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Re: Jmri interface

Mark Gurries
 

Not sure what you mean by interface wire.

There are 3 classes or wires found in a layout.

1) Low Voltage Control/Communication Cables

2) Low voltage DCC Track or DC/AC cables that distribute layout power.

3)  High Voltage 120V/220V AC power cables.

In general it is bad to mix Class 1 with Class 2.  There is no hazardous power involved.  The only problem with mixing them is noise and communication problems.

You can bundle Class 1 cables in a loose group of its own and you can bundle Class 2 cable in a loose group of its own..

You cannot bundle a Class 3 cable with Class 2 or a Class 3.  When it comes to high voltage AC outlet power, I would not wrap it that cable with anything else.   The AC cable is a hazardous cable and should be protected from accidental contact with tools or anything else that one might use in wiring up a layout.  It should be run all by itself away from all other cables and given some mechanical protection thoughts as to its installation.


On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:12 AM, vincent marino <vmarino2009@...> wrote:

Question. If I wind the interface wire around a 110 extension cord will the dcc signal be affected by the 110 current? 

Best Regards,

Mark Gurries
Electrical Engineer
DCC Website & NMRA DCC Clinics: www.markgurries.com
Jmri interface

vincent marino
 

Question. If I wind the interface wire around a 110 extension cord will the dcc signal be affected by the 110 current? 
Re: Current Protection

Ken Harstine
 

You could also purchase my product and be able to fine tune the current setting:

http://voltscooter.com/?page_id=134

The maximum setting of my product is lower then the 6 Ampere one mentioned previously.  (the trip level of which is actually 12 Amperes).  My product is suitable for any AC circuit under 30V and will also work with DC however the wiring may need to be adjusted to make the indicator light as it has a polarity.

When using a PolySwitch type fuse you need to be aware of both the maximum voltage and the maximum current.  The maximum voltage is easy enough. 

The input voltage to the fuse should not exceed that number.  In the instance mentioned that is 30V and is just fine for Model Railroad secondary voltages but not for the primary voltages on the AC side.

Maximum current is a little harder.  Essentially the source should not be able to exceed the maximum current rating of the fuse.  I was unable to fully trace the one linked in the previous message but the maximum current of similar fuses is 40Ampere so this is certainly large enough for the purpose.
Re: Current Protection

Carl
 

Hi Gang:

I've added these to my ZW. Much more protection than the breaker on the common wire.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/toytrains/photos/photostream/lightbox/1508970439?orderBy=mtime&sortOrder=desc&photoFilter=ALL#zax/1508970439

Good luck, Carl.


On 11/21/2018 12:07 PM, Charles Brumbelow via Groups.Io wrote:
I have seen these recommended and even used inside Lionel ZW and KW transformers. Variable current ratings available. Charles

US Stock 10pcs 6A 30V PPTC PolySwitch Resettable Fuse Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More | eBay







On Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 9:17 AM, Don Vollrath <donevol43@...> wrote:

Good advice Allan.
DonV


Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: Current Protection

Charles Brumbelow
 

I have seen these recommended and even used inside Lionel ZW and KW transformers. Variable current ratings available. Charles

US Stock 10pcs 6A 30V PPTC PolySwitch Resettable Fuse Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More | eBay







On Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 9:17 AM, Don Vollrath <donevol43@...> wrote:

Good advice Allan.
DonV
Re: Current Protection

Don Vollrath
 

Good advice Allan.
DonV
Re: Current Protection

wirefordcc
 

I want to add some clarification to this topic.  The question was whether the power input to the DCS 240 should be fused and the answer was that the input to the power supply should be fused. 

 

Yes, it is a good idea to fuse the input to the DCS 240.  The DCS 240 is a 3/5/8 amp command station/booster.  The power supply that Lindsay intends to use is a 7A supply.  So do not use the DCS240 in the 8A mode.  Use it in the 5A mode.  If in the 8A mode, the 7A supply will never be able to source enough power for the DCS 240’s internal current protection to shut it down.  A fuse on the input of the DCS 240 should be about 6A or a 5A slo-blo fuse can be used to allow the DCS 240 to do it’s thing and not require you to change the fuse 4 times during an operating session.

