model-trains

Thanks Bod I have managed to find this video, it works in the same principle as the two way electrofrog branch wiring. So I am guessing you could do it on the heel and allow power to run into the point, or as in the video connecting two positives and connecting two negatives. I could probably do both but it would make it less flexible to position and connecting to other tracks lengths. Sorry I forgot to add earlier, my layout is 00 gauge. Thanks again for your help.

Yes I will be using 2 Cobalt IP point motors. The 3 way point images are below Will droppers at the heel of the point be sufficient to feed into the point? Will I need to solder other wires to the underside of the point? Information for the electro frog 2 way branch is clear, I am not sure with the 3 way, my soldering isn't brilliant due to my eye sight hence the reason, if there is any soldering, I need to get it right first time. Thanks for your help

UPDATE The 4 DR4088LN are now sorted, 1=1-16, 2=17-32, 3=33-48, 4=49-64 The faulty one is being returned and a new one has been purchased which I should have tomorrow. It would be 5=65-80 All sections of the first board are now live with no shorts. The next stage will be to prepare the 2way and 3way Peco ElectroFrog points. I will probably reprogram the feedback modules to between 101-116, etc as my locos and point motors are already set using addresses between 1 and 50, I will extend this to have the addresses between 1-100 and will renumber the addresses of feedbacks in iTrain to match the module connections which should be much faster to do. Signals can then be reset to addresses between 200-300 in iTrain

I have a couple of Peco 3 way ElectroFrog points, the first of which I am ready to add to the layout I am building. Well not quite ready understanding how I install it and do I have to solder wires to the underside have brought me to a stop! The underside of the 3 way ElectroFrog does not appear like the 2 way, it wouldn't it is a 3 way point, I am sure you will say. There are two wires dropping from the point for the frog, which will go to the Cobalt IP Digital slow action point motor. Is this all I need providing I add DCC track power at the heel of the point, and 6 IRJ's at the 3 toe ends of the point? Or do I have to solder wires to the track beneath like I had to with the two way ElectroFrog point, if so where do I solder the wires? I have seen a wiring diagram for the Cobalt point motor mentioned above, but the area I am not sure about is what changes or soldered additions are needed and where. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Iain Yes I read the comment you posted. The first 16 are red because they are also defined in the s88 bus - remove them from the s88 and bus and they will not be red. Having read it I said to myself, remove them they will not be red, but will it work without then, as for S88 they probably would be no issue. Then I considered the two videos had them so decided to leave them, providing I don't use the S88 leave and move on. Then I read you have NOT defined the DR4088 as accessories you only used the accessory panel to configure them. Having read this I took it I should define the DR4088 as an accessory, hence my question. Sometimes messages can be misunderstood in the reading that wouldn't be in person. You know what you are talking about Iain, it is all new to me. I have only had Hornby eLink, a simple system, make all rail live, no blocks in the system, good for beginners, but terrible for fixing issues, even more terrible with all the promises of Loco Detection is coming, coming soon, etc. Six years of hot air promises hence my change to this system with iTrain, but as said it is all very new to me and the manuals for iTrain and Digikeijs are very vague, hard to follow, even trying to read between the lines. Next I need to watch the videos again and see how to set up the modules. Do the feedbacks have to run 1-16 in order etc, of can they be feedback 1=22, 2=37, 3=15 etc? (example) Although I started setting feedbacks in iTrain in number order subject to track, as this is a double loop, with two other lines coming in and a series of sidings the feedbacks are not set numerically. Thanks for your help.

Should the first 16 feeedbacks remain red, do I need to remove them, does it make any difference if left? I have checked the DR5000 manual for accessories it brings up 2 references, the first is in contents, the second is in 2.3 Hardware overview 4 LocoNet® T Bus (LocoNet® accessories, handset controller, etc.) I cannot find where to set DR4088 as an accessories? Thanks for your help

The first items I have setup are the 5 feedback modules, the actual feedbacks are not added yet but, will take turn-out addresses 1-80 inclusive. Does this mean, that any turn out I have added to the layout using these addresses will need re-addressing using addresses higher than 80, that is how it seems to me at this stage as feedbacks have used turnout addresses first. Thank you for any replies in advance.

