be reset manually, CV by CV. This procedure may or may not work with other manufacturer's decoders. When you "read" the value of ...
For Tower 55 and other locomotives that require 4 digit address to be programmed using CV17 & CV18 instead of the normal Digitrax Throttle Automated method.To determine the values to program into CV17 and CV18, please complete the following worksheet before beginning the 4-digit address programming procedure.1. Write the 4-digit address to be programmed into the decoder here: _____________2. Take the 4-digit address from step 1 and divide by 256. (Result from step 2 = ____________)3. Take the digits to the left of the decimal point in the result from step 2 and add 192. (Result from step 3 = ...
Overview:To reset locomotive electronics to factory defaults the user must set CV08 to a value of 08. It is recommended that this procedure be performed on the dedicated service mode programming track using direct mode programming.* Note: This is the only programming procedure that we recommend using the programming track for. All other programming should be performed on the main track using Operations mode programming.Procedure:1. Place the DCC equipped locomotive on a dedicated service-mode programming track.* Note: The rails of this track should be connected to the PROG A & PROG B outputs on the DCS100 command station.2. Set the ...
Performing factory decoder reset using Digitrax Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) or Zephyr (DCS50)Overview:To reset a Digitrax decoder to factory defaults the user must set CV08 to a value of 08. It is recommended that this procedure be performed on the dedicated service mode programming track using direct mode programming.Procedure:1. Place the decoder equipped locomotive on an electrically isolated service-mode programming track which is connected to Programming Outputs Prog 'A' & 'B'.2. Press the PROG MODE key until “dir” appears in the LED display.3. Press the STEPS CV key. (The LED display should read “t###” with the # symbols replaced by actual digits)4. Enter “08” using ...
Speed stabilization is a feature that causes the decoder to run the locomotive at a somewhat constant speed according to the throttle setting. This means that if you set your throttle to 21% of total speed, the decoder will force the motor in the locomotive to maintain a constant speed at that level no matter what the track gradient or the load on the locomotive. The SD9 is an example of a US prototype that employed a load compensating type of control technology. Many modern European locomotive prototypes use some form of load compensation of the prime-mover in response to speed ...
These simplified DT100 operating instructions courtesy of Alan Mitchell, tested by the Raisin Valley Model Railroad Club in Blissfield, Michigan! PROGRAMMING THE ADDRESS INTO A LOCOMOTIVE WITH A DT100Place locomotive to be programmed on program track with the system turned on.1. Push "Run/Stop" Button, hold it down and push the Function Button. Release both buttons (The digital display should say "Ad:--")2. Turn the right hand throttle knob to select the address you wish to program into you throttle3. When the number appears, push "sel" (the display should say "Page" followed momentarily by "Good"NOTE: DT100 is out of production.
SoundLoader and PR3 have been tested to work on PC compatible computers running at 550MHz and up with Windows XP or Vista, 512MB of RAM. Other combinations of hardware and software such as Windows 98 may also work, but are not supported by Digitrax, and have not been tested to operate properly. Installation consists of three steps: Hardware installation, software installation, and software setup. Below is a photograph of the actual hardware connections required for SoundFX programming. Assemble the PR3 hardware as shown in the diagram below and connect to an appropriate power supply (Digitrax PS14 or equivalent). Note the ...
This is a list of all configuration variables (CVs) and their factory default values in decimal and hexadecimal notation used by Digitrax mobile decoders. Simpler decoders access only a few of these CVs, while advanced decoders access many, if not all, of these CVs.
Most modern command stations and decoders are set up to run 28/128 speed steps. If you are using older command stations or decoders you may need to adjust one or the other to get the trains to run.Why are more speed steps better?The reason you want to use a command station and decoders with 128 speed steps is for smoother speed control of your locomotives. Digital command control signals are just that, digital. When you send speed commands with your throttle, you are sending digital instructions telling the decoder to change from the current speed to a different speed. When ...