 

It is also a good idea to fuse the input of the power supply on the 120V AC side.  Be aware that if it is a 7A, 13.5VDC power supply on the output, the maximum input current to the supply will be less than an amp.  So using a 2A fast-blo or a  1.5A slo-blo  would be appropriate on the 120V AC side.

 

Allan Gartner  WiringForDCC.com 

        

 
Re: Current Protection

David McBrayer
 

YES!, you should fuse the input to the power supply.  Don’t forget to account the startup surge. 

Dave McBrayer
Castro Valley, CA 


On Nov 19, 2018, at 18:44, Lindsay Hughes
I am using a 15V 7A power supply to provide switchmode open frame power supply to provide 13.5V nominal DC power around the layout, as well as for a Digitrax DCS 240 controller.

My question is this: should I fuse the power input to the DCS-240?  

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Current Protection

Lindsay Hughes
 

Greetings

 

I am wiring a power system for my layout.  I am using a 15V 7A power supply to provide switchmode open frame power supply to provide 13.5V nominal DC power around the layout, as well as for a Digitrax DCS 240 controller.

My question is this: should I fuse the power input to the DCS-240?  I'm thinking I probably should, but I'm looking for confirmation...

Many thanks!
Re: Help identifying decoder

Nick Ostrosky
 

I am working with Decoder Pro, that’s what was giving me strange readings on the board.  That said, even with the “read from decoder” I was presented dozens of options, so I was looking for a way to narrow down the choices and was able to do so with the JMRI list.

 

A final thank you to everyone that provided input on my question.
Re: Help identifying decoder

towboatjohnston@...
 

Nick,
You may want to download Decoder Pro from the same website. I had similar identity problems with a factory installed decoder that was different from the accompanying information, and also had an odd manufacturer ID. Once I figured out that it was made by Soundtraxx, I was able to experiment with the list of available setups and find one (Tsunami) that worked beautifully for my loco. Decoder Pro is a lifesaver. 

John Johnston

On Nov 14, 2018, at 6:31 AM, Nick Ostrosky <nick79ostr@...> wrote:

Thank you all for your tips.  Another user pointed me to the JMRI website http://jmri.org/xml/XSLT/pages/DecoderId.html which has helped me narrow the field considerably.  Not the easiest thing to find on the JMRI site so I have bookmarked it for future use.

 
Re: Help identifying decoder

Nick Ostrosky
 

Thank you all for your tips.  Another user pointed me to the JMRI website http://jmri.org/xml/XSLT/pages/DecoderId.html which has helped me narrow the field considerably.  Not the easiest thing to find on the JMRI site so I have bookmarked it for future use.

 
Re: Help identifying decoder

Gary Chudzinski
 

>Nick Ostrosky writes:  My NCE cab says it's manufacturer 141, version 064 which I can't find in any Soundtraxx on-line 



Nick,  Your decoder is a Soundtraxx Tsunami (not ECO or Tsunami2)

Below is the Soundtraxx reference to CV7.  CV8 = 141 for Soundtraxx.

https://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/productID.pdf

Gary Chudzinski
Re: Help identifying decoder

Greg Williams <gregw66@...>
 

If it is a factory installed decoder, Soundtraxx has a spot on its website about factory installed decoders. Find it at:

https://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/index.php

Greg Williams
Re : w4dccqa@groups.io Digest #71

CS_listes
 

Bonjour,
Configuration variable CV 7 contains the version number of the decoder.
  In Europe some manufacturers give additional information in another variable.
Have a good day in digital.
Charles_2_Bordeaux.
 
