I have used DecoderPro several times in the past to set up various "special effects" for headlight functions, but I am now trying to set up the CVs correctly for ditch lights and I am losing patience...I have managed to get various combinations of DL on and off, but I can't seem to get them both on steady and flashing alternately...I thought hobbies where supposed to be relaxing and fun!
First the particulars...
Decoder - DH163D
FOF and FOR wired to front and rear LEDs respectively
F1 - left ditch light GOW bulb
F2 - right ditch light GOW bulb
F3 - numberboard LED
F4 - not used
HO Athearn BB GP38-2
Using MRC Prodigy Express for DCC
What I would like to accomplish is this...I would like to be able to have both ditch lights on steady, and then flash alternately when F2 is pressed and "hold over" for a couple of seconds after F2 is released. I know it is possible to set the lights to come on with F0 on, but would it also be possible to set then to both come on steady and remain on when F1 is pressed so that I could have the forward headlight on, but the DL off? I have tried the Digitrax literature, but Hexi-speak is Greek to me.
I would also like F3 to come on steady and remain on with F0 "on"
Please excuse my ignorance, but I can't seem to determine which options are appropriate on the "lights" screen of DecoderPro. I would truly appreciate it if someone could take the time to explain which of the drop down options is appropriate for the various functions. Hopefully this will give me some sort of understanding so that future endeavors prove less frustrating :)
I am at work and forgot to write down what CVs I had previously entered (sorry). I will be doing a re-set on the decoder the next chance I get, as I fear I may have screwed something up, and that it may be impacting my level of "success". MRC PE doesn't have the ability to read back CVs (I know there are better options out there, but it otherwise suits my needs and budget) so this is probably my best option.
Thank you for your help.
Do you have the latest upgrade decoder definitions files for Decoder Pro (version 2.8) ?
I don't. I will update it when I get home.
Reformed GrownupWhat I would like to accomplish is this...I would like to be able to have both ditch lights on steady, and then flash alternately when F2 is pressed and "hold over" for a couple of seconds after F2 is released. I know it is possible to set the lights to come on with F0 on, but would it also be possible to set then to both come on steady and remain on when F1 is pressed so that I could have the forward headlight on, but the DL off? I have tried the Digitrax literature, but Hexi-speak is Greek to me.
Well, you haven't really tried the Digitrax literature if you think it's "Hexi-speak". Absolutely every bit of Digitrax doc I've ever read has had either the decimal values listed alongside the hex values, or a conversion chart.
That said, I'm going to give you a link right to some Digitrax doc with specific instructions for setting up ditch lights. I know it works because I've used it myself. And yes, it of course has the decimal CV values listed:
Digitrax home page->Manuals & Instructions->Decoder Programming notes (non-sound)->Setting Up Ditch Lights with Digitrax FX Decoders Wiring & programming instructions for prototypical ditch lights.
Steve
Stevert Well, you haven't really tried the Digitrax literature if you think it's "Hexi-speak". Absolutely every bit of Digitrax doc I've ever read has had either the decimal values listed alongside the hex values, or a conversion chart.
I'm glad you mentioned this, because I did peruse their website, although not the page you suggested, and what was confusing to me was the way things are noted, for example in a table showing CVs for how locos respond to throttle:
Loco Type V Start V Mid V Max
CV02 CV06 CV05
Switcher
Concentrated low speed. Limited top 002/x02 038/x26 064/x50
speed
So 002/x02 means the decimal equivalent of x02 is 002, which I would enter as the CV if this is the result I desire? I know I may sound stupid, but this is all relatively new to me, and nowhere do they go out of their way to explain their notation scheme - for all I know they want me to perform some algebraic functions It makes more sense now...
The page you linked gives a good idea of how to acheive a basic level of ditch light function, I am still wondering if there is a way to achieve the results I listed above. Is there a resource that explains what the different options in the "lights" drop down menu mean? ...I guess I am trying to achieve some greater level of understanding so that the next go 'round goes a bit smoother.
