Jay

OK Jerry,
Once you put the engine on the programming track, you hit new engine.
You can hit "Read type from the decoder"
If it reads ok, move to the next step.
If not, select from list on the left side.
Then you select the right decoder, then you hit open ????? programmer.
That is when you input the information in the 1st tab on the engine.
I hope that clears this up for you!!

Jay

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151566

Ken,

It does not wait.

BlockValueFile.readBlockValues() is called by LayoutBlockManager.initializeLayoutBlockPaths().

This occurs twice.  The first call is during Apps initialization.  This has no effect because there are no blocks.  The second one occurs at the end of panel loading.

The 4.12 logic does not copy the value to the block if the Power Manager is active and the block is not occupied.  If the Power Manager is inactive, the value is copied regardless of the block state.

Where this falls apart is when track power and detection systems are controlled separately, such as NCE train control and LocoNet layout control (detection and signaling).

The case in this thread is that detection is started by a “StartOfDay” process.

Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Sep 5, 2018, at 9:20 PM, Ken Cameron <kcameron@...> wrote:

Dave S,

How long does the startup wait for the sensors to report before trying to
load the saved block contents? Also does it wait if power was off? I know a
LocoNet layout usually can take a number of seconds before all the sensors
get polled.

Just trying to understand this more.

-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151565

Dave S,

How long does the startup wait for the sensors to report before trying to
load the saved block contents? Also does it wait if power was off? I know a
LocoNet layout usually can take a number of seconds before all the sensors
get polled.

Just trying to understand this more.

-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org

BUILDING A ROSTER

Gordon Garnhart

#151564

Hi,

? ? I am just a beginner. ?I am running DecoderPro3.10.1-r28327 on a laptop WindowsXP platform.

????I have three engines in my roster. ?I thought I had this software figured out. ?But when I went to add a fourth locomotive, I got no response.

? ? When I, from the DecoderPro window, Click on "Roster" and select "Create Entry", I get the New Roster Setup window, I click on Digitrax, then switch to the Roster: All Entries window. ?I click on "New Loco" which takes me to the Create New Loco window, which looks like the New Roster Setup window. ?Again, I click on Digitrax but when I return to the Roster: All Entries window, it is unchanged.

? ? What am I doing wrong?

? ? ? ? Gordon

Re: Roster addition

#151563

Jay

Thanks for the reply. That was my thinking but I needed some confirmatiion

Jerry

Re: Roster addition

Jay

#151562

I do not know about the Procab & it's ability to read back decoders.
Personally, I take the engine & in JMRI, click new loco.
Then I fill out the engine info on the 1st tab & do a Read All Sheets.
When it's done I save it.
All info is in JMRI at that point.
That has worked for me as some of my locos have disappeared out of my roster.

Jay

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

#151561

See below:

On 6 Sep 2018, at 2:09 AM, Bob Potter <rnp@...> wrote:

If you are measuring track voltage as AC with a VOM it is not accurate for DCC. I don't know the offset.It varies from VOM model to VOM model.

You have a PowerPax booster to increase the voltage so it seems that your voltage at the track should be higher. Dave Heap said in a post that boosters were not recommended but I don't know why.Boosters are not needed nor recommended for SPROG and NCE Power Cab.

For some systems (e.g. earlier NCE Power Pro) they are necessary/helpful. In the case of the Power Pro, the SoundTraxx PTB-100 works better than the PowerPax alternative.

Dave in Australia

Roster addition

#151560

I have an engine that has been programmed by another individual. I want to add it to my JMRI Roster. What is the correct procedure?
It was programmed using a Power Cab. I am running with a NCE Pro Cab. The decoder is a Tsunami2? TSU PNP.

Jerry Hampton

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151559

Here is a Logix version:

  IX:AUTO:0001C1  Load Block Values   
    [x]  R1  IF  Sensor "LoadBlockValues" state is "Sensor Active"   
             THEN   
               On Change To True, Execute Jython Command Jython Command import jmri; jmri.jmrit.display.layoutEditor.BlockValueFile().readBlockValues().
               On Change To True, Set Sensor, "LoadBlockValues" to Inactive   

Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Sep 5, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Try running this script after the sensors are active:

import java
import jmri
bvf = jmri.jmrit.display.layoutEditor.BlockValueFile()
bvf.readBlockValues()

Dave Sand

On Sep 5, 2018, at 12:43 PM, David Smith via Groups.Io <daversmth@...> wrote:

Startofday can run a script.
Is it possible to use that to load the blockvalues.xml file?

From what you have said, I am not sure what practical steps I need to do to load the values.

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151558

Try running this script after the sensors are active:

import java
import jmri
bvf = jmri.jmrit.display.layoutEditor.BlockValueFile()
bvf.readBlockValues()


Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Sep 5, 2018, at 12:43 PM, David Smith via Groups.Io <daversmth@...> wrote:

Startofday can run a script.
Is it possible to use that to load the blockvalues.xml file?

