Decoder Programming

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Decoder Features

Movement & speed Back EMF Decoder-Assisted Consisting Dither High Frequency Kick Start Loco Momentum Loco Trim Loco Momentum MU consisting Speed Steps Speed Table Switching Speed Three Step Speed Table Trim Adjust Programming Addressing CV Reset Programming Programming Lock User Value Lighting & Effects Directional Lights Func Remap FX Lighting Master Switch Misc Short-Circuit Thermal Protection Transponding

DCC Core components

Intro Booster Command station Decoder Power supply Throttle

Track work components

Track wiring Track work

In order for decoders to know what to do, you have to program them.  ?This applied to both mobile and stationary decoders.? Decoder programming is the action of entering suitable values into configuration variables (CVs) in DCC decoders to set their address operate with the characteristics you choose.

You should check your owners manual for complete descriptions on programming and which programming methods it's compatible with.

Contents 1 Programming Modes 1.1 Service mode 1.2 Program Mode 2 See also

[edit] Programming Modes

There are two primary modes of programming, they are: Service Mode and Operations Mode. Service mode programming requires a programming track which is isolated electrically. Operations Mode Programming (OPS) can occur anywhere on the layout because the program instructions are directed to a decoders address. As you can derive, all `new' (first time you've programmed it) must take place on the programming track. Most DCC systems support all methods of programming, however some DCC decoders do not support all methods because of limited resources (size of chip/features).

[edit] Service mode

Service Mode Programming, also known as Broadcast Programming, occurs on a programming track and must be electrically isolated from your running track (see Programming Track for electrical isolation tips.) An isolated programming track is needed because with service mode programming, the programmer sends a broadcast message to all decoders on the track. If you did not use a programming track, you would essentially reprogram all your decoders, something you most likely do not want to do that. By using a programming track, you essentailly isolate, or select, the decoder you want (re)program.

There are three methods of service mode programming:

• Paged Mode
  • This mode is the most commonly used programming mode and is the preferred method.
• Direct mode is another mode allowed by the DCC "recommended practices."
• Physical register mode is an older method of programming that is not used in current production decoders.

[edit] Program Mode

Operations (Ops) Mode Programming occurs anywhere on the layout. With Ops mode programming, the programmer directs programming commands only to the decoder address you select. For ops mode programming to work, the decoder you are using must be capable of this feature.

If you are using a Digitrax sytem with transponding detectors, it's possible to read back CVs from mobile decoders.

[edit] See also

1. Programming Track - Suggestions on using part of your running track as a programming track.
2. DCC Software - Ways to program your decoders using software.