What's the best method to handle structure and street lighting with a DCC layout? If I put in bus wiring for my lighting can it interfere with the DCC signal? Unless you have stationary decoders that control the structure and street lights, there is no need for connecting these lights to your DCC wiring. In fact, doing so will add additional power consumption without any of the advantages of command control. These additional power consumers take away available power for your locomotives, controlled cars and stationary decoders. Should I use a completely different power source like an old power pack? ...

Wiring lighting without burning out bulbs on the first try. Need some info on which bulbs and boards need drop resisters installed and why. The new DH165 series have eliminated the mystery since they work with either LED's or with conventional lamps without adding resistors.

UT4 Function Control Keys and How they WorkThere are 8 physical keys used to control functions F0-F12 on the UT4 throttle. F1 through F6 and F7-F12 share the same keys.  You will see F1-F6 in black print and F7-F12 in blue print to remind you that you will need to use the SHIFT key to access F7-F12. To use functions F7-F12 you must press and hold down the SHIFT key on the lower left row of the throttle as you press the F7 through F12 keys to activate any functions available on those functions. All the UT4 functions work like other Digitrax throttles. ...

When you click on the "FX-Setup" button a second menu screen appears which contains the special light effects for the FX decoder. If the decoder you are programming is not capable of FX effects, this section will not apply to your situation.On this screen we have access to F0 Forward Light, F0 Reverse Light, F1, F2, F3 & F4. The programming directions and choices are the same for each function. The pull down field to the right of this shows you which effect is assigned to that particular function. The following is a list of choices: No effect, normal function ...

The DZ125IN is set up at the factory to control two function outputs. The DZ125IN is configured to control the forward and reverse lights on the locomotive through the white lead and yellow lead using Function 0 (F0F-forward and F0R-reverse) for directional lighting. Both function outputs can be easily set up with Digitrax FX3 lighting effects or as standard on/off functions with the following operational qualifiers: 1. Forward or Reverse direction of travel, or 2. Whether F0 is on or off, or 3. Both direction of travel and whether F0 is on or off, or 4. Whether the locomotive is ...

In order to obtain different brightness levels of lighting, is it permissible to use two lighting function outputs, each with a different value resistors, to the negative lead of the same led or bulb? Yes you may do so. We recommend putting the resistor on the function side vs. the + common side.

The DZ125 is set up at the factory to control two function outputs. The DZ125 is configured to control the forward and reverse lights on the locomotive through the white lead and yellow lead using Function 0 (F0F-forward and F0R-reverse) for directional lighting. Both function outputs can be easily set up with Digitrax FX3 lighting effects or as standard on/off functions with the following operational qualifiers: 1. Forward or Reverse direction of travel, or 2. Whether F0 is on or off, or 3. Both direction of travel and whether F0 is on or off, or 4. Whether the locomotive is ...

The DN163A0 is set up at the factory to control six functions. The unit is prewired with two golden-white LEDs set up for directional lighting as F0F/F0F+ for the front light and F0R/F0R+ for the rear light. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the lamp (or other function) you wish to control. The wire colors indicated are the standard color code used in the industry (you can use any color you like). These colors are important if you ...

The DN163K1D is set up at the factory to control six functions. The unit is prewired with two white LED's set up for directional lighting as F0F/F0F+ for the front light and F0R/F0R+ for the rear light. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the lamp (or other function) you wish to control. The wire colors indicated are the standard color code used in the industry (you can use any color you like). These colors are important if you ...

Is this part of the instructions sheet?  If so, we don't need it here?  ZIThe DN163K2 is set up at the factory to control six functions. The unit is prewired with two golden-white LEDs set up for directional lighting as F0F/F0F+ for the front light and F0R/F0R+ for the rear light. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the lamp (or other function) you wish to control. The wire colors indicated are the standard color code used in the ...

