Program dcc locomotive

Good question. There are two distinct challenges that the beginner will face when making the choice to go with DCC. The biggest challenge to the beginner is the fact that you will need to install decoders in all of your motive power. Newer locomotives, both steam and diesel, make this easy by providing a socket in the locomotive that a decoder plugs into. There are even some locomotives on the market that have decoders installed already!

Unfortunately, most locomotives on the market will require the modeler to install the decoders themselves. This can be complex, and is not recommended for the beginner modeler. There are products that can help make the installation process easier.

If you like a challenge, there are sites on the Internet that can provide very good instruction. Also, many hobby shops and private individuals provide installation services.

This can be somewhat expensive. This brings us to the other challenge: Cost. Many modelers feel that DCC is worth the cost, but it is a consideration.

OK, now that I know what to look out for, what next? Well, The first step is to choose a system to buy. There are a number of systems on the market that are designed for the beginner.

Much like a new car, I recommend a test drive before you purchase any system at any price. This can often be done at your local hobby shop. If you don't have a shop close to you, then contact your local model railroad club and ask if they run DCC.

Most clubs are happy to accept visitors and let them run a train. Clubs are great resources for beginners anyway If there is not a club in your area, then consider attending a train show in your area. There will be lots of dealers, regional clubs, and even some manufacturers that you can talk to and get your hands on the equipment.

Posted by simon on Saturday, January 31, AM. Ken, just sent you a PM. CSX Robert. Posted by jbinkley60 on Saturday, January 31, PM. Posted by cudaken on Saturday, January 31, PM. Looks like with Simmons help I will get some hands on time.

Thanks Simmon. Posted by jbinkley60 on Sunday, February 1, AM. Ken, One thing to consider is where will you go with the system and not just the startup cost. Posted by rrinker on Friday, February 20, AM. Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 's Visit my web site at www. Cuda Ken, PM me and I'll send you some info you can decide whether you want to use or not, but it's free and it has really helped me.

TheK4Kid aka Ed. Member since April , posts. Reply Edit. Users Online There are no community member online. Search the Community. Model Railroader Newsletter See all.

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox! Sign up. Model Railroader Newsletter Sign up! Follow us: Facebook. More great sites from Kalmbach Media :. Cuda Ken I hate Rust Reply. Calflash Member since March 38 posts. Posted by Calflash on Saturday, January 31, AM Testomomy to the usefulness of programing via computer happened the other day when a loco somehow lost it's settings and wouldn't run sound worked ok. Cal Reply.

Posted by cudaken on Saturday, January 31, PM Boy, thanks for all the great answers folks! Ken I hate Rust Reply. Posted by jbinkley60 on Sunday, February 1, AM Ken, One thing to consider is where will you go with the system and not just the startup cost. Posted by rrinker on Friday, February 20, AM jbinkley60 Ken, One thing to consider is where will you go with the system and not just the startup cost. TheK4Kid aka Ed Reply. On your Digitrax system, simply select the locomotive's address and the sound will start.

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, 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 Likewise, there are a This procedure should be done on an electrically isolated programming track1.

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. Is there a difference in voltage, packets, protocol between the two? Programming Track Broadcast programming, also called service mode programming, uses a programming track. One major advantage to a programming track is that many systems can read-back the Configuration Variables CV's that are in 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 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 Simply try the task again. 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. There are 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. Place the decoder equipped locomotive you want to program on the programming track.