DCC Programming: episode 3 – Advanced consisting function control

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1

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DCC Programming: episode 3 – Advanced consisting function control

2

Excellent series-I’ve got 34 more units to program now that I have gained the confidence to do it. I did some yesterday and set up a couple of consists after reviewing episodes 1 and 2. They actually worked!!! I have several Blue Line units that I need to install decoders in as well as a bunch of older Athearn and Atlas locos, so I have plenty to keep me busy in my retirement. Thanks for the tips…

3

Dana, my head is still spinning, but your explanation of “bits” versus “bytes” is sinking in. I need to watch this once more to make sure I have it straight, then go down to the tst track and “play around” with the settings. Thanks for thyis video and I’m looking forward to more.

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Dana,

Great explanation of setting bits in a byte without getting into the binary math behind it (where a lot of people get lost or confused). Using the switch analogy really works well!

Mike

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Nice job Dana, but you’re addressing the consist by the consist # rather than the lead loco # this goes against the instructions from NCE and many of the advisors on the NCE Yahoo group. Their advise is to Always choose the lead loco # for the consist.

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Dana, this has been a really informative series. I’m looking forward to the future offerings.

7

Dana,

It might only be me, but in your Demo you have the bits wrong. 1 starts at the right and works its way to the left. 0010 = 2 , 0111 = 7 , 10000000 = 128 or 01000000 = 64. I used to program Crypto gear in the NAVY with Binary code… So the way you have sticks out like Bill Gates at an Apple convention.

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Hi Eric,
Yes, you are correct. For binary numbers the bits go right to left. However, I thought it would be clearer from a practical DCC standpoint, if I used the switch graphic and worked from left to right
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate everyone’s comments and suggestions.

Dana Kawala
Senior editor

9

I am very pleased your are doing this series on programming–your explanations are very clear and helpfully repetitious. Thank you.

10

How about explaining how to program units back to back. Also, how does one access that CV calculator?

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Nice job Dana ! I really enjoyed your explanation of the consisting video.

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Dana - I noticed you used a NCE cab in your demo. Since NCE cabs have advance consisting - why did you not use this feature to set up your consist? Also, where does one obtain the calculator you used? In summary, this was a very, very good demo!

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Hi Adolphus,
I did advance consist the locomotives using CV19. Yes the NCE system, as does some other DCC systems, has a built-in feature that allows you to do this automatically as well. I covered advance consisting in episode 2. If you type CV calculator into google, you’ll get a bunch of options. The one that I use is available for free at the Digitraxx website. The URL is given in the video at the 3:25 mark.
Thanks for watching!

Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Model Railroader magazine

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Hi James,
Check out episode 2 for an explanation of how to program the units back to back. Also the CV calculator is available at the Digitrax website. The web address is listed at the 3:25 mark in the video.

Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Model Railroader magazine

15

Thanks Dana. Very informative and simple to understand-Great teaching

16

Dana, Very nicely done. I like your explanation for how to calculate the values for the CV’s and the use of toggle switches. :slight_smile:

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Hi Dana, Thanks for the explanations thus far. Very nicely done at a comfortable pace with clear, concise discussion points.

18

Dana; Excellent series. Your explanations are clear and easy to understand. I’m saving this (and the rest of the series) for future reference.

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Thank you Dana, You made the DCC programming easy to understand. Can’t wait for the next tutorial on how to use the DCC Programming with the NCE equipment. Could you do an episode on how to hook up, or the way the wiring of DCC parts are interlinked? Like, (boosters, auto reversers, tortoise switches, ect.) Thanks. Also, can you use brass HO track with some Nickel silver track on DCC system??? I have three foot sections of brass I’d like to use for less used areas or hidden tracks??

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You do a good job of making difficult things easy Dana. Keep up the good work.