¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Date

Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

I understand that but what Im saying is that since you can run DC locomotives on a DCC system you would no longer need to have your layout in DC mode anymore so you wouldnt have to worry about crossing points from DC to DCC because you would always only be using DCC.? If it works for everyone you then disable the DC to DCC switches with no additional hardware or complexity to deal with.

Mike Piazza

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 19:05 doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:
Mike,
I appreciate the feedback.? I don't _think_ I'm overthinking this idea.? My goal is to prevent a DCC locomotive from going through a cross-over onto a track that is powered by DC.? Also the inverse, where a DC locomotive crosses onto a DCC powered track.

Doug


On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 9:54 PM Michael Piazza via Groups.Io <mpiazza2007=[email protected]> wrote:
Most DCC systems can drive a DC locomotive defaulting to address 3.? All the DC locomotives running in the DCC layout will be running from address 3 so you will still have to isolate blocks as normally done with DC.

The difference is that the voltage hitting the motor is pulsed rather than a clean DC signal and the engine may not run as smoothly.

I'm just suggesting this to think about as you are really trying to overcomplicate things when you may not have to.

Just some food for thought.

Mike Piazza

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 18:32 doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I've tried countless Google searches, and I can't find an answer to this question so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

I am a member of an NTrak group and we support DC and DCC via a toggle switch on each of the three lines. ?

I am planning on building a module that will allow us to cross over from any line to either of the other lines.? I am hoping to create a panel in PanelPro to control the switches, but I don't want the panel to allow the switches to be thrown if the two lines are not running the same power (DC or DCC).

Is there a way to build a circuit (Arduino, RPi, etc) that can tell JMRI if the the line is powered by DC or DCC?? By the way, my electronics knowledge is limited so any and all details are welcome (and probably needed).

Thanks,
Doug Mertens


Locked Re: decoder pro. with paragon decoders

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

What should cv 246 be set to ?get best results

Tony





On Jul 29, 2018, at 8:31 PM, Steve_G <RailRodder@...> wrote:

Hi
Check cv245 data bit 6 . I dont know if applies to all there decoders but applies to a lot. This allows programming track read write without errors, or boosters.
Steve G.

On July 29, 2018 3:48:43 PM EDT, Classic Auto Portraits <classicautoportraits@...> wrote:
Dear Tony,

I too have encountered issues with the Broadway Limited units. One Paragon2 PA1 in particular will not reset from it's 03 default. I have come across mention of "Blast Programming" (see below) by Digitrax, for decoders that "Require more current," but this looks like it will only work with the Zephyr series.
I'd like to know more about the PTB100 track Booster.

Regards,
Robert Diepenbrock




On 7/28/18 8:33 AM, Roger Merritt wrote:
Tony,

? ? My past experience with the Paragon locos was they had capacitors in them and that soaks up the short write signal.? Had to get a Track Booster to program those properly.? Using a PTB100 track Booster with my Digitrax DCS100 command station.

Roger


--
Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

Hi,
In theory this should work. The devil is in the details. Many DC power supplies actually put out a pulsed or even PWM waveform that is sufficient to trigger a transformer coupled detector. I know this because we have customers for our CT coil based detectors that use them for both DC and DCC detection. One example is a museum layout that operates with DCC when the club is present and DC when only a docent is present.

Probably the simplest solution is to detect the DC power output and not allow the crossovers to operate when present. A bit more 'exotic' would be to detect both DC and DCC outputs with relays and if both relays are activated remove power from the crossovers. It is not fool proof because it is not fail safe, but probably DC operation has its days numbered. (based on the experience of many clubs that once had dual operation)

Dick :)

On 07/29/2018 10:38 PM, eclipserd via Groups.Io wrote:

Doug,

Bruce's message is the best medicine...

But I also know that with clubs and groups there can be a very definitive line between optimal and realistic when it comes to club politics.? With that said, if you can convince your group to sans any interfacing/crossovers/switching tracks between DCC and DC, etc, then that would be the best option....

If not.....

