Hornby Elite Wiring

[Graham Walters]

I shall be using the Hornby Elite for my DCC controller, at the moment to program loco's I am purchasing I have to move the wires from "Track" to "Program" on the controller.

 

That is not going to be practical when it's wired into the layout :

 

A. I don't want the clumpy connector showing on the layout,  ( not even hidden by a platelayers hut !)

 

B. Moving the wires from one set of connections to another just wont be practical.

 

So I was wondering if if I could permanently wire two wire to the track for running the trains, AND run two wires via a double pole double throw switch to a section of track in the sidings area  to use as programming track.

 

Could I then program loco's while others were still running ?

[JZjr]

You could successfully wire it through a DPDT switch but I would personally recommend a separate programming track. It would make sure you would not accidentally program more than one loco at a time.

 

Cheers

[traction]

I shall be using the Hornby Elite for my DCC controller, at the moment to program loco's I am purchasing I have to move the wires from "Track" to "Program" on the controller.

 

That is not going to be practical when it's wired into the layout :

 

A. I don't want the clumpy connector showing on the layout,  ( not even hidden by a platelayers hut !)

 

B. Moving the wires from one set of connections to another just wont be practical.

 

So I was wondering if if I could permanently wire two wire to the track for running the trains, AND run two wires via a double pole double throw switch to a section of track in the sidings area  to use as programming track.

 

Could I then program loco's while others were still running ?

 

No, you wont be able to run any other locos.

 

Problem is with most systems, I don't know any that don't do this, but  when you go into program mode it shuts off the output to the main track, so nothing will run.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

[Nigelcliffe]

No, you wont be able to run any other locos.

 

Problem is with most systems, I don't know any that don't do this, but  when you go into program mode it shuts off the output to the main track, so nothing will run.

Its about half-and-half on whether the main line output goes off during programming. Lenz goes off, Digitrax stays on.. There are arguments both ways on which method is best.

 

 

I agree with those who say create an independent programming track.   Its far less likely to go wrong.   The DPDT switch to an isolated siding can work, but has a few risks of operator error causing programming mistakes affecting the whole layout.