FILE: README.TXT (complete version for PC/MAC/Linux s/w developers)
Beta Testers: Here is a new version of command station code.
There are quite a few new features and bug fixes.
Comments? Suggestions? jscorse@aol.com
******************************
BUG FIX 1/2/2025
Under the Set cmd station->Locos->Function Refresh Enable menu
if refresh was enabled many or all horns would blow continuously.
This appears to be fixed.
******************************
BUG FIX 1/2/2025
If under the SET CMD STA->CABS menu if any of the items were set
to less than 31 the entire menu system was disabled and would
lock up cabs if access was attempted. A system reset was required
to clear the problem. This is now fixed.
******************************
BUG FIX 5/13/2024
AIUs returned zeros via USB connection because the cab address
was calculated wrong withing the system thus storing the values
returned by the AIU in the wrong location which was way up in
unused high memory.
******************************
BUG FIX 5/13/2024
When pressing EMERGENCY STOP three times that cab address displayed
was 26 too high. This has been fixed
******************************
BUG FIX 12/01/2023
A 276mS delay at power up has been added to accomodate a timing
race where the SRAM may not be available when first powering the system
on.
******************************
BUG FIXES 11/26/2023
When using the program track with JMRI the status light on
command station would turn off when exiting program mode.
******************************
CHANGE 11/25/2023
The Revision returned by binary command 0xaa is
now 8.0.0
******************************
BUG FIXES 11/19/2023
A bad pointer in the 0xd binary command caused erroneus. Reading
of single bytes of RAM. The 0x8f looks to be correct. THis
has been fixed.
******************************
BUG FIXES 11/12/2023
The top line of the LCD when reviewing macros was corrupted.
This has been fixed.
When setting Cab Purge Time in the SET CMD STATION menu there
was no way to escape. This has been fixed
Using STD programming on the program track and setting the
short address. The existing address was shown with leading
zeroes. This has been fixed.
Pressing SHIFT+7 brought up the F60-F68 function control
screen instead of SHIFT+6/ THis has been fixed
******************************
CHANGE 10/18/2023
The PACKETS menu onder SET CMD STA had the wrong LCD top line
after NUMBER OF STOP PACKETS. This has been corrected
******************************
CHANGE 5/29/2023
The system memory map has changed. As separate document called
Dataarea.txt has the details.
******************************
ADDITION 5/30/2023
An option to delete a macro has been added to the
PROGRAM MACROS menu the options are now:
"1=REVIEW "
"2=PROG 3=DELETE"
******************************
CHANGE 5/29/2023
The order of menus when pushing PROG/ESC has changed to the
following order.
1st push: Operations mode programming of loco
2nd push: Use program track
3rd push: Set Cab Parameters
4th push: Command station setup
5th push: Browse consists
6th push: Set system fast clock and ratio
7th push: Setup macros
8th push: Operations mode programming of accesssories
9th push: Operations mode programming of signals
10th push: Swap loco on our cab with another cab's loco (Assign Loco)
Short cuts such as PROG/ESC followed by a digit will take you to the
menu corresponding to that number of pushes of PROG/ESC
******************************
CHANGE 5/29/2023
On the program track menu the recovery programming as been
changed to DECODER RESET. Selecting this feature will program
the following CVs:
CV1=3,
CV2 thorough CV6=0
CV19 = 0
CV29 = 2
CV8 = 8
CV30 = 2
Just in case a decoder does not support either of the two common
reset CVs (8 and 30) we first program the most important CVs to
at least get a decoder running with a known address. The last
two CVs will reset decoders that support full reset to factory
settings. These are programmed last just in case the factory
default address is different than 3.
******************************
DELETION 5/22/2023
'Sticky-shift' (key value 122) typically accessed via
SHIFT+0 to control F10-F28 has been deleted (see two items
below)
******************************
DELETION 5/22/2023
The EXPN key no longer shows function status of F0-F28.
This feature was not available via radio. A new feature
(see next item below) allows status of functions higher than 6
to be displayed when on radio.
******************************
ADDITION 5/22/2023
Support for Functions F29-F68 has been added .
All functions can now be toggled by
pressing SHIFT+Function_Decade followed by the
desired function number in that decade.
Example: F37 is accessed by SHIFT+3 then 7.
The status of functions in the selected decade are displayed
on the bottom row of the LCD as such:
F30:--2--5-78-
This display indicates F32,35,37, and 38 are on with the rest off.