The DH165Q1 is set up at the factory to control six function outputs. The DH165Q1 is configured to control the forward-headlight F0F/white lead and reverse-headlight F0R/yellow lead for directional lighting. These two headlight function leads are current regulated for LEDs or lamps, with factory setting of approx 15mA, with no resistors required. Cut the ADJ link to increase headlight current to approx 30mA- see fig 5. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) are full track voltage and can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the ...

The DN163A1 is set up at the factory to control six functions. The unit is prewired with two golden-white LEDs set up for directional lighting as F0F/F0F+ for the front light and F0R/F0R+ for the rear light. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the lamp (or other function) you wish to control. The wire colors indicated are the standard color code used in the industry (you can use any color you like). These colors are important if you ...

The DH163 series decoders are set up at the factory to control six function outputs. The DH163 is configured to control the forward and reverse lights on the locomotive through the white lead and yellow lead using Function 0 (F0F-forward and F0R-reverse) for directional lighting. Functions F1(Green) and F2 (Violet) are part of the harness for easy hookup. F3 and F4 are also available on the decoder board. These can be accessed by snipping the shrink wrap and peeling it back to expose the solder pads that control these functions: To use these functions, solder a wire from the pad ...

The DH165K0 is set up at the factory to control six function outputs. The DH165K0 is configured to control the forward-headlight F0F/white lead and reverse-headlight F0R/yellow lead for directional lighting. These two headlight function leads are current regulated for LEDs or lamps, with factory setting of approx 15mA, with no resistors required. Cut the ADJ link to increase headlight current to approx 30mA- see fig 5. Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) are full track voltage and can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the ...

The DH165A0 is set up at the factory to control six function outputs. The DH165A0 is configured to control the forward-headlight F0F/white lead and reverse-headlight F0R/yellow lead for directional lighting. These two headlight function leads are current regulated for LEDs or lamps, with factory setting of approx 15mA, with no resistors required. Cut the ADJ link to increase headlight current to approx 30mA (see figure below). Functions F1 (Green), F2 (Violet), F3 (Brown) and F4 (White/Yellow) are full track voltage and can be used by soldering a wire from the pad for the function you wish to use to the ...

This installation procedure is for the DIGITRAX DH166/DH126 decoder. Alternatively, you can use a Digitrax DN166 in this installation. If you use the DN166 the installation will require fewer engine modifications because of the smaller physical size of the decoder.Note any decoder of smaller physical size can be used in this installation.  DN136D, DN166, DZ126, DZ126, DZ146 are all possibilities. After removing the shell from the locomotive chassis, note the color and location of each of the various wires.  All connections must be soldered with rosin core solder and insulated with shrink tubing.We will locate the decoder in the forward ...

Q:  Your recommendation is to have a DB150 booster at no more than 50 foot intervals. Will one booster handle all track in that 50 foot area, i.e. a passenger terminal throat with many turnouts and switches? A:  The "50 foot intervals" applies to the maximum distance which boosters can be located from each other. This is a conservative recommendation.  You should consider how much power will be consumed in a district when locating boosters around the layout. If your power district is a single track railroad stretching over hundreds of feet of linear distance, boosters should be placed at 50 ...

CV # Use Decoder DefaultValue ValueRange CV01 Address All 01-9999 01-127 * CV02 Start Voltage All 001 0-255; higher is more voltage CV04 Acceleration Rate All 000 0 - 31 CV04 Deceleration Rate All 000 0 - 31 CV05 Maximum Voltage Gen4 - 0 (disabled) 1 - 255; lower is slower CV06 Midpoint Voltage All 0 (disabled) 1 - 255 CV07 Manufacturer's Version ID All Variable - CV08 Manufacturer's ID, Decoder Reset All FX3 129 08 to reset,09 reset leave speed tables CV13 DC Functions "On" FX, not on FX3 - See decoder documentation CV15 Decoder Lock FX3 000 See ...

