Decoder programing on the main or using isolated track

[JRP]

Hi Everyone, When it comes to programing your new decoder (both motor and sound), are there advantages in using an isolated "programing" track versus doing the programing on your "main line" track with full power? I have the Digitrax Zephyr and I can do either or. But I'd like to know what you think and have experienced with your systems. Thanks. JRP

[richg1998]

With new installs, it is advisable to use the programming track feature. There is a current limiting function when using a program function that protects the decoder if mis-wired or a wire that was not insulated and brushes up against the track or another wire. It has happened. I belong to some DCC groups that specialize in certain brands of decoders and controllers and I see this quite often. The program track was put in for a very good reason.

Also, if more than one loco is on the main, all will become programmed with the same address usually. If you only have one loco, no problem but as you add locos you might forget and program them all accidentally.

I use the NCE Power Cab and Micro-Tsunami decoders. I use the program track feature with no issues.

Rich

[CSX Robert]

richg1998

...Also, if more than one loco is on the main, all will become programmed with the same address usually...

When doing Ops mode programming, which is what "Programming on the main" refers to, you tell the system the current address of the decoder you are programming and only decoders set to respond to that address will accept the programming. The only exception to this is if you tell the system the current address is the primary address '0', which is the broadcast address. There is an item that causes some confusion with regards to programming on the main. When using a system wihout a separate program track output, some people incorrectly refer to page mode programming wihout the layout being shut down as "programming on the main." In the case, all deocders on the layout will respond to the programming commands.

[CSX Robert]

JRP

...I have the Digitrax Zephyr and I can do either or...

One thing to be aware of is that there is apparently a bug in the ops mode 4 digit address programming routine in the Zephyr's throttle. The command station has to write three CV's to write and enable a 4 digit address, but the Zephyr's throttle only does the first write when in ops mode. The Zephyr writes the 4 digit address correctly in service mode and the bug is in the throttle part of the software, not the command station part, so if you try to write a 4 digit address in ops mode using a DT series throttle or JMRI and a Zephyr command station, it does perform all three writes correctly.

[BRVRR]

When programming on a programming track you are in essence 'testing' your decoder installation with low voltage/amperage. Less chance of letting the smoke out of a decoder that way.

That said, I generally program the loco address into a decoder on the programming track then place the loco on the main and program the other CVs in OPS mode.

I have a Digitrax Zephyr which does a good job. I have a DT400 plugged into the system as well. It makes programming a little easier than with the Zephyr, but it too has a learning curve. Last year I added a LocoBuffer-USP and the JMRI DecoderPro. Now most programming, beyond the loco address, is done on the main.

The biggest advantage of OPS mode programming is that you see the result of CV changes immediately. This is particularly helpful when speed matching or when adjusting the sound levels in a sound decoder.

You can do all of the above with your Zephyr. The DT400, LocoBuffer and DecoderPro are add-ons that make the task easier for me.

Good luck.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 For new installs I program on a programming track but for routine programming such as changing CV's and such I do it right on the main. I have a few older decoders that require more power than the program track has so I have to program them on the main anyway.