Many thanks for your help. Regarding the last videos they were not needed the DR5000 is installed for USB and working, the issue was the missing page mentioned above, the missing control box I couldn't find in the LocoNet T box and tabs, that was because it is not there! I have found it, 'DR5000 Switching Turnouts' it is not in LocoNet T Box settings, it is in Control settings. Now to set up the modules, I have the missing jigsaw piece. I did not know of this item as I have not got that far, all I have is one board of 4 with a Track Bus and droppers for the Feedbacks. No point motors, no locos running but hopefully I will get to that stage soon, I appreciate there is a lot to do first but with the knowledge of this missing control I can now hopefully move forward. Today I have set up the following... Module 1 - Set 17 and 16 Module 2 - Set 33 and 16 Module 3 - NO lights at all, I consider this faulty and am awaiting to hear from Digikeijs Module 4 - Set 65 and 16 Module 5 - Set 81 and 16 - should I have set this to 80 and 16 as it is the last one? Items noted when setting the modules. - only the first 16 feedbacks are red - the cursor runs block to block in the LocoNet as setting each one up - I only needed to click on the feedback button 17, 33, 65 & 81, I didn't need to click Go - The fast flashing automatically reverted to slow flashing after setting the second setting 16, I didn't need to press it again. There are red flashing light on the modules shown on the videos, mine are not on. I understand they will be when a loco is drawing current from the track, I will no doubt find out in due course. Next I must look to setup the 16 feedback in Module 5, then add and set up the 9 in Module 4, from then on I will be able to switch off add a section, set it up and switch on. A big step forward I think, thanks for your help, it is always appreciated.

I understand, first number 1, 17, 33, 49, & 65 for modules 1 to 5, 16 per module brings me to 80 feedbacks But how do I send these addresses, Jame's video seems to include a different page to what I have, as shown in image above. Items f & g? Like most things I am sure it will be simple when I have done the first one, the Digikeijs manual is total rubbish, Jame's confirms that hence the video but I don't think his first video for this is that easy to follow, even more so when I cannot find the page he refers to. Thanks for your help. Tomorrow will probably be my last day with the trains until after Easter. I can almost hear the cheers. Have a nice Easter break, forecast says some parts of UK will be hotter than Corfu

Thanks for the schedule but I am still struggling Prior to receiving your email I have changed over 2 of the DR4088LN's The one which does not light up at all is now in position 3 with no feedbacks added, so we now have DR5000____DR4088LN[0]-m1____DR4088LN[0]-m2____DR4088LN[0]-m3____DR4088LN[0]-m4____DR4088LN[16]-m5 Counting from the DR5000 the only feedback module with feedbacks attached is number m5 I completed stages a to e, the green light is flashing faster. Question - should item f be 32? This items states... f) send turnout address #33 from DR5000 This again is where I am stuck. Image 1 shows my feedbacks it has scanned 1-16 Image 2 shows a screen grab from Jame's video where he is sending turnout address 107 I cannot find this page top corner states... DR5000 switching turn outs How do I send a turnout address?