Then my suggestion would be to utilize a DCC specific, transformer coupled detector (NCE, CMRI, Iowa Scaled Engineering, etc.).? In theory, the detectors rely on the alternating current of a DCC voltage source to couple through a small current sensing transformer.? Transformers will not couple DC due to the lack of the rising and falling voltages of the alternating currents - DC simply just passes through undetected.? With that said, you would simply need to place a small amount of resistance in series with the detector and the power of the block(s) that could create a conflict.? If the voltage is DCC, then the detector would show active and if DC, the detector would not show active.? A little Logix in JMRI and you could easily keep switches from throwing unless they matched in power sources.

Regards,
Daland Speirs
SLC, UT


Locked Re: Decoder pro,,,how to delete entry of locomotive sold

frankjoanw
 

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP. Greatly appreciated.

Frank

:>)....Have a good day.....Frank W (IPhone)


Locked Test version 4.13.1 of JMRI/DecoderPro is available for download.

 

This is the next in a series of test releases that will culminate in a production release, hopefully in Summer 2018.

If you are currently using JMRI 4.9.6 or earlier, we strongly recommend that you first update to JMRI 4.12 and make sure that's running OK before updating to this test release. There have been a number of changes in serial port support, panel file format and configuration options since those earlier releases, and moving to the stable JMRI 4.12 release is a good way to work through any possible problems.
<>

If you use JMRI on Linux or Mac and are updating from JMRI 4.7.3 or earlier, there¡¯s a necessary migration step. (Not needed on Windows) Please see the JMRI 4.12 release note for details: <>

For more information on the issues, new features and bug fixes in 4.13.1 please see the release note:
<>

Note that JMRI is made available under the GNU General Public License. For more information, please see our copyright and licensing page.
<>

The download links, along with lots of other information which we hope you'll read, can be found on the release note page:
<>

--
Bob Jacobsen
rgj1927@...


Locked Re: Decoder pro,,,how to delete entry of locomotive sold

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

You have to do it from All Entries. If you right-click while in a group, the only removal option will be "Remove From Group"

--?
Dave in Australia

The New England Convention 2018

On 30 Jul 2018, at 11:53 AM, John Griffin <johng.sst@...> wrote:

You can also right-click on the roster entry and select 'Delete from Roster'.


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

What you want is there to be no voltage across the gaps when you get there. Bad cases include:

*) Both sides DC, but set to opposite polarity

*) Both sides DCC, but wired opposite or running off different command stations

*) One side DC and one side DCC

I suggest you put a pair of oppositely-wired opto-isolators on each gap, a pair on each side. Pick limit resistors that¡¯ll let them survive 30V, and still work down to about 3V. Have those feed whatever indicator you want. If any of the four are conducting, there¡¯s voltage across the gap: don¡¯t go there. Which ones are conducting, and whether they¡¯re on all the time or rapidly going on and off, will tell you which problem you have.

Bob

On Jul 29, 2018, at 6:32 PM, doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,
I've tried countless Google searches, and I can't find an answer to this question so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

I am a member of an NTrak group and we support DC and DCC via a toggle switch on each of the three lines.

I am planning on building a module that will allow us to cross over from any line to either of the other lines. I am hoping to create a panel in PanelPro to control the switches, but I don't want the panel to allow the switches to be thrown if the two lines are not running the same power (DC or DCC).

Is there a way to build a circuit (Arduino, RPi, etc) that can tell JMRI if the the line is powered by DC or DCC? By the way, my electronics knowledge is limited so any and all details are welcome (and probably needed).
--
Bob Jacobsen
rgj1927@...


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

Doug,

Bruce's message is the best medicine...

But I also know that with clubs and groups there can be a very definitive line between optimal and realistic when it comes to club politics.? With that said, if you can convince your group to sans any interfacing/crossovers/switching tracks between DCC and DC, etc, then that would be the best option....

If not.....

Then my suggestion would be to utilize a DCC specific, transformer coupled detector (NCE, CMRI, Iowa Scaled Engineering, etc.).? In theory, the detectors rely on the alternating current of a DCC voltage source to couple through a small current sensing transformer.? Transformers will not couple DC due to the lack of the rising and falling voltages of the alternating currents - DC simply just passes through undetected.? With that said, you would simply need to place a small amount of resistance in series with the detector and the power of the block(s) that could create a conflict.? If the voltage is DCC, then the detector would show active and if DC, the detector would not show active.? A little Logix in JMRI and you could easily keep switches from throwing unless they matched in power sources.