Excerpt from the SoundTraxx manual.
“Primary CVs
Tsunami2 Diesel Technical Reference 12
CV 7: Manufacturer Version (Read-Only)
Description
CV 7 contains the 8-bit software version identifier. CV 7 is read-only and cannot be modified”
 
Bonjour,
La variable de configuration CV 7 contient le numéro de la version du décodeur.
 En Europe certains fabricants donnent un complément d’information dans une autre variable.
Bonne journée en numérique.
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1a. 
Help identifying decoder
From: Nick Ostrosky
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:15:56 PST

This isn't strictly a wiring question but I'm hoping for some help/direction.  I have a Stewart Hobbies F7 equipped with a Soundtraxx decoder.  Being new to JMRI I am trying to add it to my roster but I don't know the specific model of the decoder.  What I do know:

  • The board itself says Sountraxx (no other identifying marks I can see).
  • A card in the box says Tsunami EMD 567
  • My NCE cab says it's manufacturer 141, version 064 which I can't find in any Soundtraxx on-line documentation (including the OEM section for Bowser/Stewart). 


The JMRI "read decoder" brings it back as something completely different than Soundtraxx.  I have a photo but don't seem to have the permissions necessary to upload it here.

Any suggestions?  Thanks!
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1b. 
Re: Help identifying decoder
From: redking56@...
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:27:02 PST

The NMRA Manufacturer ID list shows 141 as "Throttle-Up (Soundtraxx)".

Rich
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Re: Help identifying decoder

Vince
 

The NMRA Manufacturer ID list shows 141 as "Throttle-Up (Soundtraxx)".

Rich
Help identifying decoder

Nick Ostrosky
 

This isn't strictly a wiring question but I'm hoping for some help/direction.  I have a Stewart Hobbies F7 equipped with a Soundtraxx decoder.  Being new to JMRI I am trying to add it to my roster but I don't know the specific model of the decoder.  What I do know:

  • The board itself says Sountraxx (no other identifying marks I can see).
  • A card in the box says Tsunami EMD 567
  • My NCE cab says it's manufacturer 141, version 064 which I can't find in any Soundtraxx on-line documentation (including the OEM section for Bowser/Stewart). 
The JMRI "read decoder" brings it back as something completely different than Soundtraxx.  I have a photo but don't seem to have the permissions necessary to upload it here.

Any suggestions?  Thanks!
Re: Programming track "short" message on NCE Powercab

Glenn
 

Otherwise you will be programming every item attached to the mainline output of the PowerCab. (Guilty).

Wiring for DCC has instructions for making a programing track. http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm#d2

It doesn't surprise me NCE doesn't discuss program tracks in the initial set up instructions. The MRC unit I started with Included a resistor and instructions for creating a program track.

I used my separate test track as the programing track. I used three screws to connect power via alligator clips to the track. One screw was wired to the back rail. A second screw was wired to the front rail. The third screw was wired through the resistor to the front rail.

Glenn





-----Original Message-----
From: Don Vollrath
Sent: Nov 9, 2018 9:37 PM
To: w4dccqa@groups.io
Subject: Re: [w4dccqa] Programming track "short" message on NCE Powercab

Nick, If you use the entire layout as a programming track and there are multiple locos, circuit breakers,reversers or other attachments to the track bus, there is likely to be too much load on the bus for read-back programming to work. Do not do that. You need to create a programming track and isolate the rest of the layout with either a DPDT manual switch or NCE's auto-Switch. Otherwise you will be programming every item attached to the mainline output of the PowerCab.
DonV 

Re: Programming track "short" message on NCE Powercab

Richard Gagnon <richg_1998@...>
 

I have the PC but used a short section of isolated track some years ago. Seemed logical for program track from all I have read in forums over the years and the manual.

Rich




On Friday, November 9, 2018, 8:38 AM, Nick Ostrosky <nick79ostr@...> wrote:

Using the NCE Powercab it was my understanding that your entire layout can be used as the programming track since NCE doesn't have separate programming track outputs.  However, when I attempt to use "Program Track" (vs. Program on Main") my cab gives me "Short Detected", and if I press enter it asks if I want to continue anyway.  I have no problem operating locomotives, and my entire layout is wired with circuit breakers and auto-reversers (one wye, one loop), none of which is showing a short or giving me any operating troubles.  Has anyone else run into this issue, and does anyone have suggestions for troubleshooting since there are no obvious indicators of a problem?  Thanks!

Re: Programming track "short" message on NCE Powercab

Nick Ostrosky
 

Thank you, Don.  That makes sense, and I’m a little surprised NCE doesn’t cover that in their documentation.
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