If any button other than a number after SHIFT+decade is pressed
no function will be changed. This way you can check on the
function status with out changing anything
ADDITION
- Control of functions 29-68 is now available via the 0xa2
binary computer commands OP codes 0x1a through 0x1e
Command Format: 0xA2 <addr_h> <addr_l> <op_1> <data_1>
Similar to addition of commands 0x15 and 0x16 on 4/9/06
op_1 data_1 Operation description
1a 0-255 Function 29-36 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F29)
1b 0-255 Function 37-44 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F37)
1c 0-255 Function 45-52 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F45)
1d 0-255 Function 53-60 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F53)
1e 0-255 Function 61-68 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F61)
******************************
CHANGE 5/10/2023
- The organization of the SET CMD STA menu has changed. There were
37 settings that had to be gone through one by one until
you got to the one you wanted. I have broken it up into 4 different
areas after to press enter at SET_CMD_STA. This is the display
you will get.
"1=SYSTEM 2=LOCOS"
"3=CABS 4=PACKETS"
Under System:
Version
Reset (factory defaults)
Clear consists
Clear all cabs
Cab purge time
ESTOP enable
Update system (software)
Revert to previous (software)
Under Locos:
Function refresh on/off
Send functions to consist
Set speed=0 and functions off upon select loco (on/off)
Consist momentum button enable
Momentum button enable
Momentum Multiplier
Momentum deceleerate = 1 or 1/2 times multiplier
Test for loco in use
Under Cabs:
Highest cab number to:
Assign Loco to cab
Set Clock
Use Prog track
Set Cmd Sta
Set its own cab parameters
Program accessories (OPs mode)
Program macros
Program signals (OPs mode)
Setup Consists
Under Packets:
Number of Stop packets
Numner of System Time packets
Number of Temp packets
Number of Accessory packets
Number of POM packets
Number of Horn Off packets
REMOVED:
BACKUP MACROS
BACKUP SYS MEMORY
BACKUP CONSIST MEMORY
RESTORE MEMORY
******************************
CHANGE 5/8/2023
- Long loco addresses are displayed the same as before with
leading zeroes and an asterisk preceeding any address <=127.
Short addresses are now displayed with leading zeroes suppressed
This shoud help prevent confusion as the address is displayed
in the same manner it is entered.
******************************
CHANGE 5/7/2023
- Brute force consisting has been reduced from 4 locos to 2. This is
replacted in the Cab Context page memory map locations 40-51 and
60-61 (decimal) This is to make way for support of functions 29-68.
Brute force consisting with more than 2 locos is (relatively) little
used based on examination of the memory of many systems that have been
sent in for repair over the years so it likely will no be missed.
******************************
CHANGE 3/16/2023
- The system memory map has changed significantly. ROM can no
longer be read and RAM has moved now starts at 0x0000 instead of
0x8000
- Binary commands 8e,8f,97,98,99,9a and 9d now return a
memory out of range error "5" if the requested RAM address
is 0xc000 or higher.
******************************
ADDITION 2/18/2023
- There are two copies of the system software in Flash ROM.
the primary version starts at 0x0000 and the backup copy is at
0x10000. The recovery jumper will pull the A16 line to the ROM
high enabling the backuup copy.
A RECOVER FROM BAD UPDATE feature has been added to the SET CMD STA menu.
Only if the RECOVERY JUMPER is in place will the user be prompted
"RECOVER FROM BAD"
"UPDATE 1=YES "
Pressing 1 copies the backup copy to RAM (overwriting all system settings)
then the following prompt is displayed
"PLEASE REMOVE "
"RECOVERY JUMPER "
When the jumper is removed the backup copy of system software at 0x10000
will be copied to the primary flash ROM location at 0x0000 and the
system will reboot. This will take about 1.25 seconds.
All system settings will be reset to factory defaults.
******************************
ADDITION 2/16/2023
- Added SYSTEM UPDATE via USB to the SET CMD STA menu. User is prompted
"SOFTWARE UPDATE"
"ENTER=NO 1=YES".
Pressing 1 the user is asked for the update baud rate.
"BAUD RATE 1=9600"
"2=38400 3=128000"
This baud rate is only for the update, NOT normal USB operations.
After baud rate selection the user is told
"CONNECT USB "
"PRESS 6 TO START".
Pressing PROG/ESC will abort at any time up to the actual file transfer start.
Any terminal program that can send an ASCII file can be used.
