JMRI: programming a TCS WOW121 Diesel: how to make ditch lights alternate

Travis Farmer Jan 8, 2020

  1. Travis Farmer

    Travis Farmer TrainBoard Member

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    as stated in the subject, i am using JMRI, my decoder is a TCS WOW121 Diesel (version 4 i think). I am programming through a MRC Prodigy Express, with USB computer interface. my DCC++ system is not yet programming, so i am using my backup DCC system.

    anyway, i can't get the ditch lights to flash alternately? i suspect either my programming is wrong, or my wiring of my locomotive main-board is incorrect.
    i am using the pink and brown wire connections for the two ditch lights. i was unsure of the polarity, so i connected the red wires of the ditch lights to the function terminals F4 and F5 (pink and brown wires in JMRI). i left the black wires of the LEDs connected to the factory location (headlight ground terminal, i assume).
    in writing this, i suspect the positive may go to the original location, while the grounds to the function pins? may be why they don't light at all? can anybody confirm or negate this theory?

    ~Travis
     
  2. Travis Farmer

    Travis Farmer TrainBoard Member

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    checked my other loco, and yes, i have the LEDs connected wrong... i will fix as soon as i get a chance. then i will see if i have it programmed correctly.
    i forgot the decoders are common anode. :)

    ~Travis
     
  3. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    I am having the same issue! Only I have used the green and violet wires for function F1 & F2.
    I know you have to use F8 to shift to the light mode- But I think that I have to find a way to flash the ditch lights when sounding the horn. Send a e-mail to TCS- No reply yet? Support is a bit slow!
     
  4. Travis Farmer

    Travis Farmer TrainBoard Member

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    well, i got the ditch lights to flash, in light mode, but not as a duel function tied to the bell sound. my original problem was solved by changing the polarity of the wires.
    so, to have them tied to the bell proves a mystery. it sounds very "prototype" to hear the voice call-back letting me know i am in light or sound mode. ;)
    perhaps i have the procedure of train operating wrong, but i think the ditch lights flash, and the bell rings, when operating at slow speeds? like saying "pay attention, this thing is starting to move".

    ~Travis
     
  5. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    Travis, I think that this will help:
    Set green & Violet (turn on/off with button 1 in light mode'
    CV 35 =4 CV 36=4 CV51=42 DITCH LIGHT Bi Directional) CV52=43 CV124=8 BLIKON BUTTON 2 ONLY.
    to set up button (2) to work in both light and sound mode program in order CV201=4 CV202=14 CV203=2 CV204-11 DUAL ENABLE BUTTON 2
    THEN SET CV8-10
    I HAVE SOME MORE INFO. I got this from Dan at TCS
    Send me an PM with your email and I can copy a past to you what I have.
    Jerry AKA woodone
     
    Travis Farmer likes this.
  6. Travis Farmer

    Travis Farmer TrainBoard Member

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    PM sent.

    ~Travis
     
  7. TexasRailroader

    TexasRailroader TrainBoard Member

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    How do you set CV8 to 10 if it is read only?
     
  8. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    The WOW IS much different?
    Strange programming.
     

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