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CV Programming Tips

TODO Fill this page out. Also move the references from the old site

Hints and Tips

Hornby HM7000 decoders

The HM7000's DCC implementation has a bug in that the ACK response to a DCC CV read from the decoder on the programming track is far, far too long. So much so, the DCC-EX developers added a feature to cater specifically for the HM7000.

  • Make sure the loco is on the PROG output which is typically channel B on the EX-CommandStation.
  • Bring up a serial console to the EX-CommandStation, or use the command entry features in EX-Toolbox, EX-WebThrottle or Engine Driver.
  • Type and send <1 PROG> to force the PROG track to power up early.
  • Type and send <D ACK MAX 20000>
  • Then try reading the decoder.
    Either from the console with ,
    or with the appropriate buttons in EX-Toolbox, EX-WebThrottle or Engine Driver,
    to watch for a response.
  • If this isn't working, then also add <D ACK MIN 150>

If this isn't working, then <D ACK ON> will enable diagnostic output from the EX-CSB1 to show what the is doing.

You can also refer to the RailSnail -DCC-EX and Hornby TTS Decoders – (No ACK!) article for more information.

Making the changes permanent

If you expect to be needing this often, you can add whatever commands you found worked for you, to your myAutomation.h. e.g.

AUTOSTART
  PARSE("<D ACK MAX 20000>")
  PARSE("<D ACK MIN 150>")
DONE