All baud rates are N,8,1. I recommend Bray's Terminal program,
also called Google Terminal. The program requires no installation
on Windows (Win XP,7,8,10,11) Just unzip and run.
https://sites.google.com/site/terminalbpp/
Once file transfer starts the system will buffer the entire file
into RAM and check its integrity before actually programming the
flash memory with the new code. (see transfer times below)
If an error in file format or a data transfer error is detected
the system will return to normal operation without changes.
The system STATUS LED will toggle on/off every 256 bytes transferred.
After file transfer it will take only 1.2 seconds to actually write
to the flash memory. The system will then reboot. All system
settings will probably be reset to factory defaults
Transfer times:
9600 baud 90-120 seconds
38400 baud 25-35 seconds
128000 baud 10-12 seconds
******************************
CHANGE 1/14/2023
- As always system reset to factory defaults can be accomplished
from the SET CMD STA menu. The old jumper method has been removed.
Now pressing the FACTORY RESET button while powering up the system
will cause factory reset.
******************************
CHANGE 1/12/2023
- Changed CPU crystal speed to 24.576MHz.
******************************
CHANGE 8/6/2022
- Ported code to Z84C15. Changed to coderstart warmboot and
init.asm, I/O address changes plus changes to pin assingments
to PIO port B and related code.
******************************
ADDITION 3/22/2021
- Memory location 0xdc17 is the Cab Purge Time. Valid Entries
are 0-9(0-9 minutes) Factory default is 0 (disable purging).
- Memory location 0xdc29 is day of the week for purposes of
sending DCC time packets. Valid entries are 0-6 (0=Monday).
CHANGE 3/22/2021
- The fast clock now works (internally) with 24 hour time.
The time on the cabs is still displayed in 12 or 24 hour
format. Users will not notice the difference other than
it is now possible to enter 0 hours in the SET SYSTEM CLOCK
menu. Pereviously you had to enter 23 hours and wait for the
12 hour clock to roll over - a real pain the neck. This
greatly simplified internal code as well as fixed the time set bug.
******************************
ADDITION 3/17/2021
- The day of the week has been added to the time packet as
the 3 MSBs of the hour byte
- In the SET CLOCK menu a setup parameter for the day of the week
has been added after the SET RATIO menu item.
Valid entries are from 1 to 6 minutes with 0=Monday, 2=Tuesday etc.
The menu looks like this:
"SET TIME "
"WEEKDAY(0=MON):1"
******************************
ADDITION 3/8/2021
- The (currently controversial) DCC time packet has been
added. A DCC packet containing the current time (hours,
minutes and clock ratio) is sent every 1 minute of
fast clock time and when the clock is stopped.
Packet format:
00000000 Broadcast loco address
11000001 Indicates time packet conaining current fast clock time
00mmmmmm minutes
dddhhhhh day of the week (0=monday) and hours (in 24 hour format)
00rrrrrr clock ratio (0=clock stopped)
cccccccc ckecksum
- A setup parameter for the DCC time packet has been added to
the SET CMD STA menu. It is after the AIU BROADCAST entry.
The entry looks like this:
"DCC TIME PACKET "
"ENABLE 1=T 0=N "
BUG FIX
- If 0 was entered for the fast clock ratio the system would
hang. This has been fixed.
******************************
ADDITION 3/2/2021
- The previously (2/25/2021) mentioned cab timeout timer has
now been implemented. If a cab does not answer a ping for
between 1 and 9 minutes it will be removed from the mormal
polling rotation.
If the cab then answeres again later it will again be added
to the regular rotation. Granularity of this feature is
32 seconds.
ADDITION 3/2/2021
- A setup menu is added for the cab purge time in the SET_CMD_STA
menu settings. Valid entries are from 1 to 9 minutes with 0
to disable the feature. The menu looks like this:
"CAB PURGE TIME "
"1-9 MIN 0=OFF: 9"
******************************
INTERNAL ADDITION 2/25/2021
- a new free running 16 bit timer called TIMER_C_L and TIMER_C_H
has been added to the ICTC0 interrupt. This extends the
interrupt service time by 6.56uS to 24.6uS total. TIMER_C will
be used to add a timeout feature for cabs that haven't answered
a ping for a programmable time period of between 1-9 minutes.
Any cab that exceeds this timeout will be removed from the regular
polling sequence and placed back in the 'dynamic discovery'
sequence until it answers a ping then it will be placed back
into the gular sequence. This will reduce cab bus latency due
to radio cabs that have automatically powered down or operators
that have stopped operating (taking a break or gone home?).