I have a Athearn HO Scale MP15 Soo Line and have installed a DH166 decoder. How do I get the rotary beacon to flash? Function Outputs on the DH166 The DH166 is set up at the factory to control six function outputs. The DH163AT is configured to control the forward and reverse lights on the locomotive through the yellow lead and white lead using Function 0 (F0F-forward yellow and F0R-reverse white) for directional lighting. Functions F1(green) and F2 (violet) are part of the harness for easy hookup. F3 and F4 are also available on the decoder board. These can be ...

Good DCC practice means good planning for the electrical needs of the railroad. Here, we talk about the power needs of the Texas & Southwestern. Anticipating Power Consumption The core of the Texas & Southwestern's DCC control system will be the DCS50 Zephyr, which is very appropriate for a small railroad. Zephyr has 10 "slots", memory locations in the command station each holding an active decoder address. Rated at 2.5 Amps, the Zephyr should also be enough to handle the power needs of the railroad, but if more power is needed, then T&SW can easily be expanded with an additional booster ...

  I have a 14x24 foot room with a shelf layout on two levels. 1st level is about 24 inches with two main lines and some industries, a moderate freight yard, moderate intermodal facility and passenger station. The second level is 18 inches and will contain one and two main lines with mostly industries. This would qualify as a "medium to large" model railroad. I would like to have 1-5 operators with 2-10 trains running at one time as permitting. At least four Universal Panels would give all operators full access to LocoNet as necessary. At least one UP each ...

Many locomotives feature warning lights that are designed to make a train more visible to the general public. FX Functions are function outputs that incorporate 4 FX generators for prototypical lighting effects such as Mars lights, ditch lights, Pyle Gyra-lights, rotating beacons, single and double pulse strobe lights, and random flicker.

All current Digitrax mobile decoders have FX3: all function outputs incorporate FX generators for prototypical lighting effects full function re-mapping so you can choose which function (F0-F12) controls each function lead

Q: My front and rear lights on a steam locomotive (hard wired decoder installation) are connected in reverse. When the locomotive is going forward, the back up light comes on. When the locomotive is going in reverse, the forward light comes on. Can I reverse the lighting effects though programming the decoder or must I disassemble the locomoitve and physically swap the wiring to the lights from the decoder. A: Yes, you can do this with using function mapping in any Digitrax decoder Series 3 or later. If you have an earlier version decoder installed, you'll need to re-wire the ...

Function-only decoders allow you to add additional functions to a locomotive with an existing mobile decoder.  Additionally, function-only decoders allow you to install lighting in passenger cars, as an example.Function only decoders also are used to add Digitrax transponding to early model Digitrax decoders and decoders from other manufacturers that do not have this feature.

The UT4 series, UT4, UT4D & UT4R are "traditional" style throttles.  The UT4s were developed from a specification submitted by Digitras users through the Digitrax Yahoo group. These throttles were designed by operators for operators.  They are also great for beginners because of their intuitive controls and reduced feature set. By not offering all the bells and whistles, beginners can run your railroad without accidentally changing settings that might cause problems.   Works with any LocoNet compatible system   4-Digit addressing   Functions F0 - F12 for lighting and sound decoder operation   Direction switch with center brake position   ...

A TF4 can be used with any decoder that is not transponder equipped to add transponding capability to the loco.  It can also be used in any piece of rolling stock with track pick ups to add transponding.  For example, you could use a TF4 to add transponding and lighting effects to a caboose if it is equipped with track pickups to provide power and signal to the TF4.A TF4 should not be connected to an existing transponder equipped DCC decoder unless the DCC decoder's transponder is disabled. This avoids having 2 transponders responding to the same address in the ...

DCS50 Zephyr can control Functions F0 - F8. Most DCC mobile decoders have function outputs that you can use to control lamps, LEDs, sound, smoke generators and other on/off devices installed in your locomotives. Most locomotives made today come with a head light and sometimes with a rear light, too. With DCC, these are controlled by the decoder’s function outputs. You can also install additional DCC controlled lighting such as cab lights, Mars lights, ditch lights, rotating beacons and others on your locos. The addition of these functions can add to the fun and realism of your locomotives.You must have ...

