Decoder programming is the action of entering suitable values into configuration variables cvs in a dcc decoder to set their address, speed table, functions and other parameters so they operate with the characteristics you choose. To learn more about the detail of how operations mode programming works, go here. Programming for a romer arm is basically the same as writing a program for a cmm and running it 100% manually, never. If your dcc system does not allow ops mode programming on the main line lenz, we recommend direct mode programming on a program track. In addition to cti, kam supports a wide variety of popular dcc systems, making it a great choice for users who wish to integrate ctis costeffective discrete control and sensing capabilities with dcc operated trains. Opendcc uses an intelligent refresh algorithm, which sends new loco. First of all, i am assuming that you know the basics of entering a locomotive address and maybe even how to change the start voltage by altering a simple cv configuration variable. Page mode allows you to access more registers beyond the original 8 register. Software for programming of decoders as well as testing and runningin of vehicles. It is strongly recommended that you make a back up of your sd card, using a tool such as win32diskimager connect the pisprog one to your raspberry pi. Aug 08, 2017 for example in the 2015 digitrax decoder manual the table is on page 38 and soundtraxx has a similar table in each of their decoder user manuals.
Unlike the track output, this is an nmrarecommended low power current limited output, so it will not overload a locomotive or static decoder if you make an error in hard wiring, connection to the locomotive etc. However, you still get the advantages of pc programming, like saving the profile. Yes, to use the pr3 in programming mode you will need a power supply. In program mode, also commonly referred to as service mode, the main layout power is disconnected and no trains can be operated. All these decoders do support ops mode programming and can be reset on the mainline assuming you have control of the address. Other software, allows for train control and acts like a cab.
There is only one bit reserved as the vw verifywrite and 3 bits that contain the binary address of the registers. To determine your software version, enter programming and read out the version number in programming option 12 see analog programming page 15 and about quantum pop 12 page 22. This video shows the steps to program an engine decoder for use on your dcc layout using an nce command station and program track. In order for decoders to know what to do, you have to program them.
He said you can get certified, get a degree and get a job. Once a portable consist is setup the dcc system sees the consist as a 2 digit decoder with functions. As with every episode in this helpful dcc programming series, dana shows you the essential steps, while the multiple camera angles capture the resulting modifications. Although your quantum system has the ability to operate under analog or nmra digital command control, you do not. Nce decoder history welcome to the nce information station. Sprog dcc download page you can follow the instructions to create your image, or purchase a preconfigured sd cards from sprog dcc. Ill be adding more posts over the next couple weeks on programming other cvs and features in decoders so stay tuned. Programming the nce dcc controller changing addresses using the nce system pro cab, power cab and master series short address changes to change the locomotives address on the nce system youll need to use programming on the main mode. Please see the software page for other software relating to trains at a more general level. One day chris automotive instructor came to my high school and told me about the program. After programming to a new address, if you get sound but no movement, this means your blueline sound decoder is set to the new address but the motor decoder is set to some other address, probably 3.
The pr1 device from digitrax is a standalone programmer and is not usable with this software. The dcc programming output, which connects to a dedicated programming track. Programming the nce dcc controller mth electric trains. Trainprogrammer also offers a socalled offline mode, with which you can try the program without connection to a digital system. Updates andor upgrades per formed by zimo are not considered a warranty repair and are at the expense of the customer. Software updates are available at no charge if performed by the end user except for the purchase of a programming module. Operations mode programming lets you program cvs in dcc locomotives. It is in this mode that you must have your decoderequipped locomotive on the dedicated programming.
Simple cv settings for an economy dcc decoder for more realistic operation is discussed in this video. However, because it addresses a specific decoder address, some decoders will not allow you to change the. Tcs comprehensive programming guide 2015 revised 3232016 decoder configuration with cv 29 and cv 61 page 2 bemf type and keepalive enabling using cv 182, railcom page 3 decoder addressing page 4 decoder lock, version number, and date codes page 5 lighting features and programming page 6 random flicker and constant dim page 8. Reading and writing of all decoder settings with a few mouse clicks. Any more comments would be about the software jmri, more than the hardware the sprog 2. Some software programs your decoders, which can be either mobile decoders or stationary decoders. The dcc register mode programming command is the same for both read and write. It is in this mode that you must have your decoderequipped locomotive on. Opens the operations mode main track windowthis lets you program a specific decoder on the layout, even while it is operating. By this, i mean, once a decoder has been properly installed in a locomotive, the locomotive can operate on any dcc system right then and there, without any need make any changes to the decoder programming. If you have an atlas dmdequipped engine to add to a consist, you may skip the first set of steps below. The sprog 2 is a usb dccdecoder programming device. Hi all, figured out how to program the atlas dual mode decoder in my cp rail gp38. The simple programmer is opened from the main page of decoderpro action menu.