The user will likely never notice delay.
******************************
BUG FIX 2/25/2021
- The type C 'select loco' command (OP Code 0x00, data 0x00)
inadvertently set loco speed to 0 and turned off all
functions. This could cause problems with the WFD30 from
WifiTrax and likely with JMRI. This has been fixed. This
command retains the new feature of being able to select a
consist stored in the command station by either the lead loco
or rear loco address.
******************************
CHANGE 2/24/2021
- The RS232 baud rate is now limited to 9600. The 19.2K
has been deleted for reliabiility
******************************
CHANGE 2/22/2021
- Binary Command 0xAA now returns 6.2.3 for this version
******************************
BUG FIX 2/22/2021
- When using the program track the system wouldn't program
CVs above 256. This is now fixed.
CHANGE
- The upper limit of CV numbers has been raised from 999 to 1024
in the following modes:
program track
loco OPs mode
accessory OPs mode
signal OPs mode
Also the corresponding LCD message has changed from
"ENTER CV NUM:" to "PROG CV NUM" to accomodate the 4th digit
******************************
ADDITION 10/17/2020
- A new cab bus command has been added that is primarily used to
set/change the cab type in the command station. The first byte
of the command is 0x6d followed by cab type a,b,c, or d (in
lower case ASCII).
Bits 0 and 7 of (IX+FLAGS1) in the command ststion are set accordingly.
******************************
CHANGE 10/1/2020
- When just ENTER is pressed at the normal display screen
RPT_CAB_VAR is called after NORM_DISPLAY. This way Cab06s
can have their display refreshed
******************************
CHANGE 6/19/2020
- Type C 'Select Loco' (OP Code 0x00, data 0x00) commands
now sets speed mode (28/128) and ALIAS if loco is in a
consist in addition to just loading IX+ADDR_L/IX+ADDR_H.
******************************
ADDITION 6/17/2020
- A new cab bus command has been added primarily for type 'b'
cabs. If the cab sends 0x6e for the first byte of the reponse
the command station will expect 5 more bytes in the type'c'
format. This will speed up Cab06 SELECT LOCO and SELECT ACCY
processes.
******************************
DELETION 6/11/20
- Broadway Limited special programming mode has been removed.
It has changed several times over the years and has become
too difficult to support.
******************************
CHANGE 8/31/11
- The "Repeat LCD" routine in the command station (triggered
by the 0x7e cab bus command) now checks to see what type of
cab it is talking to (LED or non-LCD) and sends only the
appropriate information to the cab over the cab bus.
THis significantly speeds up operation of smaller "engineer"
cabs via radio and provides faaster overall system operation.
******************************
ADDITION 8/25/11
- In the SET CMD STA menu there is now a setting to disable
the Momentum button.
DELETION
- Radio Fix has been removed from the SET CMD STA menu.
******************************
BUG FIX 12/31/10
- If Recalls were set to 1 a cab06 would not react properly.
This has been fixed
******************************
BUG FIX 12/24/10
- The Cab bus 0xDB command only returned loco addresses
0-4095 correctly. Addresses in the range 4096-8191
were reported too low by 4096 and addresses in the range
8192-9999 were reported too low by 8192. The speed mode
was always reported as 28 and there was no differentiation
between long and short addresses. This affected how the
Cab06 and Cab07 reported the selected loco address.
******************************
BUG FIX 3/21/10
- When using Program on the Main if a loco with a long
address below 128 was selected the asterisk was not placed
in front of the address on the LCD display. This has been
fixed.
******************************
CHANGE 1/17/10
- When entering broadcast OPs broadcast programming mode
(option 0) is selected you are now asked if you are sure.
Pressing "6" continues - all other keys exit.
******************************
CHANGE 8/25/09
- A delay of (approx) 150uS has been added between the
reception of the last byte of a two byte cab ping response
and the command station asserting its TX enable line to the
RS485 chip. This should reduce the chance of bus contention.
The same 150uS delay has been added after a cab doesn't
respond to a ping for the same reason.
******************************
CHANGE 4/6/09
- The menu selection "PROG ACCY ON MAIN" has been changed to
read "OPS PROG ACCY CV"
- The menu selection "PROG SIG ON MAIN " has been changed to
read "OPS PROG SIG CVS"
These changes have been made to clarify what the menu
actually does.
