TCS Announces Firmware Fix for LNWI

This post is related to the Author's previous post on the same subject. You can't blame TCS for bragging.

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TCS is happy to announce that after several months of diagnostics and extensive trail-and-error-testing, we have been able to identify and resolve a known communications error between the UWT-100 throttle and the Digitrax LNWI.

We would like to thank the users who brought this issue to our attention, and are pleased to report that all is well once again!

In summary, the issue in the LNWI from Digitrax was caused by a change by the manufacturer of the WiFi device inside the LNWI. This change in the WiFi module required a software tweak by Digitrax. Without this new software update, the LNWI would sometimes have issues communicating with certain MAC addresses. The MAC addresses which would cause errors would need to end in ":4F" or less (in Hex) in order to throw errors and have issues communicating. With this being the case, this issue was not universal to all LNWI's and UWT-100's, making it very hard to diagnose! Additionally, this issue was NOT limited to the TCS UWT-100, and was easily reproduce-able on cell phone apps given the MAC address matched the criteria. We have confirmed that the issue has been resolved in the new update, which is available from Digitrax on their website:

https://www.digitrax.com/downloads/

If you have an LNWI with this issue (some throttles won't connect), here is what you can do:

• Follow the link above to download the LNWI firmware to your PC
• Download and install the Digitrax DigiIPL program (used to update firmware)
• Connect a PR3, PR4, etc. directly (and only to) the LNWI
• Check the firmware version of the LNWI using DigilPL. If it says 0.1 and you're having the problem, you can apply the update
• Load the new firmware into your LNWI. NOTE: While a LocoBuffer-USB will most likely work, there are a small number of cases where the LNWI won't recover from an error and you'll have to send your LNWI back to Digitrax to get it fixed.

Also note that if you're not having any problems with your LNWI, you probably don't need the update.

Again, we would like to thank the community for your prompt identification of this error's existence, and your patience while our team worked to find a solution. Suffice to say, we are pleased to know that we have delivered on a solid product, and the issue was not on our end.

We would also like to extend a thank you to Digitrax as well for their cooperation in diagnosing the issue and offering a fix.

We also look forward to continuing to deliver updates and new features to the UWT-100, as well as even more WiFi-enabled products moving forward. We hope you'll stick with us for the ride!

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Digitrax Announces LNWI Firmware Update Supporting TCS Throttles

Wait...What?...No...they didn't announce anything! Yet, if you go to the downloads page for firmware upgrades on the Digitrax website, there it is:

LNWI Firmware

Nov. 28, 2020 (version 0.2) - Support for TCS throttles

• LNWI R0.2 Firmware

No explanation, change list, no nothing! Some people would consider this very important but apparently Digitrax does not.

I'm sure there will be more to come on this. Stay tuned.

<Update 1>

From:

Stuart Baker via groups.io	Mon, Nov 30, 10:06 PM (11 hours ago)
to Digitrax-Users

I know that this says it is just for TCS throttles, but this updated fixed some LNWI versions out there that were having problems with some Wi-Fi MAC addresses. The issue is reproducible with Engine Driver, WiThrottle, and the TCS UWT-100. TCS happened to be the party that diagnosed the root cause of this issue.

It does not look like most LNWI devices are effected, but some devices did get into the wild that are effected. If you are having issues getting some devices to reliably connect to your LNWI, this firmware update may resolve the issue for you.

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LocoNet Signal Termination and The Digitrax PR3 and 4

JMRI's support for the Digitrax PR4 has been updated to reflect the PR4's inability to provide "LocoNet Data Signal termination".

This is a correction to JMRI's previous implementation of PR4 functionality. It reflects a more-accurate understanding of PR4 features by the JMRI development team.

When configuring a JMRI "connection" for the PR4, the "Command station type" of "Stand-alone LocoNet" is no longer available. Users with an existing PR4 connection which has been configured for a "Command station type" of "Stand-alone LocoNet" should change their "Command station type" to some other selection, such as "DCS100", and save the configuration profile.

Because LocoNet requires some source of "LocoNet Data Signal termination", and because the PR4 is not capable of providing that feature, it will be necessary to provide it using some other piece of LocoNet hardware. Both commercially-available and do-it-yourself options are available, as described in the "LocoNet Data Signal termination" section of the JMRI "Standalone LocoNet" help page.

