Digitrax decoder Function Remapping

[CPPedler]

Can someone advice me on the correct procedure for remapping a DH163D decoder so that I can switch the ditch lights on and off , independent of the headlight. I tried to set up F5 and F6 by using CV39 and CV 40 respectively but I'm not getting any luck . The decoder is fitted into an Athearn ready to run AC4400. Am I missing something or is this not possible with these decoders???? CPPedler

[rrinker]

F5 and F6 can only be set up to control F2-F6, violet wire, brown wire, and the mixed color ones. So if you have the ditch lights connected to the green and violet wires, you'll have to use F1, F2, or F3.
There's an exact example in the Digitrax Decoder manual for ditch lights on the green and violet wires, although it is headlight dependent in the example. You just have to change their example. It MIGHT work with CV51 and 52 set for 42 and 53, but I don't think you can get the ditch lights completely indepedent of the headlight, if you want them to flash. You COULD set them up to just go on and off when you hit the function key, independent of the headlight. They try to stick to prototypical rules when designing these things.

--Randy

[CPPedler]

Thanks Randy, I will try and adjust CV51 and 52 and see what happens but if the headlight is dimmed for Rule 17 then surely the ditch lights would not be on as it would defeat the object of Rule 17, particularly at night. Is this correct or not.??? CPPedler

[rrinker]

Right, with the headlight dimmed the ditch lights should be off.

Look here: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mjmx/ditch.htm

I don't think ANY decoder automatically shuts off the ditch lights when the headlight is dimmed. So you'll have to hit the ditch light F key at the same time as you dim the headlight. That web page has setting for Digitrax FX, FX3, Lenz, TCS, NCE, and Zimo decoders, and all of them need TWO keypresses to dim the light and extingui***he ditch lights.
Glad I don't have to worry about this, no ditch lights on the Reading in the 50's. Heck, no wierd flashing or rotating lights, either.

--Randy

[CPPedler]

Thanks Randy, This web is great and will be a lot of use , not just for lights. CPPedler