******************************
BUG FIX 11/10/08
- 28 speed mode commands from type C cabs (mini panel, etc)
were only sent to the TEMP Queue. This resulted in the
speed commands being sent only 4 times. If a loco derailed
or otherwise lost power it would not know what speed to
go when power was restored. This is fixed
******************************
BUG FIX 7/10/08
- It was possible for two cabs to simultaneously setup an
advanced consist with the same consist address. This has
been fixed.
In advanced consist setup when you accept the suggested
consist address (or any other consist address that you
enter) that address is temporarily marked as in use.
This will cause another cab accessing the consist setup
menu to get the next lower available consist address.
If you cancel the setup process before a LEAD or REAR
loco is entered the consist address is released.
Thanks to Don Mitchell for reporting this bug
******************************
ADDITION 2/2/08
- At the request of Ken Cameron:
A new binary command has been added to enable/disable
echo of binary commands back to the computer. The echo
of the command can be used to distinguish between an
AIU broadcast command and the response to a computer
command.
Command Format: 0xB2 <data>
0=no echo, 1=echo 1st byte of command, 2=echo entire command
- Four additional binary commands have been added but are not
used by the RS232 interface on the PH-PRO. These commands
are reserved for use by the USB cab bus interface.
Command: 0xAE
OPs program loco CV
Command Format: 0xA2 <addr_h> <addr_l> <CV_h> <CV_l> <data>
Command: 0xAF
OPs program accessory/signal
Command Format: 0xA2 <addr_h> <addr_l> <CV_h> <CV_l> <data>
Command: 0xB0
Reserved for USB test (Expects 4 data bytes)
Command: 0xB1
Set cab bus address of USB board
Command Format: 0xB1 <data>
CHANGE
- The 0xaa binary command returns 6.2.2 for this version
******************************
BUG FIX 1/24/08
- System, Macro and Consist backup would hang the system.
This has been fixed.
CHANGE
- The 38.4 Baud option for the serial port has been removed.
ADDITION
- A new setup parameter in SET CMD STA has been added to
disable issuing of speed and function packets when a
new loco has been selected.
******************************
BUG FIX 8/3/07
- At system power up the fast clock was always set to AM.
This is now fixed. Thanks to Doug Berger for pointing out
the error.
******************************
DELETION 6/30/07
- Reporting success/failure of the first verify packet
in service mode (program track) has been deleted.
It is not possible for a conforming decoder to verify
a single programming track packet, therefore it is not
necessary to check for a response. This may improve
the number of false reports by decoders that have different
packet timing/ack response. Those decoders are not necessarily
in violation of RP-9.3.3 it's just that the RP timing
has a lot of "slop" necessitating addition of "magic" delays
and other software gymnastics for proper operation.
******************************
DELETION 6/12/07
- Sound decoders have finally standardized on F2 for
the Horn. The Horn button mapping in the SET CAB PARAMS
menu has been removed to make room for more features in
the future
******************************
BUG FIX 5/28/07
- OPs programming of locos or accessories using special
"back door" type C cab bus packets would only program
CV1,5,9,13,17, etc. This has been fixed.
There are no problems with commands issued by DecoderPro,
KAM, or RR&Co software. They all use the proper
commands (that's why I don't tell anybody about "hidden"
new features until I know they work).
******************************
ADDITION 5/25/07
- When using a long address and programming a new long
address in OPs mode a second program packet group is sent
to program CV18. This solves a problem with newer
Blueline locomotives.
******************************
BUG FIX 5/22/07
- In the accessory position database - bits 0 and 4 of
each byte always showed the same turnout position.
Eaxmple: Setting accy #1 to normal would show a normal
position for both accessory addresses of 1 and 5.
Also the memory mapping of the bits was wrong.
This has been fixed.
Thanks to Dan Boudreau for reporting this bug.
- CHANGE
The 0xaa binary command returns 6.2.1 for this version
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
* *
* Production release of version 3.1.2007 3/1/07 *
* *
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
******************************
CHANGE 1/1/07
- The following menus have had their names slightly changed
for a better descroption of what they do.
PROGRAM ON MAIN has changed to PRG LOCO ON MAIN
PROG ACCESSORIES has been changed to PRG ACCY ON MAIN
PROG SIGNALS has been chaged to PROG SIG ON MAIN
******************************
ADDITION 12/7/06
- Broadcast OPs programming has been added to the PROGRAM
ON THE MAIN menu. Option 0 forces the OPs programming
address to short address 0. This *WILL* program all
decoders on the layout at once.