Thanks for the link and input.
I have a setup like you are describing on my SD-40-2 and SD-70MAC. I will read the decoders and will post how it is setup here when I get home from work today.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Reformed GrownupSo 002/x02 means the decimal equivalent of x02 is 002, which I would enter as the CV if this is the result I desire? I know I may sound stupid, but this is all relatively new to me, and nowhere do they go out of their way to explain their notation scheme - for all I know they want me to perform some algebraic functions It makes more sense now... The page you linked gives a good idea of how to acheive a basic level of ditch light function, I am still wondering if there is a way to achieve the results I listed above. Is there a resource that explains what the different options in the "lights" drop down menu mean? ...I guess I am trying to achieve some greater level of understanding so that the next go 'round goes a bit smoother. Thanks for the link and input.
So 002/x02 means the decimal equivalent of x02 is 002, which I would enter as the CV if this is the result I desire? I know I may sound stupid, but this is all relatively new to me, and nowhere do they go out of their way to explain their notation scheme - for all I know they want me to perform some algebraic functions It makes more sense now... The page you linked gives a good idea of how to acheive a basic level of ditch light function, I am still wondering if there is a way to achieve the results I listed above. Is there a resource that explains what the different options in the "lights" drop down menu mean? ...I guess I am trying to achieve some greater level of understanding so that the next go 'round goes a bit smoother. Thanks for the link and input.
Correct. The "x" simply means it's a hex value, and the / is like the word "or". So it's (decimal value) or (hex value).
But I'm not sure I understand your original post about how you want the ditch lights to work. This seems contradictory:
"would it also be possible to set then to both come on steady and remain on when F1 is pressed so that I could have the forward headlight on, but the DL off"
The ditch lights are either on (steady or flashing), or they're off. So I'm not sure how they can "come on steady and remain on ... but the DL off"
For mapping the number board lights (F3) to F0, try making CV33 and CV34 both 16. More info here.
As far as the "drop down menu", I assume you're talking about DecoderPro, right? Well, those decoder definitions are written by various people, so they can say whatever the author wants them to say. In other words, there may not be a direct correlation between the wording in those menus and the manufacturer's wording for a particular decoder or function. So sometimes it can be hit or miss.
Stevert But I'm not sure I understand your original post about how you want the ditch lights to work. This seems contradictory: "would it also be possible to set then to both come on steady and remain on when F1 is pressed so that I could have the forward headlight on, but the DL off" The ditch lights are either on (steady or flashing), or they're off. So I'm not sure how they can "come on steady and remain on ... but the DL off"
What I meant was I would like to have control of the ditch lights independent of F0, in other words F0F could be "on", but DL off. Is there a way to have both DLs activated by a single keystroke and yet flash alternately? Could F1 somehow be set up to turn both DL on steady, and then have F2 activate alternate flashing as normal (again, independent of F0).
Short answer: not on the Digitrax decoders. The ditch light functionality is tied in with F0 no matter how you remap the functions. There are two options and that's prtty much it: ditch lights on solid when the headlight is on, then flash when you press F2, or ditch light off when the headlight is on, and flash when F2 is pressed.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I read my SD-70MAc decoder tonight and you can see in the image what I got. The headlight is setup for a rule 17 dimmable head light and the ditch lights are setup as special logic for left and right ditch lights. the hold over time is the amount of time they flash after F2 is release. As previously stated the Ditch Lights are tied into F0 command and turn off and on when it is pressed (which I believe is prototypically correct)
I hope this helps.
Thanks to all. I was home today with the kids (winter break), so between entertaining them and installing a dishwasher (...and I thought CVs were a pain...some old houses are not meant to have modern appliances...) I was able to tinker with the ditch lights. I tried the Digitrax literature mentioned above and now that I am enlightened the results are satisfactory, not perfect, but I can live with the results. It is definitely a neat effect having them flash alternately and stay on with the holdover. I appreciate all of your assistance. I just need to peck away at the detail parts and then I will post some pics.