Continuous run tool for Digitrax and JMRI

[da1]

Hello all.

I have a small layout with two continuous run loops.  When I am working on other parts of the layout I like to start a train and have it running in the background.  Unfortunatley my Digitrax DCS100 purges the running loco after 600s of inactivity.  Honestly, 600s goes pretty fast when I'm working on a structure or other kit!   So when I forget to touch the throttle to slightly modify the speed before the 600s expires the train is stopped.

So.  I know that JMRI is pretty smart, but I really don't use if for anything beyond managing decoder settings.  What do I need to do to have JMRI notch the throttle up or down every 400s or so or until I command the train to stop?

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Keep you stick on the ice.

Dwayne A

[mfm37]

Your engine shouldn't stop after 600 seconds. Make sure option switch 15 is T (thrown). If it is closed, the engine will be forced to speed 0 when purged. You can also close option switch 14 which will disable purging.

[mbinsewi]

I have a Digitax Super Empire Builder Extra, an earlier version, not sure if it has changed at all, but, I have a train running for maybe as long as an hour, maybe an 1 1/2, and it's never stopped, and I don't touch the DT400 at all, only when to slow to a stop for the night.  My set uses the DB150.  Not sure if that makes a difference at all.

Mike.

[da1]

mfm37

Your engine shouldn't stop after 600 seconds. Make sure option switch 15 is T (thrown). If it is closed, the engine will be forced to speed 0 when purged. You can also close option switch 14 which will disable purging. 

Seriously?  It's that easy?  Great advice.  Thank you.

So side question...  Why would Digitrax put this automatic purging in there in the first place?  What undesirable outcome are they trying to prevent?

D

 

 

[mfm37]

It is there to purge unused addresses so the command station doesn't get filled up. When that happen you get the "Slot=max" message.

As already mentioned it is not default for a running engine to be purged and setpeed set to 00. Digitrax ships them so they stay running by default. Those types of changes are usually the fault of errant "gefingerpokin".

Martin Myers

[rrinker]

 Does take a bit of specialized level gerfingerpoken on a DCS100 consider you ALSO have to set the toggle to OPSW. But indeed, the default does NOT stop the loco, back when my workbench was right next to the layout I would start up a steam loco (with sound of course) running slowly around the layout as my background 'music' while I worked. It would happily chug around until I devided to cal it quits, be that a half hour, or 3 hours. That loco has a lot of run time, but not much mileage since I only ran it on step 5 or slower.

                    --Randy