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Testing ALL Digitrax 500 duplex Throttle Functions at Once?

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  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Seattle Area
  • 1,794 posts
Testing ALL Digitrax 500 duplex Throttle Functions at Once?
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Monday, April 17, 2017 7:58 PM

I've just had my dt400 series throttles upgraded to 402 Ds to go with my newest 500 duplex. They've just arrived back from the factory and I wondered if there is a tool or method available that will test every function on the throttles without having to punch in every CV, consisting, whatever combination by hand.

Does JMRI do anything like this? I'm a complete electronics idiot, but a more savvy buddy with JMRI know how or another tool  might be able to run such a test with me. Anything like an automobile tune up computer full diagnostic tool commonly available ?

Thanks. Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, April 17, 2017 8:15 PM

 How did you even do this? The option for a DT40x to DT500 upgrade is not even on the Digitrax web site. The only upgrade paths are DT400-402-402D and a DT500-DT500D.

 Loconet monitor in JMRI can show that the various button presses are woorking - all 30 functions, speed and directioon. The numbers you cna check by trying to select a loco and then pressing 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0 and watching the display. You don;t have to test every combination - if all 10 digits work, and the Consist key works, it will consist anything. If the Prog key works and switches between program modes, and the 0-9 keys all work, you can program any CV. Likewise if Switch works, and takes you to Switch mode, and 0-9 work, then it will operate any accessory address. There's no need to test every possible number if you know all the numbers work plus the function under test works with A number.

                         --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Seattle Area
  • 1,794 posts
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Monday, April 17, 2017 9:02 PM

Thanks Randy! Yes, I mis-spoke the throttle upgrade model #s. (I seem to always have to be in the train room to remember what they are)…I've edited my lst post. Sorry for the inaccuracy which helps nothingEmbarrassed

Just to clarify, you’re saying that I can do the 1-9-0 test solely with my throttles and not have to use JMRI to confirm, correct?  Told you i was a bit “thick” ;-)
Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 6:49 AM

 Yes. Just hit Loco and then start hitting the numbers from 1-9 and then 0. The display should show 1234 then 2345, 3456, 4567, 5678, 6789, 7890

That proves all 10 number buttons work. And the Loco button. You can do the same with Switch but it shouldn;t let you enter addresses that high, but as you've already proven the digits work, it doesn't really matter.

If you actually want to see the throttle put out the Loconet commands then you need to have JMRI running with the Loconet Monitor window, and you will see the messages sent as you push buttons on the throttle.

                                --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Seattle Area
  • 1,794 posts
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 2:02 PM

Thank you Randy. I always appreciate your knowledge and helpfulness. If I can ever offer scenicking advice when you get to that stage jut let me know. That, I seem to have some apptitude for Geeked

Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 2:23 PM

 That, I will need a LOT of help with.

             --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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