Regards,
Daland Speirs
SLC, UT

?


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

The VERY BEST way to prevent the disasters awaiting this scenario is to prevent its existence. Don¡¯t ?allow DC and DCC to exist on the same layout at the same time.?

Anything else is a recipe for disaster.
--
Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574
Learn more about DCC at?
Read my columns at?


On Jul 29, 2018, at 8:05 PM, doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:

I don't _think_ I'm overthinking this idea.? My goal is to prevent a DCC locomotive from going through a cross-over onto a track that is powered by DC.? Also the inverse, where a DC locomotive crosses onto a DCC powered track.

Doug


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

Mike,
I appreciate the feedback.? I don't _think_ I'm overthinking this idea.? My goal is to prevent a DCC locomotive from going through a cross-over onto a track that is powered by DC.? Also the inverse, where a DC locomotive crosses onto a DCC powered track.

Doug


On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 9:54 PM Michael Piazza via Groups.Io <mpiazza2007=[email protected]> wrote:
Most DCC systems can drive a DC locomotive defaulting to address 3.? All the DC locomotives running in the DCC layout will be running from address 3 so you will still have to isolate blocks as normally done with DC.

The difference is that the voltage hitting the motor is pulsed rather than a clean DC signal and the engine may not run as smoothly.

I'm just suggesting this to think about as you are really trying to overcomplicate things when you may not have to.

Just some food for thought.

Mike Piazza

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 18:32 doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I've tried countless Google searches, and I can't find an answer to this question so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

I am a member of an NTrak group and we support DC and DCC via a toggle switch on each of the three lines. ?

I am planning on building a module that will allow us to cross over from any line to either of the other lines.? I am hoping to create a panel in PanelPro to control the switches, but I don't want the panel to allow the switches to be thrown if the two lines are not running the same power (DC or DCC).

Is there a way to build a circuit (Arduino, RPi, etc) that can tell JMRI if the the line is powered by DC or DCC?? By the way, my electronics knowledge is limited so any and all details are welcome (and probably needed).

Thanks,
Doug Mertens


Locked Re: Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

Most DCC systems can drive a DC locomotive defaulting to address 3.? All the DC locomotives running in the DCC layout will be running from address 3 so you will still have to isolate blocks as normally done with DC.

The difference is that the voltage hitting the motor is pulsed rather than a clean DC signal and the engine may not run as smoothly.

I'm just suggesting this to think about as you are really trying to overcomplicate things when you may not have to.

Just some food for thought.

Mike Piazza

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 18:32 doug.mertens <mertensdoug@...> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I've tried countless Google searches, and I can't find an answer to this question so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

I am a member of an NTrak group and we support DC and DCC via a toggle switch on each of the three lines. ?

I am planning on building a module that will allow us to cross over from any line to either of the other lines.? I am hoping to create a panel in PanelPro to control the switches, but I don't want the panel to allow the switches to be thrown if the two lines are not running the same power (DC or DCC).

Is there a way to build a circuit (Arduino, RPi, etc) that can tell JMRI if the the line is powered by DC or DCC?? By the way, my electronics knowledge is limited so any and all details are welcome (and probably needed).

Thanks,
Doug Mertens


Locked Re: Decoder pro,,,how to delete entry of locomotive sold

 

You can also right-click on the roster entry and select 'Delete from Roster'.

John

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018 at 6:50 PM, David dareese51 <dareese51@...> wrote:
Frank

I highlight the loco I want to delete and click on edit then delete then confirm that I do want to delete it.? That is how I do it.

David




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

Reward for remote.


Locked Detecting DC vs DCC track power

 

Hi everyone,
I've tried countless Google searches, and I can't find an answer to this question so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

I am a member of an NTrak group and we support DC and DCC via a toggle switch on each of the three lines. ?

I am planning on building a module that will allow us to cross over from any line to either of the other lines.? I am hoping to create a panel in PanelPro to control the switches, but I don't want the panel to allow the switches to be thrown if the two lines are not running the same power (DC or DCC).

Is there a way to build a circuit (Arduino, RPi, etc) that can tell JMRI if the the line is powered by DC or DCC?? By the way, my electronics knowledge is limited so any and all details are welcome (and probably needed).

