Folks,
I'm looking for basic english instructions to program a DH163 decoder using a DT400 throttle on a programming track. Ideally something like "Push left throttle until XXX appears. Push number 123 to activate the feature" if possible. The help I am looking for is:-Turning on the "Rule 17 Headlights" both forward and rear.-Turning on Ditch lights (I don't care if they flash).
I don't understand the Hex stuff...unless it can be explained in plain English as above. Thanks.
Dan
Page 43 of the Digitrax Decoder Manual has exactly the values to program for both Rule 17 on the headlight and flashing ditch lights.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Page 43 of the Digitrax Decoder Manual has exactly the values to program for both Rule 17 on the headlight and flashing ditch lights. --Randy
The manual Randy speaks of is available on-line: http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/decodermanual.pdf.
Beyond that, I can't help you. I don't understand what they mean on the table when they say set CV49 to x00 or 104/X68. I think one of these is the straight number you are looking for, and the other is the hex equivalent. But if so, I wish they would make it clear. Also, I don't think I saw a way to just make the ditch lights be either on or off without some flashing variation.
I'm sure Randy will jump in and tell us the proper values to use.
Regards
If you just want the ditch lights on when going forward, set CV51 and CV52 to 0. Also set CV35 and CV36 to 1 so they go on with F0.
There, I knew that Randy would have the easy answer.
Now, can you explain how you arrived at these values from the decoder manual?
maxman The manual Randy speaks of is available on-line: http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/decodermanual.pdf. Beyond that, I can't help you. I don't understand what they mean on the table when they say set CV49 to x00 or 104/X68. I think one of these is the straight number you are looking for, and the other is the hex equivalent. But if so, I wish they would make it clear. Also, I don't think I saw a way to just make the ditch lights be either on or off without some flashing variation. I'm sure Randy will jump in and tell us the proper values to use. Regards
The number before the / is the decimal (base ten) number. The number after the x is the hexidecimal (base 16) number. The x is not part of the number, it just tells you that it is a hexidecimal number. You only need the left 3 digits, the deciimal number. Ignore the rest.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
CNW 6000 Folks, I'm looking for basic english instructions to program a DH163 decoder using a DT400 throttle on a programming track. Ideally something like "Push left throttle until XXX appears. Push number 123 to activate the feature" if possible. The help I am looking for is:-Turning on the "Rule 17 Headlights" both forward and rear.-Turning on Ditch lights (I don't care if they flash). I don't understand the Hex stuff...unless it can be explained in plain English as above. Thanks.
Decoder Pro from JMRI is a free download. It's the best no money you will ever not spend.
OK, first, the numbers on page 43 are for flashing dish lights. Not what he wanted. So back to the table (assuming the ditch lights are wired to the F1 (green) and F2 (purple) wires).
Table IVB, Page 41: He wants normal function, no effects, so second digit 0
Table IVC, Page 42: Forward direction ON, so first digit also 0
This is in hex but you really need to not let it scare you. it's simple. Easier than decimal numbers when one CV is used for many options. With hex youcan have 16 options each with 16 settings - all described as simply 2 digits. You can't make a table using decimal numbers for this - well, you can but you have to list EVERY option then - as many as 256, because decimal numbers do not break down into two parts liek this. Just take the hex number and convert at the end - use the calculator in Windows
So what we have is a value of x00 hex, which since it's 00 is the same as decimal 0.
The green wire effect is controlled by CV51, the purple wire by CV52, so the setting needs to go to those two CVs.
At this point, one ditch light would go on if you hit F1, and the other when you hit F2. Probably not what you want. To make them come on with the headlight (F0), look to the function map table on page 50. ANd see thatmy values for CV35 and CV36 were wrong. You want F0 to control the white (headlight), green, and purple. So going across the F0F line (CV33), mark each wire you want to control. The values are under the whire colors at the top. White = 1, Green = 4, and Purple = 8. Add then up, this is the value for CV33, 13. No need to change CV35 or CV36.
Why do you think so many people believe that DCC is difficult?
With the use of multiple programming systems, and especially Hex, it´s almost impossible to grasp it all. I love the Soundtraxx, Lenz and ESU decoders because in their instructions all CV´s are explained in an easy way. No stuff like: -Set bit one to... etc. etc.
Why can´t all Mfg´s use the same system in their instructions? After all, it is a NMRA DCC standard we are using.
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
My Railroad
My Youtube:
Graff´s channel
Are you sure you're looking at the same Lenz manuals I am? I just downloaded a Lenz Godl manual and for things like CV29, motor control, and braking they give bit maps. Not simple decimal numbers for each possibility - because such a table would spread over more than one page. For the lighting functions, it looks like they really do it with Hex but since they don;t offer more than 5 or 6 options they list it as decimal. Lenz may have better motor control than Digitrax (WAY better), but Digitrax kills them on lighting functions.