It is important to realize that the standard only covers the communication protocol on the track.  As long as it is not extended further than the basic track level communications for train control, creativity will be encouraged rather than stifled. This protocol is very basic and does not require any particular hardware. The Digitrax Complete Train Control System incorporates the DCC protocols for interoperability reasons but has not been held back by them.  Digitrax has developed and marketed automatic reversing boosters, decoders with 128 speed steps and user customizable speed tables, mobile decoders with onboard functions and lighting effects, stationary decoders with sophisticated ...

Flashing ditch lights can be set up with several CV's. Using 1.5 Volt Bulbs or LEDsIf you use 1.5 V bulbs, you must install a current setting resistor with a minimum value of 100 ohms for each bulb.Typically a 560 ohm 1/4 watt resistor works well for a grain of rice bulb and a 250 ohm 1/4 watt resistor works well for a grain of wheat bulb.Lower resistance values will increase the lamp brightness. If you use LED's be sure the polarity is correct when you hook them up & install a current setting resistor for each LED. Typically a ...

I would like to use a Tomar Searchlight Signal such as model # 858. It has three color LED for each head. The SE8C manual shows the wiring example for bi-color LED signals. Is the SE8C able to control the three color LED signals as well? The bi-pole LED's can be used to produce a yellow "Approach" indication. The SE8C sends an AC signal to the LED, alternately lighting both the red and green sides to make a yellow (or "amber") Indication. Please see below: "A2" is connected to produce an approach (yellow) indication. You may find that the yellow ...

The DN163M0 is set up at the factory to control six functions. The unit is prewired with one golden-white LED (shown in figure below) for the headlight and set up as Function 0 (F0F-forward). Function outputs F0F/Yellow, F1/Green, F2/Violet, F3/Brown and F4/White/Yellow are available on the decoder and can be used by soldering wires from the pads indicated to the lights (or other functions) you wish to control. CAUTION: When adding function wires, be very careful that the wires you add do not come into contact with any other pads or components on the board where they might create a ...

Most HO, N & Z Scale model locomotive motors and lamps are designed by the locomotive manufacturers to operate at full speed at 12 volts DC on the track. Digitrax recommends running your DCC command station and boosters at the lowest track voltage possible that provides acceptable operation. The “N Scale (12V)” setting on Digitrax equipment works for most HO, N & Z scale layouts. Some DCC systems made by other companies supply more voltage to the track and are not adjustable. If the track voltage applied exceeds the operating parameters of the locomotive and its lamps, it is possible ...

DS64 Quad Stationary Decoder      The DS64 is a Stationary Decoder for use with 4 slow motion, solenoid, or bi-polar turnout machines Simple to hook up and configure   Controls 4 individual turnout machines: EITHER4 Slow motion turnout machines, such as TortoiseTM by Circuitron or SwitchmasterTMOR4 Solenoid-type turnout machines such as three wire (twin coil type) Peco or Atlas Snap Switches or two wire bi-polar type turnout machines such as Kato Unitrack, AristoCraft, or LGB turnouts with capacitive discharge capability  Support for up to 8 routes   Screw terminals make installation easy   Use with any LocoNet Compatible System   ...

Needs a comprehensive answer.  There may be one somewhere else already.  Z.This is from the decoder manual and does not answer the question:A 12 or 14 Volt lamp run directly without resistors will be less sensitive to voltage fluctuations. For regular 12 to 16 Volt lamps that draw more than 50 mA when lit, we recommend that you put a 22 to 33 ohm 1/4 watt resistor in series with the lamp leads. This will ensure that the lamp "start-up currents" (up to 10 times normal current draw) do not overload the outputs.If you want, you can estimate things by ...

