Question about "programming track"

[liquidcross]

Alright, so I'm building my DCC-equipped layout, and one section of track will have insulators at the end to use as my "programming track." I'm told that's where I'll place my loco to program in all the functions and test it. My dumb question is this: once it's programmed, can I drive it right onto the regular track, and vice versa? I'll be using an Atlas Controller to switch back and forth between the main line and programming track; switching from one track to the other won't cut the power or anything, will it?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by liquidcross

Alright, so I'm building my DCC-equipped layout, and one section of track will have insulators at the end to use as my "programming track." I'm told that's where I'll place my loco to program in all the functions and test it. My dumb question is this: once it's programmed, can I drive it right onto the regular track, and vice versa? I'll be using an Atlas Controller to switch back and forth between the main line and programming track; switching from one track to the other won't cut the power or anything, will it?

you can do this, but you'll have to put in a toggle switch to turn off the regular power while at the same time turning on the programming power to the programming track, and vise versa for the other direction.

programming tracks don't use the full power that the regular track uses, since they only give just enough power to program and not move the locomotive.

Jay

[dave9999]

Use a DPDT switch. Wire the program leads to one side and the track power to the other. Then run leads from
the switch to the track. Isolate a section of track from the rest of the layout. After you drive your loco onto the programming track, flip the switch. Program the loco, and then simply throw the switch again to power the track.
Dave

[dave9999]

Jay, seems were thinking alike this morning.
Sorry, I was still typing my response when you posted yours.Dave

[lupo]

Thanks guys, I don't even have to post a topic to get my questions answered nowadays!