Is a programming track required

Can I program on the mainline?

 

depends on what system you're using, and what you want to do. What DCC system are you using?

 

Also depends on the decoder. Some won't allow changing certain CV's in Operations mode.
IIRC, Lenz won't allow an address change except on a program track.

Programming track comes in handy to test decoder installations. Programming track won't fry the decoder if there's a short. Track voltage will burn them up faster than you can lift it off the rails.

A piece of track with wires connected to the program outputs of your system is all that is needed. Doesn't actually have to be on the layout. I use a piece of Kato Unitrak on my workbench.
Martin Myers

 

Martin,

I'd like to hear more about testing decoders on the programming track. How is this done?

Ben

 

I have a programming track and do all the programming there. Martin said "Programming track comes in handy to test decoder installations." I just wondered what loco testing can be done there.

Ben

 

I fried the first couple of decoders I installed via hardwiring. Real easy to do and the experience can be very unforgiving.

Today, after a decoder installation, I use my portable programming track (see details on my website address below) to see if I can set the address. If the decoder does not respond, you will get an error. The cause of the error is typically one of two things:

1. Something is wired incorrectly or shorted.
2. IF a soundtraxx or QSI decoder, they have a high input power requirement and require one of two different solutions to that problem:
   a - Use the resistor in series with the programming track trick
   b - Buy the programming track booster to put between your command station and the programming track, NOT to be confused with a power distribution booser.

By using the programming track to see if your loco will program before putting it on the mainline, you in effect, a short circuit test at low power greatly reducing the potential for damage to the equipment. So far, if the address sets, nothing burns on the mainline. This is a very good outcome.

Another benefit of a programming track is that on my system (Lenz) it only reads a decoder CV on the programming track. This means you can set any CV value on the main except for addressing, but you cannot inquire (read) a CV to see what its value is before you set it to something else. This is problematic when making adjustments and you don't like the current operation, but you don't know the current setting.

Hope this helps

Joe

 

I use the programming track only for reading CV values and for reprogramming the CV values. Except for the rare instance (two times only) of a loco becoming powered and actually running on the programming track I was unaware that any testing could be done there. I have no idea how the actual running occurred. The programming track is on a shelf completely separated from the layout. Luckily I did put bumpers at each end.

Ben

 

I have one section of track with a switch. Normaly it's connected to the according booster. You need at least a programming track if you change the address number.
And - like said - it's safer.

Wolfgang

 

I use my 'rolling road' as a programming/test track. When I've set up the addresses, etc, I move the wires over to 'main' and can then set up speeds, momentum and sound without running out of track (my layout is end-to-end).


(Actually, to be accurate it's end to about half way along at the moment :embarassed: )

 

While we are on the subject of a programming track, the DCC Specialties Programming Booster warns that you must never let a train on the regular track cross the gaps to any connected programming track else you fry the booster. This warning was more than sufficient reason for me to disconnect my integrated programming track and make my programming track portable and not connected to the layout at all.

Joe

 

Joe,

Absolutely! However, you can build in a isolation track before and after the integral programming track and you can prevent this from happening. You will need a 4P4T switch though.

My layout has a piece in the yard that is really a programming track depending on which way the switch is thrown.

http://www.nmra.org.au/Hints/Program Track/Program Track.html

 

MK,

Yes, that is a good option, however, my programming track was a passing siding with access from either end and things got more complicated than I wanted to deal with

And Thanks for sharing the source, I need to review that site.

Joe

 

Agree w/ those above affirming the programming track. Putting in a programming track is fairly easy. Just take a siding towards the front, isolate both rails, and feed it independently with a switch as other have mentioned.

Regardless the system, if you are programming on the mainline and not paying attention, you can foul up programming already in other engines, etc. I have a DigiTrax system. On the front of my layout is a combination passing siding and interchange track. I use this for programming addresses, etc. in the recommended Pg mode. When changing whistles, volume, bells, etc.. I do it out on the mainline in ops mode.

The bottom line is.. if you have gone to the trouble to convert to DCC... put in the programming track. The rewards to effort ratio is too high not to do so.

 

All locomotive addresses should be programmed on the programming track . (CV1)

Depending on the system all other CV's can be programmed on the mainline.

The programming track should not be connected/used on your main layout.

Stay cool and run steam....

 

Clarification ??

A couple of clarification Points:

It is my understanding that Loco addresses can ONLY be set on the programming track by most if not all DCC systems. This is to prevent accidental reprogramming of another locomotive on the mainline. Anyone know it to be different?

Other than locomotive address, (short and long) all other CVs can be changed on the main? Anyone know it to be different?

Joe

 

All CV's except the loco address can be programmed on the main if your system allows it.


Stay cool and run steam......

 

You can change addresses on the main (Ops mode). This is an excerpt from the NCE PowerHousePro manual:
"PROGRAMMING ON THE MAIN
...
ADDRESS PROGRAMMING (Option 1)
This option provides a means by which to program the address of your locomotive. Most decoders allow programming of the locomotive address while on the mainline. The first thing to do is decide if you want to program a long or short address into the locomotive."

But obviously if you have two decoders with identical addresses to start with you will have to take the non-target one off or you will end up with two differently identically addressed locos

 

Thanks Mike for the NCE information.

Actually, using the NCE system, wouldn't it change the address of EVERY locomotive on the main to the same address? If that is true, programming addresses on the main of a multi loco pike could be a small, saturday consuming disaster.

Thanks again for the excellent heads up on the NCE

Joe

 

Thats why you don't program loco addresses on the main.

Stay cool and run steam......