The Trix GG-1 is a fine die cast locomotive model which is equipped with a sound decoder. As produced by the Trix factory in Germany, the sound functions are: F0 Normal headlights F1 Bright headlights F2 Cab lights F3 Sound of main relay F4 Low speed switching range (switching acceleration / braking delay off) F5 Bell F6 Horn, continuous blast F7 Sound of pantograph being raised and making contact with the wire F8 Sound of blower motor F9 Sound of switching relays F10 Sound of cab radio F11 Sound of couplers F12 Sound of clickety clack railroad track Digitrax operators ...

Needs to be investigated  Z.I am looking at buying one of your Super Chief systems. My question is :- Do you have to carry a bus under the boards or could you use an adhesive copper tape on the top of the board .  My system will be totally new; layout size 10 foot 6 inches x 8 foot.  Model Rail DVD showed this.The core power bus of the railroad is an important component.  Remember, the Super Chief will be delivering either 5 Amps or 8 Amps of electrical power.  Your interest is to make sure that sufficient power readily ...

This application note is courtesy of Michael K. Perrin, and addresses the installation of an N-Scale decoder in the Bachmann F40PH (now discontinued).  This note calls for using either DN93 or DN140, both of which have been discontinued.  Current decoders such as the DZ125 or DZ143 and other similar N scale decoders can be used.1) Cut a place for the decoder in the back recess in the frame. Because this is a "sandwich" frame there is no room for the decoder without using a saw or Dremel tool to make a cavity for the decoder. (This is the hardest part of the ...

You'll need a few simple tools when you begin installing decoders: A soldering iron, preferably temperature controlled. Though many installations do not require soldering, you may still need to use a soldering iron to install extras like lamps for special lighting effects. Solder. A small screwdriver for disassembling your loco. Small diagonal cutters for cutting & stripping small wire. Tweezers to pick up small loco parts. Heat shrink tubing for protecting wire connections, this is better than electrical tape. 1. Read the instructions FIRST and PLAN your installation. Have the proper tools on hand. 2. Choose a locomotive that runs ...

Railroad signaling works based on detection of trains on the railroad.  If a train is detected, then the signal system goes into action, setting up indications that let show that the track section is occupied and warn other trains that the section is occupied.  At a grade crossing where a railroad and a highway intersect, the presence of a train starts the crossing signals and lowers the gates in time to stop highway traffic so the train can pass.In the case of real railroads, detection is easy, since the rails are naturally insulated from each other and either a locomotive or ...

Q:  Using Digitrax systems to program an MRC AD310 decoder is especially confusing because the MRC Command 2000 uses several "switches" and "levers" rather than standard CV numbers. A conversion chart for the 10 possible MRC engine addresses would be a wonderful help to us old-timers. A:  The documentation available from the manufacturer of this decoder is incomplete. Many older decoders such as this one are not able to recognize all the digital packets in use by more modern DCC Systems. What we have learned is the MRC AD310 is: Programmable up to 127 (1~127) locomotive addresses Programmable for either 28 or ...

Note: These instructions cover the hardwired installation of any Digitrax decoder with wires into a Kato GP35 H0 Diesel. Currently, the recommended decoder for current production GP35's from Kato are the DH163K0 board replacement decoder.  Using the board replacement decoders are much simpler and cleaner installation than the one described here.Tools Needed for Decoder InstallationYou'll need a few simple tools:1. A soldering iron, preferably temperature controlled.2. Solder3. Screwdriver4. Small diagonal cutters for cutting and stripping small wire5. TweezersMotor Isolation for Kato GP35Carefully remove the loco's shell and weight.To isolate the motor, disconnect the brass strips (motor brushes) from the track pick up ...

To select and run a DCC equipped locomotive with a known address follow these steps:1. Set the DCS50's Throttle Knob [1] to STOP. 2. Place a DCC equipped locomotive (one with a decoder installed) on your digital layout that is controlled by your DCS50. In this example we assume that you have a new Digitrax decoder that is factory programmed to address 03. If your decoder is using a different address, simply use that address as you follow these instructions.3. Check the DCS50's Track Status Indicator Dot [4] to be sure that track power is turned on. Press the POWER ...

