New TCS Depot Version Available - 2.1.1

Train Control Systems - December 2023

In our previous announcement regarding TCS Depot, we outlined several goals for the near-term development of the program. Today, we are happy to announce that many of these goals have been met! The new version of TCS Depot, 2.1.1, introduces the following list of changes and improvements to the program.

Changes and Improvements

• Depot will now auto-detect all TCS devices on your WiFi network.
• Added support for the CS-105 WiFi Command Station.
• Improved automation of many operations, relying less on user input.
• Improved flow of operations for an overall better user experience.
• Fixed and issue with the installer where the program would be flagged by web browsers and operating systems as unsafe for download and/or installation.

Download Depot Version 2.1.1
You can download the latest Version of TCS Depot here.

New Video - Updating TCS Devices with Depot
Check out our new video which guides you through the update process.

Hotfix for TCS WiFi Devices
In addition to the new Depot Version release, we are also publishing a hotfix which addresses a specific issue which was found recently. This issue would cause problems with communications between a LCC Hub running in JMRI and any of our WiFi devices running in LCC mode (such as the CS-105, UWT-100, and UWT-50). Throttle software has been incremented to Version 3.0.1, and CS-105 software to 1.0.1. This update file ONLY addresses this single issue, and is not a required update for users who are not using an LCC Hub in JMRI to interface with our WiFi throttles and your command station.

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Atlas Buys River Point Station

December 2022

Hillside, NJ – Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. is proud to announce the purchase of HO Scale vehicle tooling along with designs for certain previously unannounced products from River Point Station Fine Scale Models of Warwick, RI.  
Vehicle molds acquired include the Expedition EL, F-250, F-350 and more.  A complete list of the acquired tooling is below.

"Previously, in December of 2020, River Point Station announced that they would be streamlining their product line and would cease producing N Scale vehicles and we did not want to see a void left in the market, so we acquired the N scale tooling" said Paul Graf, CEO of Atlas. 

"After a successful launch of N scale models utilizing this tooling, we are happy to announce that we have acquired RPS’ HO Scale vehicle tooling as well and look forward to continued success with the line."

  
River Point Station Fine Scale Models was founded in 2006 by Ron Elsdoerfer to supply HO accessory kits to modelers. In the 14 years that followed, River Point Station grew their offerings to include HO & N Scale Vehicles. Over the past two years, River Point Station announced a scaling back of certain aspects of their business which led to this acquisition.  More information can be found on their website.

Founded in 1924 and incorporated in 1949 as Atlas Tool Co. Inc., present day Atlas Model Railroad Co. produces locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories in N, HO and O scales for its Atlas Master, Atlas Classic, Trainman, and Atlas O lines.

Acquired Tooling
FORD F-250 & F-350 SRW REGULAR CAB PICKUP
FORD F-250 & F350 SRW SUPER CAB PICKUP
FORD F-250 & 350 SRW SUPER CREW CAB PICKUP
FORD F-350 DRW REGULAR CAB PICKUP
FORD F-350 DRW SUPER CAB PICKUP
FORD F-350 DRW SUPER CREW CAB PICKUP
FORD F-350 DRW REGULAR CAB HD PICKUP
FORD F-350 DRW SUPER CREW CAB HD PICKUP
FORDF-450 DRW PICKUP
FORD F-350 SRW SUPER CAB SERVICE TRUCK
FORD F-350 DRW SUPER  CAB SERVICE TRUCK
FORD F-350 DRW SUPER  CAB BUCKET TRUCK
FORD F-450 DRW REGULAR CAB SERVICE TRUCK
FORD F-450 DRW REGULAR CAB BUCKET TRUCK
FORD F-450 DRW SUPER CREW CAB SERVICE TRUCK
FORD F-550 DRW SUPER CREW CAB BUCKET TRUCK
FORD F-450 DRW REGULAR CAB HD BRUSH FIRE TRUCK
FORD F-450 DRW SUPER CREW CAB HD BRUSH FIRE TRUCK
FORD F-550 DRW REGULAR CAB HD MINI-PUMPER FIRE TRUCK
FORD F-550 DRW REGULAR CAB HD AMBULANCE-RESCUE TRUCK
FORD SUV EXPEDITION EL CIVILIAN
FORD SUV EXPEDITION EL LIMITED CIVILIAN
FORD SUV EXPEDITION EL SSP (POLICE-FIRE)