Thanks,
Doug Mertens


Locked Re: Decoder pro,,,how to delete entry of locomotive sold

 

Frank

I highlight the loco I want to delete and click on edit then delete then confirm that I do want to delete it.? That is how I do it.

David


Locked Decoder pro,,,how to delete entry of locomotive sold

frankjoanw
 

Hello. ?I have an entry in DecoderPro for locomotive #107. How do I delete the decoder file for this locomotive from Decoder Pro which I no longer own? ?I tried highlighting the entry and hitting DELETE but it did nothing. ?I have several to delete....THANK YOU....Frank


Locked Re: decoder pro. with paragon decoders

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi
Check cv245 data bit 6 . I dont know if applies to all there decoders but applies to a lot. This allows programming track read write without errors, or boosters.
Steve G.

On July 29, 2018 3:48:43 PM EDT, Classic Auto Portraits <classicautoportraits@...> wrote:
Dear Tony,

I too have encountered issues with the Broadway Limited units. One Paragon2 PA1 in particular will not reset from it's 03 default. I have come across mention of "Blast Programming" (see below) by Digitrax, for decoders that "Require more current," but this looks like it will only work with the Zephyr series.
I'd like to know more about the PTB100 track Booster.

Regards,
Robert Diepenbrock




On 7/28/18 8:33 AM, Roger Merritt wrote:
Tony,

? ? My past experience with the Paragon locos was they had capacitors in them and that soaks up the short write signal.? Had to get a Track Booster to program those properly.? Using a PTB100 track Booster with my Digitrax DCS100 command station.

Roger


--
Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.


Locked Re: Turntable

 

Without any DCC++ hands-on experience, and very limited DCC Turntable experience, not all of what you wrote makes it through to me.

Can you watch the JMRI System console and the DCC++ Traffic Monitor with both the "Show raw data" and the "Show timestamps" turned on? Even better, use the "Choose log file ..." and "Start logging ..." features.

Together, these should give you a better idea as to what the DCC++ is trying to do or not do with each of the actions you describe. With that kind of information, you should be able to narrow the investigation focus.

There are ways to turn on more Debug logging messages to the JMRI System console window, but someone with more DCC++ experience will need to help out. My experiences with verbose LocoNet chatter will not help you in the slightest.

By the way, you can also upload images and files to this groups.io account and avoid sharing the strange adds, .

It may be necessary for you to upload your panel .xml file for someone to dig into what you have done, but hold that thought until you get someone else to help here.
Cliff


Locked Re: Inconsistent behaviour with the dispatcher

 

The previous posting relates to the block warnings. I don¡¯t know if they impact Dispatcher actions. A Dispatcher expert may know.

For you questions, setting up a test scenario would be required. I might play with that tomorrow.


Personally, I eliminate all errors and warnings before moving to the next level. For me, the levels are: track > blocks > signal masts > signal mast logic > sections > transits.

Since I don¡¯t have a layout, I include the occupancy sensors on the panel to simulate train movement.


Dave Sand

On Jul 29, 2018, at 6:21 PM, jamespetts via Groups.Io <jamespetts@...> wrote:

Thank you for your reply. What is not clear from what you have written is whether this relates just to the warnings or to the inconsistent behaviour - can you elaborate on whether, and, if so, how this directional ambiguity would relate to the inconsistent behaviour? Also, would this directional ambiguity be resolved if the blocks in question were set to be unidirectional?


Locked Re: Engine Driver 2.20.56

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Might be chasing ghosts. I loaded Engine Driver 2.20.59 onto my smart phone and tablet. Both performed without incident at the club today. At this point, I suspect either a bad install on the member¡¯s Android phone or maybe a transient glitch on the club computer last Thursday. We should have tried rebooting the computer. I¡¯ll let you know what the story is next Thursday when the club reconvenes.

?

All the JMRI Preference Defaults and other settings were OK.

?

Mark Granville

?


Locked Dispatcher ... Backing a train into a sideing

 

Gentlemen,

? ? Is it possible to have a train stop in section, throw a turnout and back into a siding?? I run mostly passenger cars and would like them to back into passenger yard sidings.

Roger