Hex will always be easier to list all these options. Two tables, each with 16 lines. 32 total lines to list all possible options there can be. Versus 256 lines in a table if you want to list the decimal equivalent. What's really a shame is that we never teach (or don;t do a very good job of it) alternate bases in school. That should be somewhere around 6th grade in the US. I know it's in most 6th grade math books. But even if you don;t want to learn (and it makes understanding WHY people say "put 32 in CV29" possible), there are calculators that do it for you. Forget the 'conversion' aspect and treat the table as a checklist. Select the items you want. Put the digits together. OK, so x1C means nothing to you - put it in the calculator. Done.
I'll repeat it.
It will reduce your decoder programing chores to a series of check boxes.
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/DT402.pdf
Download this PDF and go mto page 55.
The instructions are clear.
Here is my process for such a situation.
Step one: Buy and install a TCS T4X, or T6X. Should just plug in in place of the DH. The engine will probably run better as well.
Step two: Follow the instructions that come with the decoder. They are a lot simpler.
It is a two step process. You need to figure out when the function comes on (remapping, usually in the CV33-36 range), then what the function does (Rule 17 dimming, directional or non, flashing, etc). (on TCS, in the CV 49-55 range)
Example on a TCS. Front light on with F0. Rear light on with F1. Both set to dim.
CV33=1 (front light, F0)
CV34=4 (rear light, F1)
CV 49=40 (on both directions, dimming)
CV50=40 (on both directions, dimming)
Loco-Buffer and Decoder Pro are great. There is a feature in Decoder Pro in which you can work on the computer without a hookup to the Digitrax system. It will show what it set the CV to, then you print it off and program it on the layout.
Or just bring it to our next open house at the club, and I should be able to get it going for you.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
Here's how I do it. I turn on both DC controllers, flip a couple of switches, and run my trains (tongue in cheek)! Gerry S.
chpthrls Here's how I do it. I turn on both DC controllers, flip a couple of switches, and run my trains (tongue in cheek)! Gerry S.
I'm confused. How does that address the OP's question?
"The help I am looking for is:-Turning on the "Rule 17 Headlights" both forward and rear.-Turning on Ditch lights (I don't care if they flash). "
WSOR 3801 Here is my process for such a situation. Step one: Buy and install a TCS T4X, or T6X. Should just plug in in place of the DH. The engine will probably run better as well. Step two: Follow the instructions that come with the decoder. They are a lot simpler. It is a two step process. You need to figure out when the function comes on (remapping, usually in the CV33-36 range), then what the function does (Rule 17 dimming, directional or non, flashing, etc). (on TCS, in the CV 49-55 range) Example on a TCS. Front light on with F0. Rear light on with F1. Both set to dim. CV33=1 (front light, F0) CV34=4 (rear light, F1) CV 49=40 (on both directions, dimming) CV50=40 (on both directions, dimming) Loco-Buffer and Decoder Pro are great. There is a feature in Decoder Pro in which you can work on the computer without a hookup to the Digitrax system. It will show what it set the CV to, then you print it off and program it on the layout. Or just bring it to our next open house at the club, and I should be able to get it going for you.
Thanks Mike (and others) for help. I think I was getting ahead of myself a bit. I did get the Rule 17 thing figured out. CV49=x68 (or 104) and CV50=x78 or (120) after some trial and error to figure that out (I had x68 on both CV49/CV50) but I like how it works. Only two of my locos (oldest RTRs) have chips that don't support the FX3 feature so they'll be getting replaced. Next thing for me is to get the Ditch Lights installed and then have 'em work such that they're off when front headlight is dim and off when front headlight is bright.
Phoebe Vet chpthrls Here's how I do it. I turn on both DC controllers, flip a couple of switches, and run my trains (tongue in cheek)! Gerry S. I'm confused. How does that address the OP's question? "The help I am looking for is:-Turning on the "Rule 17 Headlights" both forward and rear.-Turning on Ditch lights (I don't care if they flash). "
Cute sense of humor. There are times when I've thought "Remind me again why I'm using DCC" but then I remember that with DC I can only do limited things with my stuff...and I'm glad that I have what I do.
CNW
I'm glad that you were able to see the humor. It seems that a lot of guys just take this whole scenario a leetle to seriously. Actually, I've ordered a Lenz set100 and am taking the plunge into DCC after about a year and a half of "paralysis by analysis"! Enjoy Gerry S.