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BEMF loop gain(Ki) and “Surging” Consisted Engines (Soundtraxx Decoders)

It doesn’t happen often but it does happen. After consisting several locomotives and running them you notice that one (or more) appears to be bucking or surging. This becomes very apparent if the consist is pulling a load of several cars. The cars appear to noticeably speed up and slow. The first thing to do before troubleshooting anything is to make certain that your track is clean and all the wheels are also clean on all the locomotives. Also check that there is no mechanical binding on any of the locomotives. Lastly check that all the locomotives are properly speed matched. If they haven’t been checked in a while, check them!

Assuming they are properly speed matched, the problem is, almost always, that one of the decoders has the BEMF loop gain (Ki) set too high for consists. This causes the engine to buck (surge) when it tries to stay with the other locomotives. You may have heard that BEMF is like cruise control for an engine when it detects it is moving too slow for requirements it speeds up and when too fast it slows down. How quickly it responds to these errors is controlled by the gain. Too high and it appears to buck or surge.

There are some model railroaders that turn off BEMF completely when dealing with consisted locomotives (except the lead). The author doesn’t do this as he consists and un-consists his locomotives constantly and doesn’t want the additional hassle of having to deal with turning BEMF on and off.

The problem now becomes determining which engine(s) is having the problem. In consists of more than 2 locomotives it’s not difficult. Take the locomotive you suspect to be surging out of the consist and see if the consist now moves smoothly. If not, try another until you find the right one. For 2 engine consists it a little more work but we’ll get to that shortly.

In Soundtraxx decoders BEMF loop gain is controlled by CV 210. The value in the CV usually defaults to 16. Set it to half the value in the CV (if 16 set it to 8). Test it by putting it back in the consist and see if it fixes the problem. If it runs smoother but not completely smooth you'll have to play with the value (lower not higher but not zero). Do not set the value lower than you need to. It will cause the locomotive to drag and not react well to speed changes.

For two engine consists since you have no idea which of the 2 locos is causing the problem, take one and note the value in CV 210. Follow the procedure above. If you cannot get it to fix the surging, set it back to the original value and repeat the process on the other loco.

Every time the author has had surging locos with Soundtraxx decoders this has fixed the problem.

Other decoder manufacturers use different CVs for their BEMF variables and also different values so read their documentation. 

Read about CV210 in the Soundtraxx reference manual here on page 62.

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The NEW TCS LT-50 Handheld Command Station

From Train Control Systems 2022-11-28:

The LT-50 "Layout Throttle" is an intelligently-designed wired LCC throttle with a built-in DCC command station. Ergonomically designed to comfortably fit your hand and provide easy access to all of the buttons, the LT-50 is the perfect DCC command station for newcomers, or layout operators and builders looking for a highly-capable, portable command station and throttle. Like the CS-105, the LT-50 is overflowing with features, including RailCom® - but there's so much more it can do! This system brings a new level of operational convenience, as well as a wide range of new features compared to the competition. Instead of spending time with your head in a manual trying to understand your throttle, the intuitive interface of the LT-50 allows you to focus on the important things - operating and enjoying your trains!

The LT-50 can be used in multiple modes of operation:

1. Standalone Command Station mode - Full-featured handheld command station with LCC and RailCom® integration. (Specs are listed below)
2. Tethered LCC Throttle mode - Can be used with any LCC command station, such as the CS-105 or another LT-50, as a wired throttle.
3. Cab Bus mode - Using a special adapter cable (sold separately), the LT-50 can operate as a NCE client (throttle) and perform basic functions such as controlling locomotives and consists, and operating accessories and macros.

The LT-50 features an encoder-style knob for easy menu navigation as well as speed control. Package includes a spare knob.

Also included in the package is a 15V power supply, a single LT-50 fascia panel and fascia cover plate, four screws for mounting to your fascia board, detachable track power connector, and a single RJ-45 cable.

The design of the fascia panel board and cover plate allows for omni-directional mounting. The design also prevents you from using the wrong cover plate or installing it incorrectly. The fascia cover plate has markings on both sides which indicate the correct jack for the LT-50 in command station mode, even when mounted upside-down!

