SMD8 programming

[foxtrackin]

I am trying to program a team digital smd 8 switch machine driver with a Digitrax super empire builder throttle and I must be leaving a step out because when I change the cv numbers and values so that I can run stall switch machines nothin happens. Any ideas what step I might be leaving out. I followed the directions that came with the driver. Thanks

[rrinker]

Are you sure you are using Paged Mode programming? The DT400 display should say Pg under the word Program when you are in Paged Mode.

--Randy

[foxtrackin]

Thanks for the reply Randy. Yes I try to make sure when I am programming that I stay in pg. Everytime I program one of the cv # and press enter it will turn the power off. Is that normal? The leds shows that it is programmed. The green led will flash and the throttle will show good on the display.

[rrinker]

Yes, that is normal with the Super EMpire Builder (DB150 as command station). The track power will be turned off for programming since there is no seperate programming output. The normal 'running' DCC signal has to be turned off to be able to send programming commands.
Try clearing everything - program CV7 with 170. Then start from the beginning. Set CV1 to 0, CV9 to 0, and CV's 3-13 all to 1. Then try controlling switch address 1.
I'll assume because you said you were following the instructions, you have installed the jumper on the SMD8 for programming.
You might also want to go into OpSw mode ont he command station and make sure OpSw27 is set to Thrown. Otherwise switch commands from your throttle will be ignored.

--Randy

[foxtrackin]

Randy, I went to check the opsw27,( I have never done this part before) I disconnected the loconet cable and then switched the mode toggle on the right side of the db150 to the center position for op mode and then connected by throttle dt400 to the b jack on the front panel. Then the instuctions says to press the mode key on the throttle to enter switch mode. There is No mode key on the throttle. The book shows a key that says mode but not on my throttle. Any idea what key I need to press? thanks

[rrinker]

You found yet another of the little bugs in the Digitrax manual. You need to press the SWCH button to go to Switch Mode. On the DT100/DT300 there weren't so many buttons, so there was a single MODE button that toggled between running trains, programming, or operating switches. Someone missed that line when updating the Super Empire builder manual, at least the copy I downloaded, which I think is the most recent version. A quick check of the Super Chief manual shows they did get it right there, it says press the SWCH key as the same step as "Press the MODE" key in the SEB manual.
If you haven't done so, check out the Digitrax group under Yahoo Groups. Lots of help there.

--Randy

[foxtrackin]

Thanks for everything Randy. I went in to opsw27 and it was set to close. I changed it to throw. Hooked up my loconet and everything worked like it was suppose to. Been workin on this problem for a week. I had called digitrax tech support and they never told me to try changing the opsw setting. Thanks again. I am back in business again.

[rrinker]

Well the default for it is SUPPOSED to be Thrown so switch commands work.

I don't trust defaults. I also do a factory reset on any decoder when I first install it, BEFORE trying to program it.

What OpSw 27 does, when set to Closed, is blocks the command station from sending the switch commands from a handheld. The idea is with a computerized dispatcher system, the average engineer would not be able to override the dispatcher and throw turnouts at will. Digitrax also calls it the "Bushby Bit" after the guy who suggested such an option.

--Randy