LokProgrammer Software v5.2.9 Released

• Release notes state:

1. New firmware 5.10.168 for LokPilot 5 and LokSound 5 family: Improved brightness settings for lighting effect "FireBox".
   
   
2. New firmware 5.10.169 for LokPilot 5 and LokSound 5 family: New feature Auxiliary steam chuff trigger: If enabled, steam chuffs from sound slot 4 will be synchronized using these settings. The feature can be used to independently trigger auxiliary steam motors that could be turned on / off in addition to the prime mover steam chuffs.
   
   
3. New firmware 5.10.172 for LokPilot 5 and LokSound 5 family: SUSI Mapping extended by one line for F0 Reverse to allow for direction depedent control of F0. Needed for some new Märklin Steam locomotives. Addes new output mode (effect) for function outputs: Trigger smoke chuff "Edge Toggle" to be used with latest Märklin / Trix H0 locomotive's synchronized smoke units
   
   
4. SignalPilot: SNCB signals: Addition of two main signals without Shunting light

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Digitrax DT402D Throttle Encoder Part#

The Digitrax DT402D throttle is getting old and encoders are starting to fail more frequently.

Mouser Electronics and Digikey has replacement encoders. The part# is PEC12R-4220F-S0024. Put this part# in their search bar on the opening page and you'll go right to it.

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LokSound Ditchlights Alternately Flashing on Horn Sounding

"How exacty do I get the ditchlights on my locomotives to alternately flash when I press the horn function?" 

The author has heard this question a lot including from himself back when he had trouble figuring it out. The answer is it's not that difficult to set up. Once you see how it's done you won't have the problem again.

First, on the Function Outputs sheet in Lokprogrammer for your particular sound file check the Grade Crossing box for both of the ditch light AUX outputs and make a note of which AUX outputs they are. In this example they are AUX1[1] and AUX2[1]. Also, for one (and only one) of the AUX outputs set the Phase Shift setting to somewhere in the low 30's (typically 32). See fig 1.

Figure 1 Checking the Grade crossing box

Second, assign the AUX functions from the first step to the Physical outputs of an unused function. In this example case F6. See fig 2.

Figure 2 Assigning AUX functions

Finally, on the Function Mapping sheet set the F2 Logical function to Grade Crossing. See fig. 3.

Figure 3 Turning on F2's Grade Crossing

The overall affect of these changes is when the ditch lights are turned on they will remain on but steady (no flashing). When the horn is played (F2) they will flash and continue to flash for the Grade Crossing Hold Time setting which is on the Function settings sheet. See fig 4.

Figure 4 Setting Hold Time

<Author's Note>

If the ditch lights are off and F2 is pressed, the ditch lights will not come on nor will they flash.

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After 90 Years Kalmbach Publishing Calls it Quits!!

Don't panic!!! 

For those of you who haven't heard, Kalmbach Publishing has shuttered its business. However, the publications Model Railroader, Trains and a few others have been transferred to a new publisher, Firecrown Media. 

There are a couple of  YouTube videos associated with this change with discussion on what is going on. The first is an interview with Craig Fuller the owner of Firecrown here. The second is a discussion of the change with some really interesting history of Kalmbach and their relationship with Athearn in its infancy discussed here. Douglas Models of Salt Lake City and its importance to early modeling is also discussed in detail in this second link.

So if you want a short history lesson and information on what is going on with the change over check this out.

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Adding an Analog Engine (address 0) to JMRI's Roster!?!?Updated 2024-06-09

Many people have asked if it is possible to add a locomotive to their JMRI roster if it doesn't have a DCC decoder installed (analog). Believe it or not it is. 

• Once you have opened DecoderPro click on New Loco (don't Read Type From Decoder)
• Select NMRA (It's the first selection in the list) see fig 1.
• Select NMRA standard CV definitions
• Enter Roster ID
• Make sure Active Address is 0
• Save your selection

Figure 1 NMRA Standard CV Definitions

Although 90% of the various sheets in JMRI are useless for this type of locomotive, you do have access to the Roster Entry and Roster Media sheets (as long as you have enabled the Advanced Programmer as detailed in the 4th pararaph of this post). Once you have this you also have the ability to add the information detailed in the aformentioned post. Along with pictures and other information.

Thanks to Peter Ulvestad of the JMRI Groups.io Forum for poking this author concerning the process.

<Update 2004-06-09>
As of JMRI version 5.7.8 a "No decoder" entry has been added to the New Decoder selection below the NMRA selections for non-DCC locomotives. See fig 2.

Figure 2 No Decoder selection

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