Cyber Monday Sale (Nov 28th - Dec 2nd) - Save $30!

For a limited time only, this Monday through Friday (Nov 28th - Dec 2nd), TCS is offering an exclusive introductory discounted price of $229.95 on the LT-50. During this limited time offer, you can save $30 on the LT-50. After December 2nd, the price will increase to $259.95. Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to save big! Please visit The Product Page for the LT-50 our website https://www.tcsdcc.com/ for more information and to shop.

Orders will begin shipping on or after December 9th (approximately two weeks).

On the LT-50 you will find many of the same familiar luxuries from the UWT-50, such as:

Comfortable, Ergonomic Design
Lightweight, ergonomic design maximizes user comfort and ease-of-access while limiting strain.

Large, Full-text Screen
1.42" x 0.92" LCD screen with white backlight. Brightness is entirely adjustable for a variety of operating conditions.

Nine Programmable Buttons
The encoder button, two buttons on the face of the throttle, as well as two multi-position switches on the side can be reassigned to control many functions. Examples include dynamic braking, manual notching, and more! Higher-numbered functions are now a simple button press or switch flick away!

Multiple Connection Modes
The LT-50 can be used as a standalone command station, but if connected into an LCC network, the LT-50 will act as a normal LCC throttle. For operators who prefer a wired throttle, the LT-50 can connected to a CS-105 to offer that wired throttle experience.

The LT-50 can also be connected to NCE command stations via a specialized adapter cable (not included) and function just like a NCE utility throttle.

Integrated Consisting System
Consisting doesn’t have to be difficult, intimidating, or complicated! The LT-50 features a simple consisting interface where users can make, modify, and break up consists in mere seconds.

Integrated Roster System
You can save your roster of locomotives into the memory of the LT-50. Information such as the Name, Description, Address, Consist Functions, and more can all be saved to an internal roster entry for easy access in the future.

Yard Mode
Yard Mode is an innovative, TCS exclusive feature designed for switching operations and control. Perfect for spicing up repetitive yard moves!

Full-Text Menus
Menus present all options in full words and phrases. No guess work or manuals needed!

Help Text
Use the [?] button on the keypad in any menu to access help text for that menu item. The throttle will display a simple description of the highlighted option. Help is always one button press away!

Flashlight
The LT-50 unit comes equipped with two bright white LED's that can be activated at any time - handy for those dropped screws, lost detail parts, decoupling, and ventures under dark, cavernous benchwork.

Specifications:

Dimensions
6.57" x 1.96" x 0.97" (L x W x D) - (Handheld Only)

Display
1.42" x 0.92" backlit LCD, 128x64 pixels, white LED

Power Source
Wired; 15V, 36W (Included)

Communication Type(s)
LCC CAN-bus (RJ-45)

Communication Protocol(s)
Digital Command Control (DCC)
Layout Command Control (LCC)
RailCom®

DCC System Specifications

• 1.4A continuous, 2.8A peak current | Configurable current limit and protections | Soft-start |
• Integrated RailCom® detector
• Programming Track over main output with automatic switchover, supporting Direct, Paged, and Register modes
• DCC accessory control for addresses 1 - 2044
• Up to 20, 10-step Macros, including LCC accessory control
  
  

Also Available - Expansion Panels

For users looking to expand their LCC networks, TCS also offers add-on panels for LCC throttles. These panels can be mounted around your layout for guest operators or larger layouts where moving your tethered throttle from place to place is necessary. The LCC Throttle Panel from TCS allows you to connect additional LT-50's or our upcoming T-50's to your LCC-enabled layout.Up to two throttles can be connected per-panel, and multiple panels can be daisy-chained throughout your network using the two LCC jacks in the rear. LCC power can also be supplied from any LCC Throttle Panel if using a separate 15V, 30W power supply (not included).

The design of this fascia panel board and cover plate allows for omni-directional mounting. The design also prevents you from using the LT Panel cover plate on the LCC Throttle Panel and vice-versa.

The LCC Throttle Panel is available for $24.95. Package includes 4x mounting screws for securing to your fascia.

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Freeing up an ESU v5 LokSound Decoder SoundCV

LokSound decoders have a series of CVs that they refer to as SoundCVs. These CVs are located at the top of the Sound slot settings page of the Decoder pane. See fig. 1.