UPDATE:

The Digitrax PR3 is capable of providing the required termination.The documentation pointed to above under the heading PR3 has kept up with the changes made in JMRI although it doesn't appear to since the selection "Stand Alone Loconet" in JMRI Preferences does not reflect what the documentation states. Here is the reply received when the author brought this point up to the JMRI users’ group on groups.io.

BillyBob experimenter wrote:

John G wrote about a JMRI "Documentation error" in the JMRI help which describes standalone loconet connections.

Yes, somewhere along the way, JMRI code changed, and those specific options changed.  And the documentation was not changed to match.

What is currently implemented is "Stand-alone LocoNet". It is equivalent to "Stand-alone LocoNet; interface device 'terminates' the LocoNet Data signal ".

Regards,
Billybob

Thanks to BillyBob experimenter for the reply and the outstanding work being done by the JMRI developers. No doubt this will be updated somewhere in the next couple of JMRI updates.

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Digitrax is proud to announce the UT6 family of throttles!

From Digitrax Nov. 20, 2020:

Features:

• Works with compatible LocoNet Systems

• Compact size for easy one-handed operation

• Color 1.5” LCD Display Screen

• Full numeric keys for easy locomotive selection

• Fine speed control with encoder knob

• Forward/Reverse toggle switch with braking

• On/Off Switch, uses AA or BP600MH batteries

• 2 or 4 Digit Locomotive decoder access, provide over 

• 9,000 loco addresses

• 29 Functions

• Digitrax Infrared operation with UR90/91/92 (All models) 

• Over 2000 turnout decoder addresses

• Locomotive Recall feature

• Convenient Throttle Option Setup

• Detachable LocoNet cable and Lanyard

• Replaces the UT4.
  
  

UT6D/DE Specific Features:

• Duplex wireless with UR93/92
  
  
• Duplex Scanner and Duplex settings editor
  
  

 UT6 MSRP $105.00 product page

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UT6D MSRP $170.00 product page     

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UT6DE MSRP $179.00 product page  (for Europe/CE)

Digitrax has a video they added on youTube for these here.

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Which Horn With Which Locomotive?

If you are a browser of model railroader forums you have almost certainly come across questions related to particular railroads, their locomotives and which horn a specific engine was equipped with. Questions such as “I have a Delaware & Hudson GP38-2. Does anyone know what horn this engine had?” While each railroad did require that the factories equip each of their different locomotive models with a specific horn (more often the factory dictated the type), over time a specific engine’s horn may be changed. Let’s face it, at the least, things break (trees, diaphragms, etc.), are stolen or just wear out.

Railroads replace these with whatever they have in spare parts. Idle locomotives cost money! Also, locomotive rebuilds can and often do result in different horns being fitted. Over time you will have multiple different horns on the same locomotive type. Model railroad manufacturers are not much help here either. They’re like the railroads. They put what they have on hand in parts on their locomotives when they have them built to get them out the door. Idle locomotives cost money! (sound familiar?)

Here’s a mismatch example:

Figure 1 Prototype of a WM FA2 with 5 chime horns while it's model came with single chime horns

Trying to figure out which horn goes on which of your model engines can be a daunting task. Hopefully the information the author has in this post will help you at least get close to what actually existed.

Below is a list of the horns used by railroads and although this list is not comprehensive it a good cross reference to make sure you are in the ballpark below with your choice. In addition, a link has been included to in-depth information on individual horns with pictures and how they were named.

Last but not least, and where you should start your search, is a link to fallen flag railroads and pictures to many, many of their locomotives.

The one thing to remember is all this is your absolute best bet for determining proper airhorns is pictures of the prototype loco that you're actually modeling. Once you have the locomotive’s picture with the horn you can use the other link and compare the horn in the picture to the horn in the link to find a match.

