what makes a track a programing track? and is there anything that can’t be part/on the track that makes it not a programing track?
It’s a dedicated ‘programming’ track* - limited to DCC.
Some systems used them. Some didn’t. Some liked them, some didn’t*. No big deal.
A programming track is a track that can be electrically isolated from the rest of the layout and connected electrically to the programming track outputs of the command station. It can be separate track on the workbench or it can be a track on the layout.
I had an industry spur on my layout that was right above the command station. So I put a DPDT switch in the fascia and insulated joints in both rails of the spur. One side of the DPDT switch was connected to normal track power and the other was connected to the programming track outputs on the command station.
When I wanted to program an engine on the prgramming track i put it on the spur, threw the toggle to “Program Track” and programmed the engine. When i was done, I threw the switch back to “Normal” and played trains.
Dave H.
I use the setup that Dave describes. My turntable approach is gapped at the last turnout, and of course the end stopping at the lip of the turntable pit serves as the other end. I place a new engine on that section, flip an SPDT, and then do my programming. Works like a darn, and all it takes is flicking the toggle back and I can drive it around the layout.
The main thing is that one never wants track power or any other type of power to be fed back int the programming outputs of the command station. Instant damage will result. So make the programming track a separate piece of track or install a good foolproof switch between the main and the programming track. I prefer a plug and socket. Switches can be bumped to the wrong position. Bump a plug and it disconnects with no damage done.
Good point. If I might add further thoughts…
Damage can occur by having the section on the DPDT set to program, then inadvertently driving a loco into it from the powered section. When you do that, you run the risk of applying track power back into the program feeds (by making connection through the wheels). This can fry your program track outputs. Don’t ask me how I know.
Correct use requires leaving the DPDT set to track power. Drive into the track. Full stop. Then switch to program. I have setup a small section between the program and regular tracks that I always shut off when programming.
That is the recommended method.
Hmmm…I was thinking of using one of the staging tracks, but with the hazard presented above maybe a spur track closest to the control panel(layout to be built using DC and converted to DCC when ancient locos are replaced)and plug and sockets sounds safe and simple.(RS 274 series audio plugs come in red and black!)
I have some test tracks at the work bench. One is a dedicated programming track for my NCE/DCC. I have two command stations, one for the test stretch and one for the railroad. Never any goofs.
Bob
Im like Bob. Test/Program track at workbench. Program ,coupler hight, trip pins, wheels checked and running smooth before it goes on the layout or club. Not just locos but anything that rolls on the rails gets tested first. I recently added an 18 inch radius curve to the test track to check for interfearance of wheels and couplers on cars even though there are a minimum of 24 inch radius curves on the layout.
Pete
I have a separate programing track under my layout. I have a A/B switch to turn the layout off and the program track on when I need to program an engine. I also have a small light that comes on when the program track is selected so I know it is on. I set this up this way after I had problems with a program track that was part of the layout. It takes only a few seconds to program 35 engines to one address but, several hours to re-program them all to their proper addresses.
Dan Pikulski