Figure 1 SoundCVs and their configuration

Notice that the majority of the SoundCVs are already in use by the programmed decoder. SoundCVs 1 through 10 are standard settings across all the sound files the author has looked at and used. The remaining ones are set as needed by the developers of the sound files. Notice SoundCV16 is free for use by the end-user (that’s you). The corresponding CVs that hold these values are CVs 155 through 170. So the SoundCV1 value is held in CV 155 SoundCV2 is held in CV 156 etc. It should be mentioned that v4 decoder do not have these SoundCVs defined as the v5 decoders do.

So this is all well and good but how are these SoundCVs used and how do we access them? Let’s examine the Overview sheet of the Sound pane shown in fig 2.

Figure 2 Sound slots and SoundCVs

Using your mouse hover over the    symbol for sound slot 1 and you’ll see all the SoundCVs used by that sound slot. That symbol represents SoundCV usage and demonstrates which sound slots use them.

Recommendations

Just a couple of recommendations on what SoundCVs to change and which ones to not change, first, modifying those used in the prime mover sound slot is asking for trouble. Don’t do it unless you absolutely know what you are doing. This also applies to any of the other sound slots. Second, find a sound slot that you can do without. An example of this is sound slot 26, Starting Delay. It uses SoundCV 13. If you turn off the Starting Delay feature shown at the bottom of the Driving Characteristics sheet you will free up SoundCV 13. ESU recommends you turn this setting off with trains in a consist anyway. This is the recommended procedure. Determine what you can do without and utilize the unused SoundCV(s).

An Alternative

The author explained in the “update” section of this post that there is an alternative to removing a sound slot. Take a look back at figure 1. At the bottom of the figure is a value called Sound Configuration. The ESU developers left this single quantity that can be accessed from a sound slot. The really great thing about this is that each sound slot has its own Sound Configuration variable. So they gave you one value you can use as you see fit. How you access this quantity is explained in the <Update> section of this post.

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Resetting Digitrax DT6xx Throttle To Factory Defaults

Several peole have asked the author how to reset the Digitrax DT602D to factory default settings. The following procedure works for the 602 throttles.

1. Turn on the throttle
2. Press the menu key 
3. Press 3 two times, you will be in the Options Editor menu
4. Rotate the left throttle counterclockwise to option 40
5. Press the change button ("C" soft key)
6. Press the X key
7. Done

The only thing you will notice is all the keys will go to maximum brightness. 

Hope this helps everyone.

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Address 0 as a Broadcast with Digitrax Hardware

Recently, at the Hostler’s Model Railroad Museum in Ogden, Utah a museum member brought several locomotives to run on the museum layout. The one locomotive he really wanted to run, however, would not. After several questions by the author it became apparent that the engine’s address was not quite what the member thought it was. With no programming track available to program CVs plus Programming on the Main (POM) requiring the engine’s address be known, the member was not sure how to go about fixing the address problem.

The key to the solution in this case is the fact that Digitrax hardware utilizes address 0 which is defined in the NMRA standard S-9.2.1 as a broadcast address to all powered locomotives on the track the throttle is communicating with. If your hardware is different check the documentation for usage of address 0. Even though this is a standard not all hardware follows it.  

<CAUTION>The following procedure will modify ALL locomotives that are on powered  track when this procedure is performed. Therefore, remove any locomotives or move them to a section of track that can have power removed from it except for the engine you want to change.

Changing the Address

Long addresses (4 digits) are contained in CVs 17 and 18 according to the NMRA standard. Utilizing the phone app DCC Tools and selecting Long Address Calc enter the address in Long Address value. The values of CV 17 and 18 will be given below your entry (the phone app Digitrax Tool Box has been discontinued. You can read about that here).

Utilizing a Digitrax throttle select address 0 then select POM (how to do that depends on which throttle you have so we will not discuss that here). Write  the values given by the app into CVs 17 and 18.

The next step is to change CV 29 to use long addresses. Use the phone app’s CV29 Calc function to calculate the proper value and enter it into CV29.

Lastly, exit programing mode, select the entered address on the throttle and test the engine to see if you did everything correctly.

This procedure can be a life saver in certain circumstances but is virtually impossible to use if there are several other engineers running their trains on the same layout.