The system will force you to have a valid loco address
selected before you can enter PROGRAM ON THE MAIN.
When you select option 0 the top line of the LCD will
display "LOC: 000" indicating you are now in broadcast
programming mode.
Use caution ALL ops mode options are available to you
at this point.
When you exit PROGRAM ON THE MAIN short address 0 will
still be selected so you must enter a valid address to
perform any systems tasks.
NOTICE:
- When a new EPROM is placed a system that has a software
version prior to 12/21/2004, all system RAM will be reset
to factory defaults. If the system has 12/21/2004 or newer
only the cab RECALL slots will be cleared. This is because
the memory map of the cab 'recall' area has changed since
2004.
******************************
CHANGE 11/30/06
- When programming accessories or signals (OPs mode) you
had to exit the programming mode and re-enter if you wanted
to program CVs of an accessory/signal with a different
address. This has been changed to allow entry of a different
address.
******************************
CHANGE 11/24/06
- FUNCTION REFRESH (in the SET CMD STATION menu) has been
changed from a numeric value to ON or OFF.
******************************
ENHANCMENT 11/23/06
- OPs mode CV programming now allows programming of CV numbers
1-999. If CV0 is entered CV1024 will be programmed. CVs
1000-1023 are not programmable due to space limitations
on the LCD.
BUG FIX 11/23/06
- An error was found in the binary commands for Enter and
Exit program track mode (0x9e and 0x9f). A flag that
indicated "computer" program track mode was accidentally
cleared causing failure of commands 0xa0, 0xa1 and 0xa6-0xa9.
This has been fixed.
The "status" on the right half of the PH system box lights
steadily when using the program track via binary mode
commands.
******************************
ADDITION 11/21/06
- The command station now keeps a database of the last
accessory (turnout) command sent for all accessory
addresses. The bottom line of the cab for the SELECT ACCY
prompt has been changed to reflect the current status
of the accessory. The database is updated for every
accessory packet issued by the SEL ACCY button, macros,
macro panels, or computer control of turnouts with the
0xAD command (but NOT via the 0x93 command) .
Pressing SEL ACCY twice at the normal display will toggle
the position of the current accessory.
******************************
ADDITION 11/20/06
- You can now set the highest cab number to setup, kill
or modify consists. This is found in the SET CMD STA
menu as the item following HIGHEST CAB TO PROG SIGNALS.
As always a value of 0 allows all cabs access.
******************************
BUG FIX 11/10/06
- The "new" accessory OPS mode programming packets had a bit
wrong in the 2nd byte, this has been fixed.
******************************
UPDATE 9/5/06
- The version returned by binary command 0xaa is now 6.2.0
BUG FIX
- Control of F21-F28 corrupted the status of F13-F20 and
vice versa. This has been fixed.
ADDITION
- Pressing EXPN key will now show the status of functions 1-28
The top line of the LCD has functions 1-14, '-' means the
function is off a digit (1=F1, 2=F2, etc.) means the function
is on. the 2nd LCD line shows functions F15-F28 in the same
manner.
Pressing EXPN a second time returns the cab to the normal
display.
I'm not overly pleased with this display but it is a first cut
at expressing the status of all 28 functions (F0 is not displayed)
******************************
BUG FIX 9/4/06
- When using the 0xA2 or 0xA4 binary commmands for locomotive
control, speed updates for the locomotive controlled by the
computer were displayed on ProCabs attached to the cab bus.
Which cab displayed the speed was random due to stack corruption.
This has been fixed.
******************************
CHANGE 7/20/06
- When Function Refresh is enabled no refresh packets
are issued for function "groups" where all functions
are off. There are 3 function groups: FG1 = F0-F4,
FG2 = F5-F9, and FG3 = F9-12. Functions 13-28 do not
need to be refreshed because RP9.2.1 requires that
decoders remember function states for functions F13
or higher.
******************************
BUG FIX 6/10/06
- F9->F12 did not work, or sent the wrong data when the
function was activated. This has been fixed.
******************************
ADDITION 6/3/06
- You can now clear out all advanced consists without
resetting the whole system. Under the SET_CMD_STA menu
press "1" at the CLEAR ADV CONSIST prompt. A broadcast
command will also be sent 25 time to clear the consist
CV in all locos on the track (CV19=0)
- You can clear all cab memory information in the command
station. Under the SET_CMD_STA menu press "1" at the
CLEAR ALL CAB MEMORY prompt. All selected locos, all
recalls, current speed, old style consists and function
status info will be cleared. All other system memory
will be preserved.