Thanks for the links, yesterday was a bad day health and mobility wise, made worse by a new hearing aid, I only have 35DbA in one ear the other is dead, on top of everything else it just sent me and my head spinning. So today is another day so hopefully I can move forward. First I watched Jame's video again and stepped slowly through the sub titles, then I watched the second video in your last link. Here is where I am now... Hardware 5x DR4088LN added to DR5000 controller 1st, 2nd, 3rd DR4088 from DR5000 have no feedbacks in them. 4th has 9 in 5th has 16 in First 3 and 5th have a flashing green light but No flashing red light? The 4th with 9 feedbacks has No green light and No red light. I am expecting the feedback modules to be 1 to 5 with feedbacks 1-16, 17-32, 33-48, 49-64, 65-80 Video's In the image in my first post you will see the DR5000 LNET Properties, on the first tab LNCV Programming When I click the second tab, feedback monitor, I can see the feedback table. The system defaults at 1-16 so I set this, switched off the DR5000 then back on and it scanned the first 16 feedback positions, these turned red. But then on Jame's video at 5.28 minutes it goes to another view, this time reading the top of the box it is the DR5000 switching turnouts box. Where on earth is this item, I have checked my DR5000 on screen programming and cannot find it anywhere? Am I right in assuming, when I find the DR5000 switching turnouts box, that I have to program every feedback, one by one into the set positions eg, 1-16, 17-32 etc Thanks for your help it is always appreciated.

I have watched the video twice, it is very jumpy. But the worst for me is I cannot hear what is being said, I am considerably deaf, classed as severe, I got a new hearing aid today, latest version with highest capabilities for my level but I cannot tell what is being said. I opened the feedback tab, second tab in LNET Properties, clicked 1 then switched off the DR5000 and back on, it appeared to scan 1-16 but I am not sure whether to press the program button after the scan or how to proceed to 17-32 etc. I am grateful for everyone's help, when available to do so, but I am so close to saying sod it. YouTube is good if clearly prepared which the demo doesn't appear to be, but not much good if I cannot hear it but that is my issue no one elses. Thanks again for any help when those replying have time, for that I am really grateful.

It is the 4 series I have DR4088LN but it is bringing up in devices 5 series options. Or so it seems to me. 5013, 5033, 5039, 5088 I will take a look at the video Iain, thank you.

My system so far includes iTrain V4 DR5000 5x DR4088LN I only have 1 board of 4 with track laid, droppers to track bus and 2 of the DR4088LN's nothing more. I have the DR5000 connected and software installed, so far this looks very impressive. My issue is the DR4088LN’s and details in the latest Digikeijs manual, or lack of them! I initially connected 3x DR4088LN’s but when I found issues with 1, I added all 5 in a row, so they are as follows from the DR5000 LocoNet T connection... DR5000_____DR4088LN[0]_____DR4088LN[0]_____DR4088LN[0]_____DR4088LN[9]_____DR4088LN[16] The numbers in brackets [ ] being the number of feedback I have currently connected. The DR4088LN manual Page 6 states... (I have added my notes on the end as I proceed) 3.1.1 Programming with the DR5000 1. Connect the DR5000 to the DR4088LN-xx to be programmed. (DONE) 2. (Normally it is not necessary to disconnect other feedback modules from LocoNet®. 3. Open the DR5000 Tool. (DONE) Here is where my problems begin 4. First the DR4088LN-xx must be assigned the start address. So I clicked on LocoNet T on the PC screen image of DR5000 to open LocoNet properties In Devices I am given 4 options, 5013, 5033, 5039, 5088 NOT 4088? See image At present I have just a small section of my layout prepared, droppers are added for the Track Bus and to the DR4088LN’s, you will see from the above that module 4 has currently 9 feedbacks added, module 5 has 16 added. I have no turn out motors added yet, I wanted to get the basics for the track right first. There is another issue also, modules 1,2,3 & 5 all have a flashing green light, module 4 with 9 feedbacks has no light at all. I have changed wires round, pressed the program button, held it down etc, nothing, no light on this at all? It was pointless me continuing any further, partly due to the last issue raised and also that the 5013, 5033, 5039 and 4088 do not relate to the module DR4088LN? Help please, I have also just sent an email to Digikeijs. Paul Below is the balance of the manual instructions It was pointless me trying to proceed from this point, partly due to the last issue mentioned and also that the 4 options 5. Open the turnout control panel that contains the desired start address that the DR4088LN-xx is to receive. 6. Press the programming button on the DR4088LN-xx. The green LED starts flashing to indicate that the DR4088LN-xx is in programming mode. 7. To assign the start address, switch the turnout address e.g. 1 once (i.e. only red or green!). 8. The green LED on the DR4088LN-xx now flashes in a different cycle to signal that the DR4088LN-xx next expects the number of feedback signals. The number of feedback units is again sent to the DR4088LN-xx via a turnout command. 9. Normally, if no DR4088 (S88) is connected to the DR4088LN-xx, this is address 16. 10. In the DR5000 tool, call the turnout control panel which contains the address corresponding to the number of feedback signals. 11. Normally, this is address 16. Again, only red or green switching applies here. 12. The DR4088LN-xx automa1cally terminates the programming mode and is now programmed with the start address and the number of feedbacks.