Most Digitrax mobile decoders have a global reset function, which returns the decoder's CVs to their factory default settings.This is useful if the CV values in a particular decoder have been changed with less than wonderful results. For example, you may have accidentally set the CV value for acceleration so that the engine won't move for minutes when issued a speed command. This makes it look like the decoder is not working when all it needs is to have the CV value for acceleration reset. Many of the decoders that are sent to us for repair just need to have ...
Programming is the process of setting the configuration variables (CVs) in your decoder to the appropriate values that will make the locomotive perform the way you want it to. The first CVs that most people change are those that set the locomotive decoder's address. The mobile decoder in your locomotive usually comes pre-porgrammed to a factory default address of "03". Once you add a second locomotive, you will want to change the this new locomotive to another address. Not doing so will result in both locomotives operating at the same time when you send commands to address 03.Likewise, there are a ...
This procedure should be done on an electrically isolated programming track1. Be sure that only the locomotive you want to program is on the programming track.2. Press the PROG key on the DCS50 to enter programming mode. The DCS50 will display one of the programming modes available. Digitrax recommends the Paged Mode when you are using the programming track. If you press the PROG key repeatedly, you will cycle through the following choices: PAGE PHYS dir OPSFor example, to use Paged mode stop pressing the PROG key when the following screen appears:Each time you press the LOCO key the ...
To use the UT2 to program a decoder you must first put the UT2 in Programming Mode. To do this press and hold “RUN/STOP” and simultaneously press “PROG”. The Status LED will now turn a steady orange color indicating the UT2 is now in Programming Mode. Set the locomotive you wish to program on an isolated programming track (See Section 5.2). Make sure that the DB150 command station is not connected to any other part of the layout. If you don’t have a programming track on your layout remove any locomotive you don’t want programmed at this time. Decoders ...
How can I connect my PR3 programming output to an existing programming track on my layout that is already set up for programming and mainline operations? Install a non shorting multi position rotary switch between a isolated section of track, 4-6” longer than your longest engine, and the various desired outputs from command stations and the PR3 output terminals. The following schematic allows a single section of track to be fed by the rail output of a command station, the programming track output of a command station, and the programming output of a PR3. To add other third party decoder ...
A “Busy” message during programming means that the system is temporarily busy. Simply try the task again. When the system is no longer busy, you will get a “Good” response. A “Fail” message during programming means that there is a problem with the locomotive on the programming track. Check to be sure the loco's wheels are making good contact with the programming track. Make sure that the decoder is properly installed in the locomotive. Make sure the connections to the programming track are secure. Make sure the programming track is powered.
One special feature on the Texas & Southwestern is a built-in programming track. The programming track is located in a short section of track in the small engine terminal of the T&SW. This track has both rails insulated from the rest of the railroad. It uses a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) toggle switch to select what purpose this section of track is used for. When the toggle switch is set in one direction, the track has DCC power on it. When the toggle switch is aligned in the other direction, the track is now connected to the programming terminals ...
When you are programming decoders, there are a few error messages you may encounter.There are many causes for these error messages but most can be solved by checking the following:1. Be sure the programming track is connected properly to the DCS50.2. Be sure a decoder is correctly installed in the locomotive with all motor and pick up connections made correctly.3. Be sure the loco with decoder correctly installed is making electrical contact with the programming track and that it remains in contact with the programming track until programming is complete. Check to see if the track is clean and the ...
The DT402 & DT400 can program and readback CVs with the DCS100 or DCS200 (Super Chief) or the DCS51 or DCS50 (Zephyr). You must use the programming track for this unless you are using Ops Mode with transponding installed to allow for Ops Mode readback. Infrared and simplex radio throttles must be plugged in to LocoNet to read back CVs & their values. Duplex radio throttles do not have to be plugged in for reading back CVs.Systems with a DB150 command station (Super Empire Builder) are not able to read back CV Values programmed into decoders. To read back CV values: 1. Place the decoder ...
Digitrax SoundFX lets you make your locos sound like the real thing!Remember, your Digitrax SoundFX decoder is ready to run and will operate and generate sound using address 03 with no additional programming.On your Digitrax system, simply select the locomotive's address and the sound will start. On some DCC systems, it is necessary to select the locomotive address AND send a command to start the sounds. When used in conjunction with a separate DCC motor decoder in a single locomotive it is most practical to program both decoders to the same address and operating modes.For a more prototypical railroading experience, ...