Model railroader magazines dana kawala addresses basic dcc programming modes. Lokprogrammer pcsoftware for all loksound 5, lokpilot 5, loksound v4. The great thing about service mode is it allows you to both read and write cvs in a decoder but it must be done on an isolated programming track. When using an nce power cab system including systems based around an nce sb3a or sb5 smart booster unit, or the entrylevel dcc twin. Author pete12345 forum member digital command control dcc.
You can take any locomotive at any time and program it regardless of it history including what dcc address it has. Ops mode programming works by sending the programming commands only to the decoder address that you select on the throttle. These include the short or primary address, the long or extended address, start voltage, acceleration and deceleration momentum, and cv29 also known as the master cv. When using an nce power cab system including systems based around an nce sb3a or sb5 smart booster unit, or. Dcc systems have two different modes, a run mode and a program mode. This article was originally posted on this site in 2006, but the source material dates. It is based on the arduino opensource electronics platform, and uses an arduino motor shield or pololu motor driver board to drive the track power. Here is an example of the programming page for one of my tams decoder, with jmri decoderpro 3. In this installment, dana shows you how to program 2 and 4digit locomotive addresses. The sic24ad is not fully compatible with the atlas, backmann or mrc except prodigy advance dcc systems because they do not support accessory commands or can not program the number of cvs in the sic24ad. Here are a few decoder programming tips from my experience. This site is also a distribution point of my dcc presentations in pdf format. To setup a consist with the atlas commander, your decoders must support direct mode programming. Select sprog dcc as the system manufacturer, and sprog as the system connection.
I use mine with the layout and with a portable programming track. Dana first talks through operations mode programming on the main, as well as service mode programming. It now supports azatrax usbconnected model railroad detectors. There is only one bit reserved as the vw verifywrite and 3 bits that contain the binary address of the registers 1. This process does not require knowledge of cvs numbers. It seems to evoke images of having to write computer code, but it really doesnt need to be any more difficult than setting the preferences on your computer or setting up your new tvall the actual programming was done at the factory. This software operates either as decoder for switches pulse or for signals permanent outputs. Consequently only decoders with that address will be reprogrammed, and any others on the track will simply ignore the programming commands. This software is steadily advanced, so stay uptodate and get the latest version of it.
With a dcc system that does not allow programming cvs greater than 255, esu implemented a programming process. That program will use the lenz liusbethernet lenz part number 23151 interface. How to build an independent programming track model. Digitrax programming problems model railroader magazine. Hopefully this will get you going on these most commonly used cvs. Register mode is an expanded form of address mode, and is still used by some older andor lower end decoders. At the very basic level, all that is needed is two wires run to the track. Simple cv settings for more realistic operation with.
Actually a fullfeatured suite of software tools, kams software programs provide for all aspects of manual control, layout automation, and dispatching. Right, with the loco positioned on the programming track, we enter program mode. In addition, service mode provides electrically safe dcc power such that a decoder with a short circuit or miswiring will not be damaged. This software runs on opendecoder 1, based on the attiny23. This problem happens with or without using decoder pro. This applies to both mobile and stationary decoders. When dcc first arrived in the us, service mode programming was all we hadit was a year or two before the nmra adopted ops mode programming. You can program any type of decoder connected to dcc track power that is located anywhere on the layout at any time.
Cv546 global feedback mode has an additional value, indicating that feedback will take place via the rsbus. Nov 23, 2012 this video shows the steps to program an engine decoder for use on your dcc layout using an nce command station and program track. Works on dcc or dc limited operation on dc works with nmra loco, accessory or signal addressing builtin warm white led can be disabled up to 3 outputs leds may be controlled separately builtin resistors just connect leds can function as an nmra signal decoder. Beginners guide to command control and dcc national. Atlas new dual mode decoder dmd supports both direct mode and register mode programming. It is designed to make transponding implementation easy and provide advanced dcc track management by communicating all state information to loconet. Whenever you pull your locomotive out of the box for the first time it will run, but not in a. It is said to be able to program nearly all dcc decoders on the market. Education about digital command control dcc used in model railroads to run trains. The empire builder does not have a seperate program track output, so when you do service mode programming with it as the command station, the program commands are sent out the main outputsi dont know if the db150 puts the service mode programming commands on the rail sync lines or not so i dont know if it would just program the engines in.