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Atlas Track Planning Software - Version 1.9.2 Released!

 

Fig1 Example layout

The Atlas Track Planning Software has been Updated to Version 1.9.2. New features and fixes are listed below.

Added and improved functionality:
- Added option in the “Updates” section of the settings for restoring of the reminder messages, previously      hidden with “Do not show this message again” check box
- Extended zoom-out factor for extremely large track plans

Added new track libraries:
- Atlas HO Trainkids

Bugfixes:
- Various small bugfixes

Atlas Track Planning Software Demo Download

Purchase the Software License

In addition, for those who might be looking for a place to start in the creation of their layout, we have also made select layout files available for purchase. Once downloaded, simply open up ATPS and load the file and start creating!

Purchase Layout Files

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From TCS: CS-105 DCC & LCC Command Station Now Shipping

The following has been announced by Train Control Systems: TCS is happy to announce the newest member to our product line...The CS-105! Over 20 years in the making, the namesake of our company, our very first 'train control system' is now available for sale in North America. The CS-105 is an intelligently-designed DCC command station with LCC integration as well as built-in RailCom™ detection. Thoughtfully designed to outperform in every area, the CS-105 is the perfect DCC command station for newcomers, or layout builders or renovators alike who are looking for a highly-capable command station with the latest and greatest technology available. The CS-105 Command Station from TCS is the new flagship DCC system for model railroads. This system brings a new level of operational convenience to DCC, especially when paired with a UWT-100. The CS-105 also features a wide range of new features compared to the competition - Including, but not limited to: RailCom™ bi-directional communication support Integrated Layout Command Control (LCC) support frees up your DCC bandwidth for what's important - locomotives! Accessories such as signal systems, turnouts, and more can all be controlled with the LCC bus while still having real-time interactions with your DCC trains. "Soft Start," as well as configurable short circuit detection for the mainline track output decreases the likelihood of burning up fouled decoders. Internal Locomotive Roster system to store important information about each and every one of your locomotives. Intuitive system-based consisting system unlike any other, aimed at tackling all of the annoying and time-consuming problems with other consisting methods. Fast and simple setup process for integrating with existing layouts, including non-TCS boosters and throttles! Instead of spending time with your head in a manual trying to understand your system, you can consult the intuitive configuration interface of the CS-105 through a TCS throttle such as the UWT-100, allowing you to focus on the important things - operating and enjoying your trains! And that's not all! Tons more features than we can list here can be found in our online documentation here. We are confident that the CS-105 will quickly become your favorite command station to use. Order a CS-105 here.

CS-105 Specifications: Dimensions: (WxHxD) 5.9"x1.18"x3.94" (150mm x 30mm x 100mm) Power Supply: Your Choice - 12V/90W or 15V/90W Continuous Mainline Current: 5 Amperes Macros: Up to 300 (10 steps each) Wireless Range: ~100ft (AP) Communication Protocol(s): Digital Command Control (DCC) Layout Command Control (LCC) WiFi RailCom™ SystemOne/NCE CabBus/Ramtraxx XpressNet™/Lenz/Roco/ZTC (In development) Interfaces: Character Display Interface (CDI) Via TCS Universal WiFi Throttle LCC CAN-bus (RJ-45) Auxiliary Cab Bus (RJ-11) The CS-105 is a true 5 Ampere DCC command station, capable of continuous delivery of 5 Amperes of current on the mainline output without annoying interruptions. You can learn more about the CS-105 in the online documentation.   RailCom™ is a registered trademark of Lenz Elektronik GmbH - This feature allows the decoder to talk to the command station. RailCom supports expansion for new features. If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it

LokProgrammer PC-Software V5.2.2 Released

ESU LokSound has release v5.2.2 of their LokProgrammer software. The following is a list of changes to the update.