There are not many YouTube videos for iTrain, shame really, as there are a lot for TrainController. Download iTrain, but don't register yet, just download the restricted version. It allows you to have a basic play but more importantly it allows you to join the iTrain Forum. Once in the forum go to the English section, then FAQS. Look for step by step manual 4.1, I wasn't aware of this, I used the full manual first. But the step by step is an easy way to learn the basics. Once you are happy with this, and want more, you will. LOL. Download the full manual, and at this stage click to register for the full version, 60 day, unrestricted trial version. Your 60 days starts at this point, once registered you have to wait for authorisation which usually is about a day. Good luck.

The Hornby forum appear to be heavily moderated, Hornby must have had a good reason at the time, some of them are ok and very helpful, but one I think not so, helpful yes, but manner at times no, but that may be just me. One moderator follows this conversation, but to be fair he has from the beginning. Hi Hornby should take note how many loyal customers are going elsewhere due to the way they have kept us dangling. Loyalty works two ways. There was a lot of expectation for LD coming in 2019, expected to be confirmed in the January statement, but nothing at all for LD and I know quite a few members are very disappointed. I think looking at the new stock for 2019 that they are hoping to make some money from sales first, but it may not come, they may not get the sales they hope. Time will no doubt tell, but how many customers do they lose in the meantime. iTrain have a good track record, if they say something is coming it comes. That gives me even more confidence, UK signals coming in 2019, I think I also read full train automation will be in the same update, we can simulate this now in the software but full automation is coming. So we can plan every route or just set certain trains to go from station A to station C via another. Or set goods trains to go from goods yard A to another. The software will find the best route, and run everything, without a single crash.

I think Hornby have always aimed at the beginners 'play trains' market. The computer has taken us far beyond that. Another issue I think with Hornby is they try keep everything in house, so as you say we buy eLink and fall into the trap. I also think because it is a budget system, they think people will be tied to Hornby and not move as the cost to change is to high. I am sure they also consider as a well known household brand name. So was Woolworths and many others.

Hi Pete It is certainly sad that Hornby have not got things sorted, three years ago I would have purchased Hornby LD without thinking twice. I appreciate they have had financial difficulties to come through but so did Bachmann in the past. Three years of LD coming, coming soon, creating interest then silence is not good customer service. I agree with everything you say about Hornby, once the Titanic of model railway, but they have not kept up. They were the first with 2 aspect colour signals, they have lost out on signals now other companies are more advanced. They lost out on track to Peco, they lose out on point motors to Cobalt and others. They are going to end up a model train, carriage and wagon company, and that also is providing they keep on the front line. As for LD, as time grew you will have read many of my concerns, a very thin sensor through a nail hole in a sleeper is a risk for dust and crafting particles, I was never sure about the tags under loco's and wagons etc, many are uneven, how effective will it be? For me it is a lot of money for their system if it doesn't work. With Digikeijs module cards, 16 feedback ports per card, works out at around £3 per feedback is all are used. But the benefits I see are they are tried and tested with both TC and iTrain, but they cannot be affected by dust and particles as the Hornby system could be, they pick up voltage drop when a loco/train enters a block. I have heard some say on the Hornby forum, the other systems need loads of extra cards to make it work, I do not see loaded of extra cards, 3 feedback modules will take 48 feedbacks, 4 = 64 etc. If an average layout say had 3 feedback modules, at £3 per feedback, I believe this will be cheaper than the Hornby LD start kit and extras. For me the biggest expense is changing system, the software, TC9 Gold at £550 approx, iTrain at £220, the entry levels are better and iTrain has a UK supplier who is extremely helpful. And the DR5000 command controller. You can try TC9 Free for 30 days, you can try iTrain for Free for 60 days. I would recommend this to get a feel before making a decision, the forum post I gave you regarding the discussions for both these software packages, is definitely worth a read. Members also talk of customer service, another very important consideration. Good luck with your decision.