******************************
SPECIAL TEST VERSION 4/20/06
- This version has all ASCII commands disabled. Only
binary commands will work from this version on if
the test is successful. Removal of the Programming
Track ASCII commands frees up over 2K bytes of
code. This should extend the life of the current
CPU hardware/memory design for about 3-5 more years.
Please test this version with Panel Pro and Decoder Pro
to verify that I haven't broken any binary commands.
If all binary commands seem to be working right then
this version can be used to update the NCE drivers
for Decoder Pro.
******************************
ADDITION 4/20/06
- When a loco or consist is selected speed zero, function
group one and function group two packets are sent to the
locomotive. This will serve to "wake up" sound decoders
and cause the transponding (bi-directional) decoders to
provide feedback for locomotive location identification.
******************************
BUG FIX 4/17/06
- New type accessory OPS programming packets were sent with
bit 7 of byte 2 clear instead of set. This has been fixed.
******************************
ADDITION 4/13/06
- Control of functions F13-F28 has been added. To access these
function numbers program the OPTION key to a value of 122.
Pressing OPTION will display "F10-F19" on the bottom line
of the ProCab LCD. Pressing a digit will then toggle
that function number plus ten. For example pressing 6 will
issue an F16 command.
Pressing OPTION a second time will display "F21-F28" on the
LCD. Pressing a digit with this display will toggle that
function number plus twenty.
Pressing OPTION a third time will return to the F10-F19 display.
Pressing PROG/ESC at any time will abort the operation.
******************************
ADDITION 4/9/06
- Control of functions 13-28 is now available via the 0xa2
binary computer commands OP codes 15 and 16
Command Format: 0xA2 <addr_h> <addr_l> <op_1> <data_1>
op_1 data_1 Operation description
13 0-255 Reserved
14 0-255 Reserved
15 0-255 Function 13-20 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F13)
16 0-255 Function 21-28 control (bit 0 of data_1 = F21)
- The <BRAKE> button works again. When <BRAKE> (the default
value of the ProCab OPTION button) is pressed the current
loco's speed is set to zero. This was broken in the 2004
version. Apparently no one noticed.
******************************
NEW FEATURE 4/7/06
- It is now possible to drop the lead or rear loco from an
advanced consist. If you drop one of these locos you will
be prompted for a new lead (or rear) loco. The new lead
(or rear) loco MUST already be a member of the same consist.
The mid-consist loco is "promoted" to lead or rear status
and the consist can be selected by that address just as it
could be selected by the old lead loco.
Pressing <ENTER> will clear the lead (or rear) address.
If you drop both the lead and rear locos without adding
at least one in the lead or rear, any mid-consist locomotives
will remain in the consist. The consist then can only be selected
by the consist address as no lead or rear loco is in memory to
identify it.
The locomotive that was dropped will be selected for operation.
We assume that if you drop the loco you will want to move it
away from the remaining consist.
If the same consist is in a cab recall slot that was selected
by the dropped locomotive address, the cab will still operate the
consist but the cab display will still show the dropped
loco's address as the lead loco. Reselecting the consist will
correct the problem.
******************************
ENHANCEMENT 4/6/06
- The command station no longer prints redundant speed zero
messages to the ProCab LCD every time the thumbwheel is
moved downward when the speed is already at 0. This helps
with radio performance.
- Type C cabs have 2 new OP codes (0x13, 0x14). These OP codes
will store the current packet loco address into one of 8 "slots"
Type C packet addresses of 0x2710-0x2717 indicate to use the
loco address stored in one of the 8 slots with the OP code
and data fields of the packet. See Cab Bus Protocol extensions
document.
This note is only to document (for NCE purposes) the inception
date of the new extensions. Beta testers have no way test this
feature.
******************************
ENHANCEMENT 3/16/06
- The clock is now updated (almost) immediately when you
plug in a cab. This eliminates the "AB V1.3" message
on the top line of the display until the clock changes
time when the cab is plugged in.
******************************
BUG FIX 3/14/06
- It is no longer possible to enter OPS programming mode with
short address 0 as the loco to program.