Ops Mode programming, also known as "Programming on the Main" lets you change the configuration of an individual decoder while the locomotive is on your railroad without having to move it to the programming track.Operations mode programming lets you program CVs in DCC locomotives equipped with Ops mode capable decoders while they are on the mainline. A typical use for Ops mode programming would be to change the acceleration rate (CV03) or the deceleration rate (CV04) of your locomotives to simulate the weight and braking capability of the train to compensate for changing the number of cars or power units on a ...
In addition to the locomotive address, there are different Configuration Variables (CV's) that have been defined to handle many characteristics you might want to use for your locomotives. These include operational characteristics such as acceleration, headlight functions and others. The manual for each decoder type has a complete listing of CVs that are available in specific decoders, what they do and the suggested values for each CV. Simpler decoders have few CVs while advanced decoders may have many different CVs 1. Place the decoder equipped locomotive you want to program on the programming track If you are using operations mode ...
Programming On The Mainline: Operations Mode ProgrammingOperations Mode Programming [Ops Mode] lets you program CVs in DCC locomotives equipped with Extended Packet Format decoders while they are on the mainline. This is handy for situations where you want to make an adjustment to a specific locomotive while it is in service. There are also situations where mobile decoders from other manufacturers can only be programmed in this manner. A typical use for Ops mode programming would be to change the acceleration rate (CV03) or the deceleration rate (CV04) of your locomotives to simulate the weight and braking capability of the ...
If you have trouble reading back CV's on the programming track, this may be due to insufficient current draw on the SFX064D function leads. You can always just re-program the CV value into a CV to get the desired results, even though reading CVs does not work. OPs mode is recommended for programming all CVs except CV01, CV17 & CV18 (2 digit and 4 digit addresses). If a second DCC decoder is present that is not Sound FX compatible then correct readback of CV data is not possible, since the NMRA CV readback was not designed for multiple decoder readback.
Q: How can I write and read the Configuration Variables of Mobile Decoder on the mainline using the DT40x Throttle? A: Operations Mode Programming, also known as Ops Mode, lets you program a locomotive decoder's CVs while it is on the main line. With the addition of transponding in Ops Mode, you can write and read back CVs in DCC locomotives equipped with most modern decoders while they are on the mainline. Some older decoders before Extended Packet Format was used are not able to do this.For example: A typical use for Ops mode programming would be to adjust an engines ...
Operations mode (OPs mode) programming allows you to program decoders on the layout instead of having to move them to a separate programming track. This is a write only programming method. If you want to be able to read back the values written to a particular decoder using Ops Mode programming, you will need to install transponding on the layout. If transponding is not active on the layout, you must use an isolated programming track for reading back CV values.The extent of the area with OPs Mode readback available depends on how muchof the layout is instrumented for transponding. The ...
Duplex Radio Throttle do not need to be plugged in to LocoNet to Program Decoders. Simplex Radio & Infrared throttles must be plugged in to LocoNet to program CVs on the programming track. Ops Mode Programming can be done without plugging radio throttles in to LocoNet. IR throttles must be plugged in for Ops Mode Programming. 1. Be sure that only the loco you want to program is on the programming track. If you are using operations mode programming, the loco you want to program can be anywhere on the layout but it must have a decoder that is ...
CV29 sets the characteristics for 5 different decoder behaviors. The table below shows each characteristic and its value if it is on or off. Notice that if the switch is off the value is zero. Click here to go to the automated CV29 value calculatorTo determine the value to program for your decoder just go down the list and add up the numbers for all the switches you want to set as ON. If you need to convert the decimal valueCV29 Examples of CV Values: The factory default value for CV29 is 06. Switch # Characteristic if OFF Value if ...
The EDIT Key is used to enter the Edit Mode for editing the fast clock, routes, signaling, etc. It is also used to status edit decoders while in locomotive address selection mode.