Register mode was the very first programming mode offered by the dcc standards. The software was developped for microsoft windows windows xp, 7, 8, 8. Blind writes many dcc systems will perform a blind write to the decoder in this mode. The bxpa1 is a combination dcc autorevereser, occupancy detector, transponding detector, and intelligent power manager. It does not, however, allow to upload custom sounds to decoders. Manufacturers of the highest quality dcc decoders and control systems for model railroads. 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. The bxpa1 is silent solid state and uses no mechanical relays for auto. Programming in page mode can be done using the programming track or on the main operations ops mode programming. Demonstrating the hornby elite using picoscope if youve already seen our video decoding the dcc serial bus, youll know how to use the picoscope 6 software with a picoscope usb oscilloscope to capture and decode the dcc digital command control waveform produced by the hornby dcc select controller. Dana kawala starts a new series on digital command control programming for the common model railroader. Qsi decoders have a unique and cool feature whos unfortunate side effect is making qsi decoder programming in both programming on the main aka pom mode nmra ops mode and programming track mode nmra service mode problematic. Software to create switch lists for freight car forwarding and creating. This type of consist can be setup by programming the decoder and not using any consisting help from your dcc system.
Ops mode is one way communication to the decoder that uses dcc track power. As you may have already discovered, controlling a model train is a rather simple matter. Both reading and writing of cv values is supported in ops mode over the loconet compatible simple serial bus connection. Track planning software helps you design your layout. Atrack is a software application which runs, under windows xp, windows vista, windows 7, windows 8 including 8. Aug 27, 2010 hi all, figured out how to program the atlas dual mode decoder in my cp rail gp38. Cv21 and cv22 are used to control functions in the consist. The simple programmer allows you to read or write cv values in dcc decoders one. This programming mode is based on the direct mode to provide quick programming capability. This method can be employed on either a program track or the mainline with any dcc system and can program cvs from 255511 in sequence.
On my controller, programming mode is accessed through the menu. Pisprog one dcc decoder programmer and command station for. The official online store for the atlas model railroad company, inc. To get the most of them, you must put specific values into a large number of configuration variables cvs. By dcc, if you mean a refining alignment, then yes, you still want to do that. For those who do not have any dcc hardware yet and are considering purchasing a dcc locomotive and want to use decoder pro to program it consider the sprog ii usb. It has no programming track capability but can still be used for ops mode or on the main programming. Sprog 2 dcc decoders programming via computer locgeek. If youre new to dcc, you dont want to miss this series. For the near future the idea is to develop a computer macosx program to ease programming of the various decoders. Cannot read cv welcome to the nce information station.
This is called programming, and most dcc systems provide a means to do it. We cannot grant a proper function in combination with former windows systems. Prior to reading a cv value you should enter the cv number address into the cv number text box. Basic decoder programming august 8, 2017 dcc guy there are several very basic cvs configuration variables that you need to be aware of with dcc decoders. On the left side of the window you can select the programming mode. How to rescue a faulty decoder tonys train exchange. Service mode programming requires a programming track which is. At a minimum, a command stationbooster your dcc system will probably suffice, an additional hardware interface to send commands from your computer to the command station this could be as simple as a serial cable, and a programming track set up according to the manufacturers instructions. There is only one bit reserved as the vw verifywrite and 3 bits that contain the binary address of the registers 1 to 8 to be verified or written too. In f10 or f5, i forget you can turn on probe autotrigger and define a radius at which the autotrigger can occur. Before programming, read address zero and the address range page for. The ps14 usually works well, but for some of the more powerhungry sound decoders you will probably want something in the 16v to 18v range the pr3 is rated for up to 20v. I learned about it on the german forum 1zu160 that i visit often. Digital command control dcc decoder programming is what makes your dcc decoder installation unique to your locomotive.
Select locomotive from roster, select programming on main and press program operations mode main track programmer or programming on the mainpom. Sprog command station mode is also offered, and can be used to control a layout, and program on the main, but not for general programming. From a user perspective, you must first know the locomotives dcc address to be. This software package has support for a network of bruce chubb cmri usic, susic, andor smini nodes andor a network of lenzs xpressnet dcc nodes. Programming decoders is a subject some folks shy away from faster than any other dcc subject. Being able to use the lokprogrammer you need a software for your computer. Both are supplied with full software, comprehensive installation instructions and a. A separate article on dcc software has been created due to the extensive list of software available for train operations as well as decoder programming software model railroad software layout planning. Programming of all nmra dcc, selectrix and loconet compliant locomotive, turnout and feedback decoders. In program track mode press 1 for standard, if you get cannot read cv, press enter again, it will try a different read method, it also has a third one too. Lenz digital plus lzv100 operation manual pdf download.
Operations mode programming lets you program cvs in dcc locomotives equipped with ops mode capable decoders while they are on the. Cv programming software soon after purchasing my nce dcc system, it became clear that some programming track software would greatly enhance programming the decoders i put into my locomotives. Current firmware version 3 sprog ii is the programmer for all dcc decoder needs, and works with the powerful jmri decoderpro software to support configuration programming of any dcc decoder, including sound decoders sprog 2 gives you the ability to program dcc decoders using your computer without the. For example in the 2015 digitrax decoder manual the table is on page 38 and soundtraxx has a similar table in each of their decoder user manuals. If you do not have control of the address use the program track. After that it will dump you into a manual push mode for blind programming.
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