From what you have said, I am not sure what practical steps I need to do to load the values.

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

#151557

My programming track is stand alone hooked to a Zephyr+ and a PTB-100. I use the LocoBuffer-USB.? I've not had a problem now for years of programming and reading (with one exception - TCS older versions 2 & 3 but I know about the older firmware). I've programmed LOK and BLI also with no problems. Never bothered to check voltage. But the Zephyr operates exactly as Crusader has described, momentary voltage for programming. Still, no problems.

John Griffin

Show quoted text

On Wed, Sep 5, 2018 at 12:06 PM Peter Ulvestad <ulvestad@...> wrote:

Philip,

Can you confirm that you can read these decoders without JMRI?? If you can't then it's not a JMRI issue. If you can we need to look at your settings.
Are you getting any error messages in the system console?
If you open your preferences and check the 'Defaults' tab is everything set for LocoNet and not internal.

--
Peter Ulvestad

JMRI Users Group Moderator - ( )
Tam Valley Group Moderator - ( )
Sprog-DCC Group Moderator - ( )
Edmonton Model Railroad Association -

--

John Griffin
__________________________________
I've lost my dog and my remote...

Reward for remote.

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

#151556

Philip,

Can you confirm that you can read these decoders without JMRI?  If you can't then it's not a JMRI issue. If you can we need to look at your settings.
Are you getting any error messages in the system console?
If you open your preferences and check the 'Defaults' tab is everything set for LocoNet and not internal.

-- 
Peter Ulvestad

JMRI Users Group Moderator -  (  )
Tam Valley Group Moderator -  (  )
Sprog-DCC Group Moderator -  (  )
Edmonton Model Railroad Association - 

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151555

Startofday can run a script.
Is it possible to use that to load the blockvalues.xml file?

From what you have said, I am not sure what practical steps I need to do to load the values.

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151554

David,

Yes, 4.12 does behave differently.  There was a change that ignored the file values if the track power is on and any referenced block sensor is not active.

If the track power is off, the value is loaded.  When the track power comes on, if the sensor goes directly to Active, the value will not be lost.  If it goes Inactive and then Active, the value is lost.

Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Sep 5, 2018, at 9:44 AM, David Smith via Groups.Io <daversmth@...> wrote:

So I have a bit more information
If I monitor the error log file when I open the panel I see a message

15:39:10.274 ( 13441) ERROR [AWT-EventQueue-0] BlockValueFile.java:112  - block TrS3a is not occupied but has a saved value, not setting saved block values

My panel does not show which blocks are occupied when I first open the panel.
That is done when I press the StartOfDay icon on the panel which triggers all the track occupancy detectors to write their state to the panel.

So I am guessing that 4.12 behaves differently to the previous release and will not write the block value to an unoccupied block on startup.

Can anyone suggest a solution ?

Can I load the blockvalues.xml file somehow ?

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

#151553

开云体育

The answer for me and a lot of other folks is a Sprog V2 or Sprog V3 with a 14 or 15 Volt power supply rated for 3-4 amps. This will read and write to decoders period. If the Power off in program mode gives you heartburn switch over to command mode (POM) and program away with out worrying about charging up the caps. Rick.

On 9/5/2018 12:39 PM, crusader27529 wrote:

Show quoted text

In my experience, many of the issues with not being able to read CVs on the program track are because most command stations don't keep the DCC signal active on the program track except when actually sending and receiving data. The newer decoders, especially with sound require the onboard circuitry to stabilize and or charge before they're able to operate correctly, and many command stations don't leave the power on long enough.

Having said that, some of the theory about not keeping power on continuously is supposed to be for protection of the decoder if it's wired wrong, BUT realistically, in most cases that's a false assumption. So, if you feel better and want to power your newly installed decoder on a program track, just do it on your primary command station to verify that it doesn't make any smoke. Many command stations with program tracks have more failures than successes reading CVs from decoders.

My solution is to build a DCC++ command station, that would cost about $15 using Chinese parts, and use it to exclusively program decoders. DCC++ keeps full voltage on the program track, and I haven't found a decoder that's NMRA complient that it wouldn't read successfully.

If you use JMRI to communicate with whatever command station you use as primary, any data read from DCC++ will end up in the same roster database that both systems share. And with a simple double pole double throw switch, the program track can be quickly changed to the main track to verify that your changes actually worked as you hoped. And using a separate command station for programming won't interfere with normal operation on the main. Many command stations don't have the ability to use the program track without shutting off the main track while programming.

The ONLY negative thing with DCC++ is that it requires JMRI and therefore a computer to function. But that computer can be almost anything, and even some tablets can run it.

All this is just a thought, and it works for me, but then I use DCC++ as my primary command station with multiple power districts that can be configured individually for different over-current limits.