DCS50 Zephyr can control Functions F0 - F8. Most DCC mobile decoders have function outputs that you can use to control lamps, LEDs, sound, smoke generators and other on/off devices installed in your locomotives. Most locomotives made today come with a head light and sometimes with a rear light, too. With DCC, these are controlled by the decoder’s function outputs. You can also install additional DCC controlled lighting such as cab lights, Mars lights, ditch lights, rotating beacons and others on your locos. The addition of these functions can add to the fun and realism of your locomotives.You must have ...

Configurable strobes are set up using CV's 49, 50 and 61. Configurable strobe function leads can be programmed with a limited number of simulated lighting effects similar to FX effects but without as many options. Configurable strobes are offered in those few Digitrax decoders where there was not enough "code space" to provide full FX features.CV49 controls F0 Forward, the white function lead. CV50 controls F0 reverse, the yellow function lead.CV61 enables the configurable strobe operation.To set up configurable strobe lights:1. Program CV61 with the CV value "01" to enable configurable strobe operation.2. Program the CV value for CVs 49 ...

Many thanks to Bob Dattore for this application note!This app note details using a DN142 decoder for the installation.  This decoder is no longer in production but the following decoders would work as well:  DN135D, DN163, DZ123, DZ125, DZ143.  Any decoder that is small enough to fit could be used.The Problem:  Atlas RS1's (and RS3's & RSD4/5's) are hard to install Digitrax decoders in. There is no easy drop-in or light board replacement with back-emf capability.I have installed several Atlas Dual Mode decoders in these popular hard to fit narrow, low hood diesels with ease, by replacing the original light ...

This note addresses the installation of an H0-Scale wired decoder into Bachmann Plus ABA F-7s; it calls for using a DH140, which has been retired.  Current decoders such as the DH123 or DH163 or similar wired decoders can be used. Just finished up doing a few HO Bachmann Plus F7's, ABA's to be exact. Thought maybe some of you might be interested in how the DCC conversion went on these.They are an easy conversion!1.  The full stall current for these ranged from 500-700 ma for each loco . I selected Digitrax DH140 for the A units and a DH120 for the B ...

We recommend testing your new SE8C prior to installation on your layout. The following testing procedures will help familiarize you with the general operation of the SE8C. Track power needs to be ON, a working LocoNet connection and a throttle or PC running DCC control software. Pre-Installation Set-Up 1. Solder one wire from a 12V AC or 15V DC power supply to Pin 3 and the second wire from the power supply to the Pin C on the 44-Pin edge connector; this powers the SE8C. Digitrax manufactures the PS14, which is appropriate for this installation. Multiple SE8Cs can be powered ...

The Nemo Junction module has a total of seven color light signals that regulate the flow of train traffic through this interlocking plant. Controlling the Signals with SE8C The SE8C is the signal driver, sending current to the various LED's of the color light signals. Each signal is operated via switch commands from the Zephyr. The SE8C has eight Driver Sockets, identified as DRV1 - DRV8. : A Signal Driver Cable (a 10-conductor ribbon cable) is plugged into a SE8C Driver Socket to control as many as four signal heads per Driver Socket. Each signal head can display 4 lighting ...

By Zana & A.J. IrelandThis clinic is titled Digital Command Control: The Wave of the Future. Recently, I was asked the question: "DCC has arrived and is the technology of today, everybody's using it so, why don't you change the title of your clinic?" My answer is that digital command control is still evolving rapidly. Today's digital command control is moving beyond the basic NMRA DCC Standards and RPs to encompass many new technologies that will compliment and enhance the basic things we can do with the track format defined by the NMRA. It's an exciting time for model railroaders ...

