dcc engine

Can you run dcc engine as soon as you have put a decoder in or do you still have program it?

 

Alan:

Your loco will run on the default 03 address of the decoder.

If yopu want your loco's Number to be programmed, you must do so.

Say the loco number is 1234, you must program that number in the decoder or else your loco will only run on the default value of 03.

Stay cool and run steam.....

 

I agree with Bob, you either have to program the decoder to your desired "address" or run on the default from the decoder, usually 03.

Harold

 

If you want to run it with a 4 digit address then you will also need to program CV29 to tell the decoder to use long address instead of the 2 digit short address. The value in CV29 is typically 06 Hex (06 Dec) for using short address and 26 Hex (39 Dec) for using long address.

David

 

With most of the newer decoders, you don't have to program CV 29 for a long address.

Lenz decoders don't need to be programmed for a four digit address as that's incorporated in the decoder program.

Many of the Digitrax decoders no longer need to program CV 29.

Here is a website that has a program for programming CV 17, CV 18 & CV 29:


Calculating a long four digit address using CV17, CV18 & CV 29


Have fun...

Stay cool and run steam.....

 

PowerSteamGuy1790,

Can you show me where it says in the Lenz documentation that you don't need to program CV29 to tell the decoder to use long address? I downloaded the Gold decoder manual. I see where it says that if you program in a short address it automatically changes CV29 to zero out Bit 6 (actually Bit 5) forcing the use of the short address. However, it doesn't say that CV29 is automatically changed to force the use of the long address when CV's 17 and 18 are stored.

I also downloaded the Digitrax Decoder manual and cannot find a reference to not needing to program CV29 to tell the decoder to which address to use (short or long). Can you find a reference for me for Digitrax decoders?

David

 

You always need to program CV29 to change from 2 digit to 4 digit address.
Most systems do it automatically when programming a long address.
When using a Digitrax DT400 or Zephyr one needs to press the Y/+ button when prompted after programming the long address. This adds 32 to the value in CV29. Track power power should then cycle off. If not, remember to rock one side of the engine off the rail. Sort of like "restart your computer to finish..."
With the older DT throttles, you have to program CV29.
Not sure how Lenz handles it, but most likely in a similar "automatic" fashion. It is my understanding that cycling power is required to successfully program Lenz decoders.

Martin Myers

 

David:

Not every piece of information is in the printed manuals.

I've worked with the Lenz decoders for years, and I've never had to use CV 17, CV18 & CV 29 for four digit addressing.

When I program Lenz decoders on my Lenz 100 system, I always program four digit addresses without changing CV 29 or using CV 17 & CV18.

The same goes for most of the new Digitrax decoders. I never have to change CV 29 or use CV 17 & CV 18 on my Lenz 100 system. It's done automatically.

The same goes for most of the newer throttles and systems on the market these days.

With older Digitrax decoders you have to change CV 29 to four digit addressing and use CV 17 &CV 18. (DN 121)

I haven't used those old Digitrax decoders in years.

Going back to the old Lenz 511 , then the Lenz 521W and now the new Lenz gold mini series decoders, the four digit address is automatically compiled.

The same goes for the Lenz HO decoder, #1025 JST.

I almost exclusively use the Lenz decoders 521W and now the new Gold mini series decoders in my loco's wherever possible.

I only use the Digitrax plugNplay decoders where a plugNplay decoder is indicated.

Stay cool and run steam....

[ October 18, 2005, 08:24 PM: Message edited by: Powersteamguy1790 ]

 

Bob,

From what you have said, even if you don't see it or have to actively do it, CV's 17,18, & 29 are being changed. That is the only way that a long address can be stored and how a long address can be accessed. It may be that your system does it automatically for you but you are still accessing CV's 17, 18, & 29 for long addresses.

David