Hi,
I understand that the 'traditional' way of testing whether a DCC decoder install is correct is by trying to program the address on the programming track. Having replaced my programming track with a standalone section connected to a PR3, I was wondering if using the 'identify decoder by reading it' functionality of Decoderpro is also safe? (i.e. it has the limited current that the programming track does).
Thanks in advance,
tbdanny
The Location: Forests of the Pacific Northwest, OregonThe Year: 1948The Scale: On30The Blog: http://bvlcorr.tumblr.com
tbdanny Hi, I understand that the 'traditional' way of testing whether a DCC decoder install is correct is by trying to program the address on the programming track. Having replaced my programming track with a standalone section connected to a PR3, I was wondering if using the 'identify decoder by reading it' functionality of Decoderpro is also safe? (i.e. it has the limited current that the programming track does). Thanks in advance, tbdanny
I use it this way all of the time with no issues. Having the standalone track with the PR3, is one big advantage of the PR3. I also use the throttle to test functionality like lights, sounds and motor control. I generally can get get the motor to turn before the current limiting kicks in but it lets me know everything is working fine.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
PR3 is current limited just like the program outputs on a DCS command station so it's safe for testing.
Note that an Empire Builder system does not have a current limited programming output so a 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor should be added in series to one of the program track feeds to make it safe for testing decoder installs.