I guess I have to break down and ask for help :)
I've installed a DCC turntable from Walthers. What are the steps to program it to my throttle (running a Digitrax system)? The instructions just aren't clear enough for me to figure the rest out.
Thanks
ReadingFan What are the steps to program it to my throttle? The instructions just aren't clear enough.
What are the steps to program it to my throttle? The instructions just aren't clear enough.
Alton Junction
So then what's the answer then wise guy? So far your reply is less than impressive.
Reading Fan,
Are you asking how to program stops for the TT bridge? Or how to operate it using your DCC throttle?
I believe programming stops for the bridge must be done with the TT control panel. The instructions for this are in the Setting Programmed Stop section on page 4 of the control box manual. This can be tricky. Some things to remember are:
If you are asking about operation using your DCC throttle I can't help you. I may get there some day but I haven't yet tackled it.
Good luck.
PS: Richotrain is usually quite helpful. He may just be having an off day.
Not trying to be a wise guy.
My answer was sincere.
The instructions do seem quite clear to me.
From your initial post, we have no idea what you were able to do and what you were unable to do. We have no idea where to start to help you.
How far along are you? Were you able to program the bridge?
Which Digitrax system are you using?
Rich
skagitrailbird If you have programmed several stops and then want to move one, you must first delete it. But when you do, the system reassigns the numbers to all of the other programmed with a higher number. For example, stops 1 through 7 are programmed. You tne want to change the location of 4. When you delete it, numbers 5, 6 and seven will be renumbered 4, 5 and 6. If you want the moved stop to remain number 4, you will first have to delete the new 4, 5 and 6 stops, then reprogram 4, 5, 6 and 7.
That's not completely accurate, I'm afraid. If you want to insert a stop between ones you've already programmed, you have the option of doing so by selecting the track number after you set the stop. So let's say your track 4 stop was off a bit and you have to reprogram it, but you've already programmed stops 5, 6 and 7. Step 1 is to delete the bad track 4 stop. As skagitrailbird said, the controller will automatically renumber 5, 6 and 7 to be 4, 5 and 6. That's not a problem. Reprogram the new stop, this time aligning the tracks properly. By default the new stop would be 7, but before you accept the new stop you can override this and tell the controller to insert the new stop as whatever number you wish (in this case 4). The stops that had been previously automatically renumbered to 4, 5 and 6 will once again be renumbered, back to 5, 6 and 7. I've done this on several occasions.
I don't remember the exact sequence for sure, but I think you do this after aligning the track but with the stop number still flashing. Use the down arrow to change the number to the stop you want the new position inserted as, then hit the button that completes the programming sequence (I can't remember the label on the button).
It's in the instructions, which I for one found to be pretty unclear in general. If you read slowly and think very literally what is being said, you'll find it no problem.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Brunton It's in the instructions, which I for one found to be pretty unclear in general. If you read slowly and think very literally what is being said, you'll find it no problem.
The turntable kit includes an 8-page manual. As the manual indicates, the turntable can be operated through a DCC command station, treating the turntable as an accessory. The turntable is actually fitted with an accessory decoder. It uses accessory commands to move the bridge track. A chart is included in the manual to identify the accessory decoder's address for each approach track and each fan track and the movements for each end of the bridge track.
So, the key point is to treat the TT as an accessory, which it is, controlled by an accessory decoder.
Mark,
I think you are correct. My mistake.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate it. I'm good on programming stops, have avoided the no track zones, etc. Basic functionality is good. I'm stuck on integrating the setup into my DCC environment so that it can be controlled from the throttle. Instructions say that it can be done and describe how to use it once connected but seems to leave a gap on how to get there...at least I'm missing it.
Reading Fan, which Digitrax system are you using?
I just read the instructions on setting up the DCC address and using it. And they say Digitrax instructions are hard to understand? That instruction sheet is a MESS. Think I figured it out though.
Unlike most accessory decoders, the address is set with the control box. No page numbers in the document but it's the section labeld "Setting the turntable's digital address" If you haven't messed around with it, the address is 57.
But this isn;t the address you use to move it to a track stop! Oh no, you need to subtract one then multiply by 4 and then add 1 (say WHAT????). This is the DCC address of track position 1. As shown in the manual, witht he default address of 57, track 1 is 57-1 = 56 x 4 = 224 +1 =225. Track 2 would be 226, track 3 would be 227, and so on.
So press the Switch button, select address 225, and press Closed (Y) or Thrown (N), whichever is opposite the current position shown.
Yes, easier to operate it with the control box than try to calculate all that. Once you select an address, print up a little list of each track and the address so you will have a handy reference.
--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 Unlike most accessory decoders, the address is set with the control box. No page numbers in the document but it's the section labeld "Setting the turntable's digital address" If you haven't messed around with it, the address is 57. But this isn;t the address you use to move it to a track stop! Oh no, you need to subtract one then multiply by 4 and then add 1 (say WHAT????). This is the DCC address of track position 1. As shown in the manual, witht he default address of 57, track 1 is 57-1 = 56 x 4 = 224 +1 =225. Track 2 would be 226, track 3 would be 227, and so on.
LOL
I have always found that little piece of arithmetic very interesting.
Once again Randy, you nailed it. I kept looking at this as a stationary decoder. I had looked at the math and half ignored it because I figured I needed to hook into the loconet. As soon as I hit switch #225, the control box lit up and started to go.
Thanks everyone for another lesson.
It IS a stationary decoder. What may be confusing you is that some Digitrax and other brand Loconet compatible devices can be configured to get their commands over Loconet instead of the track bus. Loconet is somewhat unique in that reagrd. But any NMRA compliant stationary decoder gets its commands via the track bus. For example, you do not need a Digitrax system to use a DS64, the DS64 will happily respond to switch commands over the track bus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjvKv6jwCmQ
This youtube video for the Heljan version (same?) as Walthers? might be of help to folks. I don't think it covers everything the OP is looking for, but makes things much clearer to see it with one's own eyes how to program the t.t..
I have the older analog version so can't help otherwise...
Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.