List of Railroads and their Horns (List from Soundtraxx, thanks for the research)
Amtrak - Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Atlantic Coast Line - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Wabco E2
Baltimore and Ohio - Nathan M5, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L, Leslie S5T
Bangor and Aroostook - Nathan M3, Leslie A200, Leslie A125
Boston and Maine - Nathan M3, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S3L
Burlington Northern - Nathan M3, Nathan P3, Leslie A200, Leslie S2M, Leslie S3L, Leslie S5T, Leslie RS5T
Burlington Northern Santa Fe - Holden M3H, Nathan P3, Leslie A200, Leslie S2M, Leslie S3L
Canadian National - Holden M3H, Holden K3L
Canadian Pacific - Holden M3H, Holden K3L
Central of Georgia - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Leslie A200, Leslie A125
Chesapeake and Ohio - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy - Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S2M
Chicago and North Western - Nathan M3, Nathan P3, Nathan P5, Nathan K5H, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S3L, Leslie S5T
Conrail - Nathan P3, Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Cotton Belt - Nathan M3, Nathan P3
CSX - Nathan P3, Nathan K5H, Nathan K5LA, Leslie S3L, Leslie RS5T
Delaware and Hudson - Nathan M3, Wabco E2, Leslie S3L
Erie Lackawanna - Nathan M3, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Frisco - Nathan M5, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S3L, Leslie S5T, Wabco E2
Grand Trunk Western - Holden M3H, Leslie A200, Leslie A125
Great Northern - Leslie A200, Leslie A125
Illinois Central - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan P3, Nathan P5, Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie RS5T, Wabco E2
Kansas City Southern - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan P5, Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Wabco E2, Leslie RS5T
Lehigh Valley - Nathan M3, Leslie A200
Long Island - Nathan M3
Maine Central - Nathan M3, Nathan K5LA, Leslie A200
Milwaukee Road - Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S2M, Leslie S3L
Missouri Pacific - Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
New Haven - Wabco E2
New York Central - Leslie A200, Leslie S2M, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Nickel Plate - Nathan M5, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Norfolk and Western - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan P5, Leslie A200, Leslie S5T
Norfolk Southern Railway - Nathan M5, Nathan P3, Nathan P5, Nathan K5H, Nathan K5LA, Leslie RS5T
Northern Pacific - Nathan P3, Leslie A200
Pennsylvania - Nathan M3, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L
Reading - Nathan M3, Nathan M5
Rio Grande - Nathan M3, Nathan P3, Leslie A200, Nathan K5LA, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Rock Island - Nathan P3, Nathan P5, Leslie A200, Leslie A125
Santa Fe - Nathan M5, Nathan P3, Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S2M, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Seaboard System - Nathan M5, Nathan K5LA
Soo Line - Nathan P3, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Southern - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan P3, Wabco E2
Southern Pacific - Nathan M3, Nathan M5, Nathan P3, Nathan P5, Nathan K5H, Leslie A200, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Spokane, Portland and Seattle - Nathan M3, Nathan P3
Susquehanna - Nathan K5H, Leslie S3L
Tennessee Central - Nathan M5
Union Pacific - Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Leslie S3L, Wabco E2
Virginian - Nathan M3
Wabash - Leslie A200, Leslie A125, Wabco E2
Western Maryland - Nathan M5, Leslie A200, Leslie S5T
Western Pacific - Nathan M5, Leslie A200
Wisconsin Central - Nathan P3, Leslie S3L

Individual horn pictures, naming, sound samples and more than you could possibly want to know about a particular horn are here.

For fallen flag prototype pictures look here.

I hope this helps you find what you need. Happy hunting!!

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Digitrax Announces New BD4N Detection Device

From Digitrax Nov. 2, 2020:

Now Shipping: BD4N DCC 4 Block Occupancy Detector

BD4N DCC 4 Block Occupancy Detector Features:

• Low-cost, High-sensitivity DCC block-occupancy detection.
• Adjustable resistance/current detection section (DS) trip threshold.
• 8A capacity, suitable for all scales and track wiring configurations.Noise resistant and compatible with BDL168 sections.
• On-board status leds for stand-alone occupancy and track power indication, expandable for optional LT5 or fascia mounted occupancy indicator leds.
• Plug and Play connections to simplify setup. Can cascade Booster wires.
• Isolated Occupancy output signal lines can drive most common signal system or control interfaces.
• Compatible with DS64 and SE8 modules for signaling, control and reporting occupancy onto LocoNet.
• Replaces the BD4 (has been discontinued).

BD4N MSRP $36.00 

There's some problems here though. They do not give a lot of information that model railroaders may need. Such as:

• No close look at the device
• No indication of where the sensitivity control is located (presumably setting all four blocks at once, not individually)
• No spec on the LED voltage supplied
• No info on the outputs to feed signalling boards
• No description of the cable for the LED outputs.

Most of these problems can be answered by examining the instruction sheet.

You will have to make your own decision on this one.

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Nixtrainz Decoder Buddy Miniature 21 Pin Motherboard

Back in March of this year (2020) I posted about the NixTrainz-Decoder-Buddy-v5-21-pin decoder motherboard and its benefits. The only problem with this item is in trying to get it to fit in smaller installations. Its dimensions are 17 mm x 56 mm x 9 mm (0.67” x 2.20” x 0.35”). 