• New firmware 5.6.147 for LokSound 5 family: Register conditions <= and >= have been interpreted as > or < in the sound schedule
• New firmware 5.6.145 for LokPilot 5L: Support for new silicon revisions of the ARM controller
• New firmware 1.0.8. for SignalPilot: Support for up to two SwitchPilot Extension modules (future hardware upgrade). Outputs configured for automatic timeout will no longer be enabled at startup. This fixes issues with motorized switch motors
• New firmware 3.0.13 for SwitchPilot 3 Servo: Servo pulses will be sent to the servo every 20mS now. This fixes issues with Faller servos
• Bugfixes: Sound schedule: Container code size validation corrected
•  Soundsimulator: Register conditions <= and >= have been interpreted as < and >

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Automatic Horn Signals With ESU Decoders

Locomotives have specific horn signals they issue when starting to move in either forward or reverse directions. Two medium blasts indicate starting forward movement and three short blasts indicate starting reverse movement. They also have a stop signal of one short blast to indicate they are done moving in either direction.

It’s not difficult to add these signals to any ESU LokSound sound file if you have minimal experience working with sound slots and sound schedules. I have given several tutorials for working with these objects such as this one. This is a little more complicated task than the previous automatic bell project but again, not too difficult. We’ll use the ESU sound file S0539-LS5H0DCC-Diesel-EMD-12-645E3-T-V4-R4.esux located here one more time.

The Forward and Reverse Signals
Open the sound file in the LokProgrammer and go to the sound pane. Double click on an empty sound slot (we’ll use sound slot 28 this time). Once you have this opened add two containers, one for the forward horn and one for the reverse horn. Name them Forward Signal and Reverse Signal respectively. For the forward container add a group of conditions Function = true, Reverse = false and Requested Speed > 0. For the reverse container add a group of conditions Function = true and Reverse = true. This controls the logic of when horn signals sound. All of this is shown in fig 1.

 Figure 1 the basic containers

Once inside the containers the sound files you use will depend on the horn you want for the particular locomotive you are adding this sound file to. These files are located in the lower right corner of the sound pane. You can use drag-and-drop to put them in the states. Now double click on the Forward Signal container. Here you will add four states in series. First the horn’s init sound followed by the horn’s exit sound then the init sound again and the exit sound again. This is shown in fig 2.

Figure 2 the forward signal

All horns have Init and Exit sound files associated with them. Most also have Fast Exit sounds where you could use the Fast Exit in the first exit state and then the Exit file in the second one. It’s entirely up to you. The simulator will help you decide.

Lastly, click on the Reverse Signal container. Here you will do exactly what you did in the Forward Signal container except add one more Init and Exit cycle to complete the three blasts as in fig 3.

Figure 3 the completed Reverse signal

The Stop Signal
For the Stop signal you will need another sound slot. Use slot 31 for our example. Here we again add a container that will have the sound file states in it but we will add one additional state to the slot and this is the horn delay shown in fig 3. It uses the silence.wav file which is included in all sound projects which gives a short delay from the engine stopping to the horn sounding.

Figure 4 the horn delay

The Stop Signal itself consists of a single init/exit horn sequence as we did in fig 3.

When mapping these to a function put both sound slots on the same function and be sure to add the Drive signal to the function you choose (this is critical). The author usually uses function 3 due to not using the coupler function, again, your choice. See fig 5.

Figure 5 function mapping

Thanks to Ted Wentz on the groups.io ESU Forum for first presenting this sound mapping.

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WOW Sound and RailCom

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:48:24 PDT

From: Dan [TCS]

None of the current-generation WOWSound decoders support RailCom.

In the past we offered WOWSound decoders with RailCom, but then the RailCom spec/standard was drastically changed repeatedly within a short period of time so we took it out of the WOWSound line for maintainability reasons.

With WOWSound Version 5, this will no longer be an issue, as we plan to offer download-able firmware updates for our decoder products as well. As such, we are intending to roll out ALL Version 5 WOWSound decoders with RailCom. We are also committed to enabling all TCS decoders with RailCom as we move into the future. As decoders come up for hardware updates and re-design, we will be integrating RC if it was not already. Our current non-sound product line is already very comprehensively covered, especially in the smaller scales. And with good reason (wink).

For the record, if you want to see the COMPLETE LIST of decoder products which support RC, it can be found on THIS WIKI PAGE. This page also lists the software version(s) after which a specific product began supporting RC. Version 89 of non-sound decoders included an update of the RC communications which run inside the decoder. This update makes the decoder compatible with the latest RC protocol, whereas older versions may or may not function (properly) on command stations which feature the latest RC protocol. This is a complicated issue of cat and mouse - confusion and frustration is understandable, but rest assured we are trying our best to keep up with this ever-evolving protocol.