By Zana & A.J. IrelandThis clinic is titled Digital Command Control: The Wave of the Future. Recently, I was asked the question: "DCC has arrived and is the technology of today, everybody's using it so, why don't you change the title of your clinic?" My answer is that digital command control is still evolving rapidly. Today's digital command control is moving beyond the basic NMRA DCC Standards and RPs to encompass many new technologies that will compliment and enhance the basic things we can do with the track format defined by the NMRA. It's an exciting time for model railroaders ...

In response to questions about the differences among the DCC systems that are currently available from different companies, I offer the following comments & observations. You may have heard that all the systems are pretty much the same or you may have seen “comparison” charts in various DCC companies’ literature, in magazines or “analysis” on the Internet by “impartial observers.” Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to break down the system and company differences on a simple chart & the people who write the “impartial analysis” are usually not really impartial. As you read these comments, please keep in mind that ...

  I have an "M" shaped 250 square foot layout with 500 feet of track and twelve locomotives. What Digitrax equipment would I need? You don't say what scale this railroad will be modeled in, which is important since the locomotives in smaller scales draw less current than larger decoders. However, for purposes of estimation: Twelve Locomotives. Each locomotive is going to draw, at the very least, 5 MA for the decoder. If it has LED lights, then it will typically draw 15 MA more; conventional light bulbs will draw 50 MA. A typical H0 locomotive will draw 600 MA ...

Digitrax Complete Train Control By Zana & A.J. Ireland Digitrax Complete Train Control makes reliable, realistic train operation and simplified layout wiring a reality. Digital Command Control is incorporated within the Digitrax system to let you control multiple trains independently on the same section of track without blocking. In the real world, engineers control the speed and direction of real trains. Engines operate under their own power independent of the track. Each engine has its own motion characteristics like how fast it speeds up (acceleration) and how long it takes to slow down (deceleration). A locomotive's performance is influenced by ...

Characteristics Controlled by CV61:Some Digitrax Decoders use CV61 (one of the manufacturer specific configuration variables) to give you the following options:  Non-Directional Headlight Operation, Transponding Enabled or Disabled, & Split Phase Motor Drive for Märklin AC and Lionel Type motors.The look up table below shows the effects of different CV values that you can program into CV61.  CV values are shown in hex & decimal are the same in this case.TABLE 61: CV61 Values CV 61 Value Non-directional headlights Transponding Split Field Motor/AC 00 No No No 01 Yes No No 02 No Yes No 03 Yes Yes No 04 ...

Prior to Disassembly Test the Decoder All Digitrax decoders are tested for proper operation before they leave the factory, but sometimes strange things happen. Therefore to insure your decoder is covered under our warranty policy, please give it a thorough test BEFORE you cut the wires. Test Run the Locomotive Be sure it runs correctly in both directions with no unusual noises or binding in the motor-gear train. If it checks out OK, then: Get Ready Before you start, get your tools and supplies together for this project. You will need the following items: DECODER TESTER - Such as the ...

Digitrax decoders have outputs that can control lamps and other on/off devices installed in your locomotive.  These are called functions.  Functions are things like: lamps, sound units, smoke units, etc. All Digitrax decoders are equipped with two or more function outputs that are used to turn functions on and off.Decoder function outputs can be:1.   Leads (wires) attached to the decoder that are used to hook up external functions.  See Table I below for wire color codes used on Digitrax decoders.or2.   Pre-wired function outputs that hook up by just plugging in the decoder. This is the case for decoders that ...

I am putting the finishing touches on my 10 x 20 foot H0 railroad. It is a copy of the Cajon Pass, Salt Lake & Santa Fe RR by John Armstrong (#86 in the 101 Track Plans by Linn Westcott) [Kalmbach Publishing, ISBN 0-89024-512-6; still in print]. I have decided to go with DCC and my local hobby store recommended Digitrax. The layout is in my basement, I will be the only operator, the plan has 54 track switches (34 NJ International twin coils and 20 Tortoise turnout motors). Can you give me an idea as to what equipment I ...