To solve this issue NixTrainz has added the Decoder Buddy Mini motherboard to its line of products. See Fig 1.

Fig 1 Decoder Buddy Mini

Dimensions are 17 mm x 35 mm x 9 mm (0.65”  x  1.35”   x   0.35”). This motherboard has all the connections you would normally expect plus pads for a keep-alive and also a pad for the keep-alive control connection if you install one of those. Resistors for use with LED lighting are included. (separate axial 2.2K) (Also available with 0 ohm, 750 ohm and custom specified resistors for function outputs. This accommodates incandescent lamps or bulbs). It is IMPORTANT to realize that resistors must be used when LEDs are connected to the four lighting outputs of the Mini! The resistors may be soldered in line when purchased or the included resistors may be soldered inline upon installation. Remember there are different incandescent lamp voltages and current draw that have to be taken into consideration also. 

Suggested retail price for this motherboard is $14.00. The author has seen it for as low as $10.95. It is currently available and in stores.

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Update To Chooch Enterprises Founder Retiring

Good News!!

Special Announcement!

 

Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. is proud to announce that we have purchased Chooch Enterprises and that Chooch is now a member of the Walthers family of products!

    

The product line has found a great home with Walthers; as a significant distributor of the Chooch line, Walthers is uniquely poised to take on ownership of the portfolio and put the energy of the Walthers brand behind it bringing these exceptional products forward. We appreciate and value the creativity of Mike O’Connell and wish him well in retirement. Walthers will continue to market and sell product under the Chooch name.

 

Additional details will be coming in the days and weeks ahead. You may continue to order your favorite Chooch products through Walthers by visiting Walthers.com or calling (800) 4-TRAINS.  Thank you for your business.

The author was hoping for this to happen

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Soundtraxx Current Keepers Finally Catch Up To TCS Keep-Alives

Train Control Systems decoder (WOW) owners know about the Keep Alives available for their decoders. Known as KA1 through KA4, they have various shapes which allow them to fit in various locomotive shells depending on the room available for them. The most popular are the KA3 and KA4.

Figure 1 Train Control Systems KA3

The KA3 has the capacitors arranged inline (25.9mm x 11.43mm x 8.81mm).

Figure 2 Train Control Systems KA4

The KA4s' are arranged in a square (13.22mm x 13.22mm x 11.55mm).

Soundtraxx has their Current Keeper with 5 capacitors (40mm x 6mm x 11mm).

Figure 3 Original SoundTraxx Current Keeper

The good news is SoundTraxx has finally caught up to Train Control Systems. They reduced the foot print of their Current Keeper by arranging the 5 capacitors as close to a square as they could (20.1mm x 13.2mm x 11mm).

Figure 4 SoundTraxx' Current Keeper II

This is a good reduction in size for the Current Keeper and given the odd number of capacitors it's the best they could do. It is currently in stores and available on line.

For those modelers with SoundTraxx equipped locomotives these would be a great fit (pun intended).

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8 Essential Rules for Storing Model Trains

Thanks to ModelTrainStuff.com for some good ideas here.

As model railroaders, building our layouts cost us much time, effort, and money. We show as much of our engines and rolling stock as possible on these layouts but often we simply end up having more in our collection than we have space for (sound familiar?). While some fortunate modelers may have the space to feature a massive classification yard where they can store and switch out their entire rolling stock collection as needed, most of us usually need some external storage.

Here are some guidelines for storing your equipment off-layout.

Do: Store Your Collection in Their Original Boxes

The best way to store anything when you’re not using it is by keeping the original packaging. Whether for trains, track, or structures, holding on to the original box will ensure a safe means of long-term storage. Items which include their original packaging will also retain a higher resale value than those without them, so even if you plan to use another storage method, make sure to hold onto those boxes! Since many boxes come with partially see-through packaging, do not store them in direct sunlight. This will avoid fading and heat-related damage to both the box and the model inside.

Don’t: Wrap Trains in Newspaper, Bubble Wrap, Clothing or Sarah Wrap type products

Here’s why:

• Newspaper can leave permanent smudge marks through ink transfer when you handle the trains
• Bubble wrap can also leave marks, and can damage delicate components such as railings if the models are packed too tightly
• Old clothing can hold anything from residual dirt and dust to detergent and dyes. These elements can ruin models over time, removing color and detail; potentially leading to corrosion. Loose strands and fibers can also catch on small details and damage them, and hairs can find their way into motor mechanisms

NOTE: brasstrains.com sells packages of 100 plastic sheets they use to wrap their brass models. If it's good enough for brass, guaranteed it's good enough for plastic. The author recommends you use these in combination with the next DO.

