Programming Track

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DCC Terms DCC Components Booster, Command station, Mobile Decoder, Power supply, Stationary Decoder General Address Range, Bus, Cab, DCC, Functions, MU consisting, Power Bus, Programming Track, SUSI, Speed steps, Turnout Motors, Voltage drop, Zero stretching Mobile decoder Back EMF, Decoder Connection Method, Decoder-Assisted Consisting, Dither, High-Frequency Decoders, Kick Start, Loco Momentum, Speed Table, Supersonic Drive, Transponding Non-DCC Continuous Load, Heat Shrink Tubing, RJ12 Connector, Rule 17, Series Resistor, Stall Current Primary DCC Components Boosters · Command Station · Decoder · Power Supply · Throttles/Cabs

Short Definition

A track set aside for programming locomotives. It may or may not be part of the layout.

A programming track is used to program decoders. For mobile decoders, it's easiest to have a portion of your layout track to double as a programing tracking. Typically, it's best to have your programming track near your programming device (Command Station, SPROG, or Computer). For greater flexibility the track should be part of the layout trackage. The reason for this is to minimise handling of finely detailed locos on your layout and allows you to simply drive your loco to the programming section, and read/change values of the decoder.

The biggest problem people have with programming track is that if the a train enters the programming track, and the switch is set for programming, then the power pickups of the loco will short the two segments together. To prevent this, you need to isolate the programming track from the running track so that in case a locomotive enters the programming track area when it's set to programming no harm is done.

With the solution provided below, the worst that will happen is that the train will stop running once the last power pickup enters the isolation area.

Contents 1 Isolating the programming track 2 Wiring the track 3 Programming Track Boosters 4 See also

[edit] Isolating the programming track

To prevent a running loco from accidentally shorting the program track you need a section of track as shown below. The programming section needs to be 50% longer than your longest loco and the isolating section needs to be longer than your longest loco.

[edit] Wiring the track

This is an example of how to connect a 4PDT ( 4 pole, double throw ) switch to the track. When the switch is in the up position both sections of the track are connect to the layout and act as part of the layout. When the switch is down, the program track (BROWN+BLACK wires) is connected to the program device and the Isolating section (RED wires) is totally disconnected and the LED turns on. The red LED can be a signal near the track, or mouinted between the track, or on the front of the facia, or both.

The left half of the switch selects the power source that connects to the programming track (BROWN+BLACK wires). When the switch is in the up position, the programming track is connected to the layout, and acts as part of the layout. When the switch is down, the program track is connected to the programming device.

The right half of the switch controls the isolating track (RED wires). In the up position, the isolating section is connected to the main line. In the down position, the isolating section is totally disconnected from power, and power flows to the LED.

The LED can be a signal near the track, or mounted between the rails, or on the front of the facia, or both.

[edit] Programming Track Boosters

(This usually is an issue with Sound equipped Decoders. It will work on non-sound decoders as well.)

If attempts to program the decoder result in unwanted changes, or a non-responsive decoder, a Programming Track Booster may be needed to overcome these issues. It would be connected between the command station/booster and the programming track, as per the manufacturer's instructions.

This device will often be recommended by the decoder manufacturer when there are difficulties programming the decoder. They are available from your dealer.

A Programming Track Booster serves to make programming more reliable, and may also incorporate short circuit protection and basic diagnotics. It may also provide feedback to aid in troubleshooting a problematic decoder.

NOTE: This device will not solve problems created by the user during installation. It's sole purpose is to make programming more reliable. The device may not be needed, depending on the DCC brand/model chosen by the user. As always, consult the decoder and Program Track Booster manufacturer, or your dealer, to determine if this device would help.

[edit] See also

1. Track wiring - Track wiring

1. PTB-100 - Programming Track Booster by Soundtraxx.