Jon,
Now I think I'm getting confused!
Did a little checking and found a good explanation of "the numbers"
on Digitrax's Web; "Each DS54 has a stationary decoder address: 01-
511. Each DS54 has four independent function cells: A, B, C & D.
Each function cell has both output and input wires. Each cell has
its own switch address that controls the device attached to the
function cell. This means the DS54 has 4 switch addresses available
for each stationary decoder address."
If we ignore the fact that the AD4 doesn't have both input and
output wires and concentrate on the last sentence, we'll see
similarity between the DS54 and AD4. Specifically, reference to a
stationary decoder address and switch addresses. When programming an
AD4 accessory decoder, a "Decoder Address" is programmed into CV 1.
In cases where the address of an accessory decoder is greater that
63, CV9 is also used to store part of the decoder address.
Switch numbers, not decoder numbers are utilized to operate each of
the decoders' four function cells. Each decoder has four switch
numbers associated with its assigned address. The key here is not to
confuse a decoder address with switch address. I like to keep it
simple by always referring to the accessory decoders address when
programming is being discussed.
Through a little experimentation, I've found that Digitrax systems
will operate switches numbered greater than 999. However since the
throttle, which appears to be the limiting factor here, will only
address 999 switch addresses, a software solution is required. My
test was performed using RR&Co software on a PC connected to the
Loconet via a LocoBuffer interface, a DB150 and an AD4 programmed to
utilize switch addresses 2037, 2038, 2039 and 2040. Using this
hardware software combination, the above mentioned switch addresses
were operated without problem.
My conclusion is that as long as a means exists to establish
communication with the accessory decoders switch address, the AD4 is
fully functional with our Digitrax systems.
Bob
--- In jmriusers@y..., "Jon Miller" <atsf@i...> wrote:
Bob (black bart type<G>,
Notice also that DecoderPro has two boxes and they both read
the same
address which is not correct. The DCC address should be something
like
793-796 and the card number (address ) should be 199, as an
example. I not
sure what is supposed to read back. Also Digitrax will not
program the full
capacity of this card because it's limited to 999 stationary
decoder output
addresses and the AD4's will do 2044 output addresses.
So a Digitrax command station is only good for card numbers to
249 which
are output addresses 993 to 996.
And I'm getting totally confused about this unit<VBG>.
Also remember that the AD4 can have "ganged" addresses. Like
for
setting up a path through a yard. [The tomorrow file!]