Do: Wrap Your Trains in Acid-Free Tissue Paper

Wrapping your trains is a good idea, but if you use an acidic tissue paper, this will eventually become brittle. This leads to the acidic properties seeping out of the paper, which could discolor or corrode your stored pieces. This is especially crucial to consider if you’re storing for a long period of time and don’t have the full original packaging for the item.

Important: Acid-Free has several meanings. For further very good information on tissue paper read this article.

NOTE: To avoid over-handling of items in storage, you should label them. It would be best if you produced an inventory checklist of where things are to minimize how much sorting you’ll have to do when looking for something.

Don’t: Combine Items for Storage

You should always aim for one train, one box. Likewise, with buildings, trees, rolling stock, or other detail pieces. If items go together, such as a specific passenger consist or train set, keep them separate but ensure you store them together. Don’t tie them together and do not use rubber bands.

Do: Develop a Safe Method for Short Term Storage

Unless you can fit all of your rolling stock on your layout at one time, you’ll likely be swapping out cars and locomotives fairly frequently. Obviously storing them in their original boxes, while safe, will make any swap cumbersome and time consuming. For short term storage of items constantly in use, we recommend using dense foam padding (cut to size) in either a cardboard or wooden box, or even a drawer under the layout. Cars and locomotives can be stored upright or on their sides (providing you also cover the base of your storage container with a layer of foam) and should be separated in rows to ensure maximum protection. This will allow you to safely and efficiently store your most frequently used items without the need to package them up after each use.

For more information on foam storage look here.

Don’t: Store Trains Loose in Boxes

If you have an appropriately sized box or have retained the original box but lost the Styrofoam housing for the model, don’t simply put the item back loose into the box. This will allow it to roll freely with any movement, potentially damaging it, and won’t provide the padding or protection needed for storing with other boxes.

Do: Use Robust Storage Containers

Sturdy cardboard or wood containers are ideal for safe storage of your collection. All you need to do is cover any staples, screws, or anything else that may rust or potentially come into contact with their contents. As mentioned earlier, you can also store items in drawers, whether in their original packaging, or on their own in a foam cradle with other models.

NOTE: If you still want to display your models when you’re not using them, a display case is a great option which can double as both storage and decoration for your train room. They free up storage space, and allow you to view your models even when not on the layout.

Don’t: Use Acidic Odor Emitting or Green Wood

Woods that omit acidic odor, or green wood (wood that has recently been felled) can be potentially disastrous for your trains and other items in long term storage. Whether it’s acid or moisture seeping into your storage, both have the potential to ruin your collection over time.

Do: Store Your Models in a Climate Controlled Space

While it might be tempting to store your collection out of sight in the attic or garage, this can create a range of problems. Fluctuations in temperature can cause plastic to expand or potentially melt if the space gets hot enough, and spaces such as attics and garages can often be damp, which will lead to damage to exterior packaging and potentially cause metal components to rust. Similarly, cold and dry storage can lead to performance issues with locomotives.

Your best bet? Store your trains where you run them, in a climate-controlled environment within your house. If you have no other choice but to use an attic or garage, consider adding a humidifier/dehumidifier to mitigate some of the effects of changing conditions. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to storing your trains. However, once you have a system, a suitable space, and a way to catalog what you’ve stored, you’ll find it’s easy to keep your collection in pristine condition. And getting your storage habits right early-on will save you from a lot of problems in the long-run.

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June 23, 2020

TCS Announces New v2 UWT-100 Firmware Upgrade With Many New Features

There are a LOT of new features added to the TCS UWT-100 WiFi throttle. Some of them are shown in the figure below.

For complete details of the upgrades go to the upgrade announcement here.

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Volume Control By Function Key In LokSound Decoders

Those of us who may own a Broadway Limited diesel engine with Paragon 2/3 sound know that function key 8 (F8) acts as a mute button and also a volume control. A single press mutes the sound and double presses cycle through multiple steps which increase the engine volume until you reach the maximum volume and then it starts over at minimum volume.

What you may not know is that ESU LokSound v4 and v5 decoders also have this capability. You just need to map the functionality to a function key as this is not default behavior. Here's how.

After loading the appropriate sound file into the programmer click on the decoder view pane and select the function mapping screen shown in figure 1.