--
Dan

Engineering and Product Development
Train Control Systems

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Death of the Digitrax Tool Box Android App

The Digitrax Tool Box has been removed from the Android Phone Store. After asking Digitrax's help desk what happened to it, the help desk replied:

The toolbox app was removed for the Android store because its codebase needing[sic] to be 100% changed. It died an unceremonious death about two or three years ago.

There are no plans at this time to offer it again

A suitable substitute is DCC Tools.

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Train Control Systems New Product Announcement - AZL1D4 decoder

Today (Author's note: 2022-09-03) we are happy to anounce the latest member of our product line - the AZL1D4!

Dimensions (LxWxH): 1.65” x 0.27” x 0.1” (or 42mm x 6.9mm x 2.54mm)

The AZL1D4 is the first drop-in decoder designed for the latest generation of American Z Line diesel locomotives. The design features a screw-down design, unlike previous designs which relied on slide-on contacts. Examples of American Z Line locomotives which this decoder will fit include the following:

• ALCo PA
  
  (Currently, the new ALCo PA is the only locomotive from AZL which uses this chassis design)
  
  
  

The AZL1D4 can support up to four lighting functions. This decoder includes one on-board LED for the forward headlight with no soldering required. Optional reverse headlight is available upon request. Solder pads for two additional lighting functions are also available. (The AZL PA does not have provisions for a reverse headlight, so it has been omitted for now. You could add your own reverse headlight, cab light, or ground inspection lights using the additional lighting function pads.)

Included in this decoder are mainstay features such as:

• Back EMF Load Compensation: Provides superior slow speed control and high performance under load.
• Quiet Drive: Super-quiet motor control for "buzz" free motor performance.
• DC Mode: Decoder will automatically detect DC power. You can also configure how your lighting effects function on DC.
• Variable Momentum: Allows you to make custom acceleration and deceleration curves.
• LED Support: This product does not require external resistors when connecting LED's.
• Function Remapping: Buttons 0 through 12 may be used to control the lighting functions of this decoder.
• Programmable Lighting Effects: Choose from 20 separate user-programmable lighting effects!
• Dimmable Brightness: Configure multiple different brightness levels for your LED's.
• Decoder Lock: Feature which prevents accidental/unwanted programming while activated.
• User-Loadable Speed Tables: Configure custom speed curves and set speed limits.
• Keep Alive® Ready: Clearly indicated V+(BLUE) and GND pads can be used to wire an external Keep Alive® device to keep your locomotive running reliably, even over the worst track conditions.
  ...And many more features you have come to love and expect from TCS decoders!

Also available on the AZL1D4 - RailCom® - This feature allows the decoder to talk to the command station. RailCom supports expansion for new features.

Specifications:

• Continuous Current: 1.3A
  
• Peak Current: 2.0A
  
• Lighting Function Current Rating: 100mA (each)

Orders for the AZL1D4 will be opening by Friday of next week (Sept 9th), and shipments can be expected within 1-2 weeks after orders opening.

Installation process documentation for the AZL PA will be coming soon, but is not currently available. 

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• If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it.
   

[Digitrax] Address Purging Made Simpler

Ross Kudlick posted this message from Don Crano to the Digitrax forum and the author believes it has very good information on the workings of the Digitrax address slots (along with a little history lesson).

Note:  This message was posted on the Digitrax Group by the late Don Crano on Sep 23, 2004.  I’ve posted here (as a document) to facilitate reference during discussions related to “Slot=Max” and purging. 

Don was perhaps the most knowledgeable person about Digitrax systems except AJ of Digitrax.  In the early days, AJ developed personal relationships with many of the early adopters, making himself available for ‘tech support’ as needed.  Don was one of those people – and with AJ’s blessing passed on much of his knowledge on the Digitrax list.  (Don founded the list, and put it into full operation in Aug 1998 – Ross has been on the list since Oct 1998). Ross got to know Don as a ‘telephone buddy’ getting help for his club’s Digitrax system.  He, along with John Philips (then the Digitrax tech support guy) gave me help for any issue Ross had. “Those were the days, my friend.”  🙂

Don ‘passed’ away far too young.  We lost a true friend (and giant) in the Digitrax world.

