broadbent Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I have a Powercab starter set and I also have a smart switch for use on a programming track. Can I connect the programming track so that it can also be connected to the main? This would enable me to drive a loco onto the programming track. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Yes: This is from the NCE website: but you must be sure not to let a loco being programmed on the program track bridge the double gaps on the turnout otherwise you could end up programming Locos on the mainline. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 That diagram was discussed recently. Even though it comes from NCE's website, It is bad because full power is applied to the programming track. I think it was a bodge to get around an issue with a version of the board itself. The OP was asking more about the issue of running a loco onto the programming track & is there a safeguard available to prevent programming the entire layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Surely that diagram renders the Auto Switch redundant anyway??!!?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor_37260 Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 The main point of having a programming output, is the reduced power output, which helps check a decoder's installation is correct, BEFORE the decoder gets FULL track voltage, otherwise a decoder could be damaged beyond repair if a short etc is present etc. The above diagram, shows the link to the program track giving FULL track voltage - obviously there must be some reason for NOT using the marked dedicated programming track outputs shown alongside on the Auto SW board ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Only program track voltage is applied to the programming track when the Powercab is in program track mode, the mainline will be dead. The Op wanted a system where he can run his locos from the main to the program track which the NCE diagram provides, while doing this the program track will be a normal (main) part of the layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Surely that diagram renders the Auto Switch redundant anyway??!!?? Not so, when the Powercab is in program track mode, power is removed from the main. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil S Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 (edited) There is a simple controller-independent method of having a drive-on/off capable independent programming track: we use it on our H0 Skandi Layout: Normally: 'Totally Separate' from the main controller (so that running on the main layout is uninterrupted whilst any programming is performed ) - it does, however, have a dcc-point controlled pair of access points (with insulated breaks on both rails mid-crossover) which has a Uhlenbrock DCC SM2 DPDT relay operating on the same address - whenever the points are set to access the test loop, the track-power- source is changed to that of the main layout - this is primarily to allow multiple units with tricky internal electrical couplings to remain connected whilst moving on and off the programming track. [inter-coach electrical connections using inaccessible micro-sockets are relatively common with H0 multiple Unit Trains !] The 'programming' TEST LOOP is normally run totally independently from the the main layout - by its own Roco Multimaus Controller in our case. It serves the multiple purpose of ... a/ Programming without interrupting the main layout [with/without readback - depends on your choice of controller eg a Sprog could be used instead] b/ Providing an independently powered running track in case there is any failure of the main dcc system elsewhere on the layout c/ As an independent loop and controller, it can be safely operated by visitors of all ages ... scenically it is a 'tourist loop' around a campsite locating within the 'sink hole' of our helix which connects all levels of the layout. [We also have a Joystick-controlled logging crane visitors are invited to use] d/ The circular test track facilitates running-in of new locos - and is a suitable location to adjust other CVs if required. e/ On completion, the main controller then changes the access crossover, and simultaneously changes the connections to be the same as the main layout ... any train can then be driven off onto the main layout without uncoupling or re-railing. Edited October 17, 2017 by Phil S Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
broadbent Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 I am not sure the diagram can be right. I have since been told that connecting the programme track to the program output normally allows full power to the prog track in order to run a train on to it. Programming on the prog track reduces power to the prog track and cuts off power to the main. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 The main point of having a programming output, is the reduced power output, which helps check a decoder's installation is correct, BEFORE the decoder gets FULL track voltage, otherwise a decoder could be damaged beyond repair if a short etc is present etc. The above diagram, shows the link to the program track giving FULL track voltage - obviously there must be some reason for NOT using the marked dedicated programming track outputs shown alongside on the Auto SW board ? You could have a totally separate piece of track connected to the program track outputs on the autoSW for programming new locos of unknown condition/new installation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 For those that are not familiar with the NCE Powercab, there are no dedicated program track outputs, it shares the same connections to that of the main. The autoSW is a way of adding a program track without programming the whole layout or having to use POM. It detects when the Powercab is in program track mode and switches the outputs accordingly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Ok, I have found something: NCE's website gives diagrams for AutoSwitch & AutoSwitch Live. The earlier diagram is for Autoswitch Live. This is for Autoswitch: https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/200631005/Auto_SW.pdf They both use the same board but Autoswitch Live keeps the programing track live at all times. Their website has definitely changed. I can't find the previous thread which mentioned it but I definitely remember seeing something about making a rev B board work like a rev A one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shroomy Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 This is what I done using auto switch Programming track connected to main with irjs Droppers from PT to programming output on auto switch Then with a dpst switch between main and programming track to create a power bridge so you can drive on with main power flick switch to isolate PT THEN WORKING IN PROGRAMMING MODE with isolated switch but remember to throw the switch otherwise you will do the lot lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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