Figure 1

Select a function key mapping that is either empty or one that you can do without. Here, the author selects F6 since very few of his locomotives have a need for the AUX outputs. Also staying within the lower numbered function keys allows easy access. Do not select the prime mover sound slot. That will not work. Click on the Physical outputs column and un-check any functions that are there, figure 2.

Figure 2

Now switch to the Logical functions column click on it and select Volume control shown in figure 3.

Figure 3

Write the decoder data to the engine and you are done. That's it! There is no need to write the sound file to the decoder (30 minutes) as these adjustments only change decoder data not sound data. Now F6 functions as a mute/volume control. A single press mutes all engine sound and double presses cycle through the six sound levels. Easy enough.

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Zero Stretching

Summary: Zero Stretching is an optional feature which allows operation of a locomotive without a Multifunction Decoder installed.

Short Definition - Method of running a DC powered locomotive on DCC powered rails.

Also known as Zero Bit Stretching in the Digital Command Control specifications. May be informally referred to as Address 00. It may be possible to power a single analog (non-decoder equipped) model locomotive by itself or in addition to DCC equipped locomotives through a method known as Zero Stretching. Refer to the documentation for the DCC system in use as it is an optional feature, e.g. Digitrax supports zero stretching at address 00 while NCE does not.

Cautions
This feature was created to make DCC appealing during the early days. It enabled migration while minimizing fears relating to the cost and installation work required to upgrade to DCC. Zero Stretching is not part of the NMRA DCC specification and as such, not all Digital Command Control systems support Zero Stretching.

Note
Some locomotive manufacturers do not recommend operating a non-DCC decoder equipped locomotive on a DCC system. Refer to the instructions before trying your new locomotive on a DCC powered track.

Decoderless Locomotives on a DCC Layout
To operate a locomotive which is not equipped with a decoder, the DCC waveform on the rails is modified. This modification affects the "zero pulse". The DCC waveform has a DC value of zero (15V - 15V = 0), so when zero stretching or analog mode is not in use, a non-decoder equipped locomotive will not move. The DCC waveform normally consists of symmetrical pulses, two of which equal one cycle. Under these conditions no torque is produced in the motor.

As shown, the Zero Pulse consists of a pulse, with a nominal duration of 100 micro seconds (µS). The complete cycle is 200µS. Under normal conditions the voltage of the pulse is canceled by the second one in the cycle.

How Does it Work?
To implement Zero Stretching, half the zero-bit cycle is modified. One of the pulses can be made a lot longer in duration than the other, which will cause current to flow for a longer period of time. By controlling which half of the cycle is longer, the direction of the motor can be determined. The command station will make the necessary changes to the DCC signal to create the desired effect, based on the throttle's input. As locomotive speed increases the command station will create more Address 00 packets.

Since the data packet consists of eight bits, a total of 16 pulses will appear on the rails (two per bit). Which is 1.6mS in total. So, it is possible for the stretched bit to equal 1.5mS. The speed is determined by the amount of bit stretching and the rate at which Address 00 packets appear. Zero Stretching will not produce as much torque as using pure DC will.

A zero pulse, two of which equal DCC Waveform, illustrating zero bit stretching. Any pulse between 90 and 110µSecs is one cycle.

Important Warnings

Caution: Because of the frequency of current flow changes and the harmonics present, DC motors will heat up much more quickly than they would on an analog power source, and some motor types can be seriously damaged with only a brief encounter with DCC track. Many motors will buzz and hum when presented with this type of power. In the early days of DCC there was an unfounded fear that zero stretching would cause motors to overheat, destroying them and melting the body. Those fears were never realized.

1. Do not leave locomotives that are not equipped with a decoder on the track
2. All direct current locomotives will respond to the signals created by Zero Stretching. Which may have unintended results.

Coreless Motors - subject of a future post
Coreless motors and other types of precision motors should not be used on a DCC powered track (unless a DCC decoder is installed). Normally, current flow is limited by the back EMF that a motor generates when it is spinning, but the DCC waveform is full voltage all the time, even when address 00's throttle is closed, the zero stretching is at a minimum, and the motor is stopped. The waveform is not high enough in frequency for the low inductance to limit the current flow when there is no back EMF, so the windings look like a short. They lack the iron core to sink the heat generated by excessive current flow, which will kill them very quickly.

Bandwidth
As locomotive speed increases, more bandwidth will be demanded of address 00, which can have an impact on response times when more than 5 DCC equipped locomotives are also in operation. This technique is a bandwidth hog due to the need to constantly send packets addressed to 00.

Thanks to the DCC Wiki for a lot of this information.