-Ross Kudlick

[Digitrax] Purging Made Simpler

Don Crano

Sep 23 12:29 AM

Glenn,

Not sure if this is going to make it simpler, or not. The details are typically not required for the normal user, it is just the system works most of which is behind the scenes, but does work as described.

As they say the devil is in the details so here they are:

First a little on slot status, just because the status changes, or is purged from the system to be used by data from another decoder address, does not mean all the data is removed from the slot, only the status flag is changed, the data that is there stays there to either be re-used by another LocoNet device 'COMMON', or be purged so another set of data can over write the existing data 'IDLE'. Or in other words you will not see the slot data go "Bing!".   But you should be able to see the 'Status Flag' change, as well as actual data be over written when required.

Next each slot does have its purge timer, but the timer is not always active or counting down, this will only happen when certain criteria is set up. Here is how it all works:

While a LocoNet device [Throttle] is maintaining a SLOT in the refresh stack it will be required to check the SLOT status matches its internal state before re-using any SLOT. If a device disconnects from LocoNet and so does not access or reference a slot within the system PURGE time, the Master [Command Station] will force the un-accessed SLOT to "COMMON" status so other system devices can use the SLOT.

The typical purge time of a Master is about 200/600 seconds. A good "ping" or Slot update activity is about every 100 seconds, i.e. if a user makes no change to a throttle/slot within 100 seconds, the throttle/device should automatically send another speed update at the current speed to reset the Purge timeout for that Slot. Note with a LocoNet wireless throttle, IR/Radio  you can see the ping or update being sent while the throttle is in PS mode, it will wake up send then go back to PS approx. every 60 seconds or so. This keeps the system from releasing that address back to the system and making it available to be selected by another throttle. There have been more than a few who have asked or wondered why the wireless throttles will wake up periodically then go back to PS mode, now they know.<g>

Again, before an address will be purged, i.e. slot flagged for use with other data from another decoder address, the following criteria must be met. The decoders speed data must be at '00' or the Master [Command Station] OPSW must be set to force '00' speed at purge, typically OPSW# 15 set from default 't' to 'c'. Also OPSW# 13 can change the purge time from 600 seconds to 200 seconds. Good for faster more rapid purges, but bad for tethered walk around, as now when an operator unplugs a non-wireless throttle from the LocoNet they only have 200 seconds to plug in somewhere else. OPSW# 14 can stop purging all together, not really a good idea unless one like to see a status of 'FF' Slot=Max.

Next any slot with an UP-CONSIST flag, this means this slot and decoder address is part of a consist, will never be purged. We would not want to be running a multi-unit train down a helix and have a loco purged right in the middle of it all.<sigh>

A good routine for any Digitrax layout, especially for club layouts where LocoNet devices and decoders come and go:

Before removing a throttle from the layout:

1. Un-Link any consists, that will remove the UP=CONSIST flag
2. Make sure all addresses associated with the throttle are at speed '00' and/or have the Master set to '00' speed at purge
3. Release or Dispatch any addresses associated with the throttle

Following the above will go a long way to keep the 'FF' or Slot=Max status from showing up.

The term UniVersal™ is a Digitrax registered trade mark. It is used to name or describe their command station assisted consisting. Digitrax actually uses what is called Unified Consisting, i.e. the system allows three modes of consisting, Advanced, Basic, and UniVersal™, and may be mixed, matched and even nested inside other consists, and it is Unified because it can all be done automatically without any real user intervention as they set up the consist.

The terms 'c' and 't' have nothing to do with switches such as light, OPSW's, etc. They are used to define turnout states, as example 'c' or closed is used to define a turn out set to normal route, this does not mean straight, only the normal route. As 't' or thrown is used to define the divergent route of the turnout. I know this get confusing when used with such as setting OPSW, as you indicated in your post about a light switch, etc. But once you note that to set a command stations OPSW's, you first set it to OP mode, then set the throttle to SWITCH mode, typical of setting a turnout position. Now you can see why 'c' and 't' are used, the throttle does not care if it is setting a turnout for 'c' normal route 't' for divergent route, or setting a command station or other LocoNet devices' OPSW.

Hope this helps!

Remember Always Have Fun and Enjoy!

Don Crano Akron, Oh NMRA #096211

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