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

#151552

In my experience, many of the issues with not being able to read CVs on the program track are because most command stations don't keep the DCC signal active on the program track except when actually sending and receiving data. The newer decoders, especially with sound require the onboard circuitry to stabilize and or charge before they're able to operate correctly, and many command stations don't leave the power on long enough.

Having said that, some of the theory about not keeping power on continuously is supposed to be for protection of the decoder if it's wired wrong, BUT realistically, in most cases that's a false assumption. So, if you feel better and want to power your newly installed decoder on a program track, just do it on your primary command station to verify that it doesn't make any smoke. Many command stations with program tracks have more failures than successes reading CVs from decoders.

My solution is to build a DCC++ command station, that would cost about $15 using Chinese parts, and use it to exclusively program decoders. DCC++ keeps full voltage on the program track, and I haven't found a decoder that's NMRA complient that it wouldn't read successfully.

If you use JMRI to communicate with whatever command station you use as primary, any data read from DCC++ will end up in the same roster database that both systems share. And with a simple double pole double throw switch, the program track can be quickly changed to the main track to verify that your changes actually worked as you hoped. And using a separate command station for programming won't interfere with normal operation on the main. Many command stations don't have the ability to use the program track without shutting off the main track while programming.

The ONLY negative thing with DCC++ is that it requires JMRI and therefore a computer to function. But that computer can be almost anything, and even some tablets can run it.

All this is just a thought, and it works for me, but then I use DCC++ as my primary command station with multiple power districts that can be configured individually for different over-current limits.

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

Jim Thompson

#151551

开云体育

No its off topic,? but the best solution is the Soundtraxx PTB100.? I have been using it for at least 5 years with my DCS100 without a single decoder programming error.

?

Jim

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bob Potter
Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 11:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] DecoderPro will not read decoders

?

Phiip-
There are a few fairly recent threads about not being able to program engine decoders. Some of the problems seem to be because of low voltage to the program tracks.
If you are measuring track voltage as AC with a VOM it is not accurate for DCC. I don't know the offset.
You have a PowerPax booster to increase the voltage so it seems that your voltage at the track should be higher. Dave Heap said in a post that boosters were not recommended but I don't know why.
You might try to find a forum expressly for the DCS100 and see if you get more directed answers.
Bob

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.

Re: DecoderPro will not read decoders

Bob Potter

#151550

Phiip-
There are a few fairly recent threads about not being able to program engine decoders. Some of the problems seem to be because of low voltage to the program tracks.
If you are measuring track voltage as AC with a VOM it is not accurate for DCC. I don't know the offset.
You have a PowerPax booster to increase the voltage so it seems that your voltage at the track should be higher. Dave Heap said in a post that boosters were not recommended but I don't know why.
You might try to find a forum expressly for the DCS100 and see if you get more directed answers.
Bob

Re: JMRI 4.12 Panel

#151549

So I have a bit more information
If I monitor the error log file when I open the panel I see a message

15:39:10.274 ( 13441) ERROR [AWT-EventQueue-0] BlockValueFile.java:112? - block TrS3a is not occupied but has a saved value, not setting saved block values

My panel does not show which blocks are occupied when I first open the panel.
That is done when I press the StartOfDay icon on the panel which triggers all the track occupancy detectors to write their state to the panel.

So I am guessing that 4.12 behaves differently to the previous release and will not write the block value to an unoccupied block on startup.

Can anyone suggest a solution ?

Can I load the blockvalues.xml file somehow ?

Re: Logix Action to set Block Value doesn't work?

#151548

Dave,

Until I find time to add Blocks to Logix, you could try using this script:

import jmri
import java

class SetBlockFromMemory(jmri.jmrit.automat.AbstractAutomaton):
    def setup(self):
        self.memList = []
        for blk in blocks.getNamedBeanSet():
            memory = memories.getMemory(blk.getUserName())
            if memory is not None:
                self.memList.append(memory)
                memory.setValue('-None-')

    def handle(self):
        self.waitChange(self.memList)
        for mem in self.memList:
            if mem.getValue() != '-None-':
                blk = blocks.getBlock(mem.getUserName())
                blk.setValue(mem.getValue())
                mem.setValue('-None-')
        return True

sbfm = SetBlockFromMemory()
sbfm.setName("SBFM")
sbfm.setup()
sbfm.start()

If there is a memory that has the same user name as a block, it is added to the list.  When the memory is updated by Logix, the value is copied to the block.


Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Sep 5, 2018, at 3:00 AM, Dave Short <dave@...> wrote:

Dave,

I did have Memory Variables on my panel as train describers, but changed them recently to use Block Value! Hence the problem; I could set memory variables in Logix without problem. I suppose I could revert...

I didn't want to use the layout editor signalling tools as I am modelling semaphore signalling, where the signal is only cleared when there is a train to use it, rather than just when the line is clear. So I use warrants to define my routes, OBlocks to specify my paths and signals, and I have written scripts to control the trains.

Dave