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Digitrax DT-602 Series BP600MH Ni-MH 600mAH 3.6v Battery Pack Announced

Digitrax has just anounced the release of the DT-602 Series throttle rechargeable battery pack.

• Nickel-Metal Hydride 600mAH 3.6v Rechargeable Battery Pack.
• Compatible with Digitrax throttles with 3-pin battery plug.
• Chargeable when inside Digitrax throttles, no need to remove the battery cover.
• No battery “memory” effect.
• Works with DT602 Family of throttles.

For complete details go to the Digitrax web site here.

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June 23, 2020

Digitrax is proud to announce the DT602 family of throttles! (Updated 12 August 2020)

The DT602 Advanced super throttle gives you direct control of two locos at a time with all the powerful features and flexibility serious model railroaders demand.

Available in standard tethered or Radio Duplex. The DT602 is designed to handle nearly every aspect of layout control. With the DT602 you can run trains, create consists, set up routes, control up to 29 functions including sounds and so much more.

With the soft On/Off switch and advanced power saving modes you can now operate longer than ever.

Read the full release notes here.

For videos:

    Quick 602 promo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97qkcla0cCA

    602 Quick Start Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvVCLCeyabQ   

Update 12 August, 2020 - It appears that this throttle has its share of problems. The main one is that some of the throttles bypassed some steps in the manufacturing process (no idea how that happens). This resulted in a serious problem with the battery contacts. A problem serious enough that several users have had their throttle smoke (read, burn up!!) the instant they first put batteries into it. This requires contacting the Digitrax help desk and sending the unit back to Florida for a free fix. Other problems are that the throttle has issues when synching to a layout. There are also two firmware upgrades for this throttle already. They are available in the download section of the Digitrax website.

Author's Note : This throttle was NOT tested nearly as much as it should have been. I think what they did was just have the engineers test it and that's the worst thing you can do. They know how it's supposed to work and that's really all they test. I know this from being the software industry for 30 years. You NEVER let the people who wrote the code be the testers. Dedicated testers ask how it's supposed to work and then write tests that check there were no lies told 😁. A prime example, when I was a junior engineer I wrote code that required the user to enter their SSN. The tester wrote a test that just hit the Enter key with nothing entered. The code promptly exploded and dropped to the system prompt (not good). My response was "why would you ever do that?!?!?!". Answer: "because they can!". Lesson learned.

Digitrax, learn the lesson!

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June 23, 2020

DCC Decoders and Indexed CVs

Indexed CVs are a way to have more CVs than just those available in the range 1-1024 inclusive (a limit set by the DCC packet standards in S9.2.1). Many of these are already reserved for particular purposes.

However, the NMRA standards covered that need and provided for a way to allow for many more CVs. This is intended to be done by a page indexing system for CVs in the range 257-512 inclusive, allowing for in excess of 16 million CVs.

The NMRA standard S9.2.2 covering Configuration Variables defines the following:

- CVs 1-256 (inclusive) and 513-1024 (inclusive) are to be treated as normal CVs.

- CVs 257-512 (inclusive) are to be treated as paged index CVs, with the page number being stored in CVs 31 and 32 (the index registers).

What this means is that there is a total of 65,536 possible pages of CVs 257-512, so you need to set the correct values in the index registers before accessing any CV in this range.

In JMRI the convention is "CV a.b.ccc" for these NMRA-compliant indexed CVs, where "a" is the value to load in CV31, "b" is the value to load in CV32 and "ccc" is the desired CV number (in the range 257-512) on the page specified by "a" and "b" combined.

Question: when JMRI sends a command targeting CV2.257, does the packet structure sent reference a CV address of 257? or does it reference a CV address of 513? (ie 257+256)

In the case of SoundTraxx decoders, it sends a "write value of 2 to CV32", followed by the "read/write value of CV257".

CV32 is a special "secondary index CV" in the decoder.

Question: When JMRI sends a command targeting CV3.257, does the packet structure sent reference a CV address of 257? or does it reference a CV address of 769?  (ie 257+512)

In the case of SoundTraxx decoders, it sends a "write value of 3 to CV32", followed by the "read/write value of CV257".

QSI

QSI indexed CVs predate the S9.2.2 indexing specification and use CV49 alone or (CV49 & CV50) as subindexes to several other < 257 CVs.

ESU

ESU implemented indexed CVs as per NMRA S9.2.2, so you will see CVs like 16.2.384 in these decoder definitions.