I am not surprised you are fed up Pete, me too. In December I started a thread to find out more about TrainController and iTrain, you may find it interesting, it has really helped me. I am on 60 days free trial of iTrain, after listening to all the comments and having a month on the trial I am going iTrain. I purchased a DR5000 command station but as I am starting a new layout I won't get to lay any track until March. Once you have the basics, command station and software, you can add Loco Detection for just £3 per sensor on average. There will be a bit of work wiring the feedbacks and cutting your track to prepare blocks but at that price for LD for me it is a goer. Take a look at the thread I am sure it will help you Pete. TrainController good or not so good https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/140425-traincontroller-good-or-not-so-good/ There is quite a bit of talk and comparisons with TC and iTrain. Technical support with iTrain, on their forum, is first class, I asked about UK signals, within an hour I was told it will be in the next major update, they also picked up on another conversation I had regarding signals on the left, without asking they confirmed this also. No 'coming soon' familiar words from Hornby HRMS, iTrain have proved reliable they say coming in 2019 it will come. PJ

The one thing I have noticed regarding iTrain, unfortunately there are not many videos about the software, unlike TrainController there are so many. Good quality videos, I find very useful, I learn faster by seeing something done. But that is just me I guess.

@tophski All suggestions are help to someone. Thank you for your post, I will check the forum step by step guide.

Hi Guys I am about to start my third layout after the new year, moved home and have a bit more space. In the past I have used Hornby Elink amd RailMaster, although I now have the Hornby Elite. I welcome comments about iTrain software from you guys, good or not so good. I am interested in comments from current users of the software. I have the 60 day trial, I am 28 days into the trial and have been quite impressed. My proposed new layout was created in no time at all, I have created blocks, feedbacks and am starting to play with routes. I appreciate I am just scratching the surface but do like the feel of what I have seen so far. Except maybe, the manual doesn't seem clear at times. What sensor system and control do you find best and most affordable with iTrain software. I am aware that DCCTrainAutomation.co,uk are the UK dealers for the software. All comments welcome Thank you

I do agree beast66606 but I did say 'as most are' not all Thank you for mentioning the additional ones ;o)

I think it is personal choice Nigel. Some people like their layouts to match exactly what they are replicating, others less so. As far as the Mimic plan is concerned that is what it is, a mimic plan, not a like for like but a working representations. That said, I prefer signals to be in the same system, not a separate system, it reduces possible issues with co-ordination. But I do feel, this may be a personal view, that signals on the mimic plan should represent the signal heads on the track, and be on the correct side of the track, this is so helpful if using bi-directional track. iTrain have confirmed, in reply to a recent question added on their forum, that the next main upgrade of iTrain, will have UK signals included and that they will be on the left of the track, as most are, other than gantry signals.

If I was in my train room I would be playing with my trains. Browsing can be done in the home later, on the laptop, mobile or tablet. My internet is supplied to the garage via an ethernet cable from the house, using a T-Link wi-fi extender, to get a strong wi-fi signal across the bungalow, from the router to the wall closest to the garage/train room, the ethernet cable then goes through a cavity and single brick wall and connects directly from the T-Link extender to the PC. I wouldn't be without internet access, but for me my train room is for building the layout, playing trains and building scenery for the layout. It is always handy to have the forum available though LOL.