ZIMO

ZIMO also followed the NMRA speciation.

SoundTraxx

SoundTraxx has now implemented S9.2.2 style indexed CVs in its Econami and Tsunami 2 ranges. But they use a fixed value of 16 in CV31 so only quote the value in CV32. So, you will see CVs like 1.257 in these decoder definitions.

TCS

TCS adopted an even more complex system using CVs 201, 202, 203 & 204.

It is important to realize that indexed CVs are still just CVs as far as your DCC system is concerned. It knows nothing about indexed CVs.

ISSUES
Several issues have arisen:

1. Some DCC systems have problems with CVs > 256. For example, an issue has been discovered in the NCE Power Pro firmware that causes the wrong CV to be written in Program Track mode for any CV > 256.
2. It appears that some decoder brands may have problems processing indexed CV calculations inside the decoder within the timing specifications of the NMRA standards. This can potentially cause issues with some brands/models of DCC system.
3. ESU and ZIMO both provide in-decoder workaround solutions for problem (1) and JMRI has been able to use the ESU algorithm successfully in DecoderPro. (But ZIMO provided different solutions with different firmware and as yet no JMRI volunteer has found time to resolve this). Unfortunately, SoundTraxx has not provided a similar workaround for its decoders.

Thanks to Dave Heap of Australia for a lot of this information.

 

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Walthers Bulkhead Flatcars 910-5800 Series Delayed

From Walthers:

We’ve been eagerly awaiting our first samples of the all-new HO Scale WalthersMainline 60' Pullman-Standard Bulkhead Flatcars (#910-5800 series) announced last year as part of the upcoming Steel Series. On every Walthers project, we inspect each step from the first set of CAD drawings to final delivery, to ensure you¹re getting the best possible models. Unfortunately, a problem encountered during the early stage of this project will require us to reschedule delivery to July 2021.

All other freight car models in the Steel Series are on time; additional updates on the Bulkhead Flatcars will be posted as information becomes available. While this is unwelcome news, we want to keep you informed, and rest assured we're committed to delivering high quality, satisfying model railroad equipment. We appreciate your support and patience as we resolve this issue.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Walthers

 

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Custom Industrial Piping from Scratch

Ever have a need for industrial piping on your layout? There are many industries that use piping for one thing or another but the first one that usually comes to mind is the petrochemical industry. Ever take a close look at a refinery? There are pipes going everywhere. Take a look at Figure 1.

Figure 1 Refinery Piping

Piping is not limited to the petrochemical industry though, for example, what about a city waterworks, a paper mill, a power plant (be it Thermal, Nuclear or Hydro to transfer steam and water). Anywhere there is a need to transfer fluids/gases there is a need for some type of piping. Now, take a look at your model railroad layout and if you haven’t already thought about it where should there be some piping to make the scene more realistic?

What prompted this post was the author taking that look at his layout and noticing his heating oil distributor (which has a large oil storage tank on the other side of the tracks) having absolutely no piping in place. See Figure 2

Figure 2 Author's heating oil distributor

How exactly does that oil get from the storage tank to the distribution tanks, magic!?!? Having some piping in place not only would make the scene more realistic but also make it just plain look better!

The Problem

Now for the problem, there is a very limited number of kits out there that contain piping you could kitbash to fit into the scene I mentioned above let alone the right type of piping. Walthers does sell a couple of kits that contain piping and some pumps for it. Take a look at Figure 3 and Figure 4.

   Figure 3 Walthers part 272-130487

Figure 4 Walthers part 683-215

These are ok as long as what you need is contained in the kit. Hacking these up to fit your design is not easy and changing your design to fit these kits rarely, if ever, accomplishes what you wanted anyway and can be less than satisfying.

The Solution

So, is there a solution to this mess? Yes, there is! Plastruct has individual parts that allow you to build your piping solution exactly as you want it. An example is shown in Figure 5. This shows a distribution pipe flowing into a single feeder pipe complex. Think about it for a minute and you can see the possibilities. The additional bend in the lower right is just an elbow turned 90⁰ (to vertical). The wood blocks to merge the pumps can be bought at any local craft store and cut to size. They also serve as an interface between the different sized pipes. These styrene parts come in both white and black but obviously can be painted any color you wish including silver and even Testor’s chrome and then weathered a bit (piping doesn’t stay pristine for long).

       Figure 5 Plastruct Example Piping

You can download Plastruct’s Catalog and 2017 price list here.

The author hopes this will allow you to add a little more realism to your layout along with some additional fun time.

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