******************************
ADDITION 3/13/06
- Accessory OPs programming now issues both the old "legacy" (5 byte)
OPS command for accessories plus the "new" accessory OPS command
(6 byte).
The old command could only address accessory decoders in groups
of four. The new command can address one single decoder address.
For the new ocmmand to work your accessory decoder must support
the new packet. (NCE SWITCH8 and SWITCH-IT Ver C support the
new packet)
******************************
BUG FIX 2/14/06
- When changing the loco address on the program track any consist
address in cab memory was not cleared if the loco address was changed.
This has been fixed
******************************
BUG FIX 2/6/06
- Assign-loco-to-cab swapped too many bytes between cab context
pages (since 6/19/05). The cab context pages were shortened
by 2 bytes on 6/19/05. This has been corrected for proper RECALL
operation.
******************************
CORRECTION 12/29/06
- Normal "digital" horn function commands are now are sent
at the same time as analog horn commands are sent. This allows a
cab to control both analog playable whistles and a normal
on/off whistle with the same cab. Original beta versions
of the Tsunami decoder would get confused if both commands
were sent. Production decoders do not seem to have a problem
with the mixed commands. This has not been tested with ESU
or Digitrax decoders.
NOTE: As of 3/05/06 it works OK with Digitrax (and Tower 55)
decoders
BUG FIX
Analog HORN (and analog AUX) commands are now also sent to
the consist address of a locomotive if that loco is in a
consist AND if you have "SEND FUNCTION TO CON?" set to yes
in the SET CMD STA menu.
******************************
ADDITION 9/25/05
- A new binary RS-232 command sends an accessory or signal packet.
Command Format: 0xAD <addr_h> <addr_l> <op_1> <data_1>
Addr_h and Addr_l are the accessory/signal address as a
normal binary number (NOT in DCC format).
Ex: Accessory Address 1 = 0x00 0x01 (hi byte first)
Ex: Accessory Address 2 = 0x00 0x02 (hi byte first)
Ex: Accessory Address 513 = 0x02 0x01 (hi byte first)
NOTE: accy/signal address 0 is not a valid address
Op_1 Data_1 Operation description
01 0-255 NCE macro number 0-255
02 0-255 Duplicate of Op_1 command 01
03 0 Accessory Normal direction (ON)
04 0 Accessory Reverse direction (OFF)
05 0-1f Signal Aspect 0-31
06-7f reserved reserved
Returns: ! = success
1 = bad accy/signal address
******************************
BUG FIX 9/9/05
- OPS programming packets may have had intervening speed or
function packets in the previous version of code. This is fixed
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
NEWS: 9/1/05
OFFICIAL NMRA CONFORMANCE TESTING HAS BEEN
PASSED FOR VERSION 12/21/2004.
I'm not sure I understand why it took them almost 10 months
to get around to actually doing the tests. It was submitted
on November 10, 2004.
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
******************************
ENHANCEMENT 6/20/05
- A delay was found in one of the most important cab bus
transmit routines. The delay has been removed.
******************************
BUG FIX 6/19/05
- Pushing the HORN or OPTION button when set for analog channel
operation now properly sends the bias value as the initial starting
point for horn pitch. Previously it sent a value of 0. This caused
a lag until you turned the thumbwheel.
The initial bias value is now sent 2 times to ensure the command
is not missed on dirty track.
CHANGE
- The setting of analog channels and analog bias has been
moved to the SET_CAB_PARAMS menu. You can now have
different analog channels on each cab. Each cab can
also have its own bias point.
- The OPTION button (when programmed for AUX analog operation)
has had the number of analog steps increased from 8 to 16.
- There have been some internal housekeeping changes
to the operation of the RECALL button. The user
will see no changes but it will require testing with
a full load of 6 recalls and old style consists to
ensure proper operation.
DELETION
- The SET CAB ADDR feature has been removed from the
SET_CAB_PARAMS menu. THis feature was little used
and is actually easier to set by holding down SEL_LOCO
and plugging in the cab.
******************************
ADDITION 6/15/05
- There is a new option under the SET CMD STA menu to provide
a starting 'bias' point for analog function commands. Valid
values range from 0-15. This value is divided in half when
the HORN button is used for analog function commands.
******************************
ADDITION 6/6/05
- The OPTION button now sends 8 levels instead of 16 when
used to control analog functions
- The HORN button can also send analog commands. Analog commands
are sent only if the analog channel is non-zero (see below).
This button is currently set up to send 16 levels. When sending
analog commands no "digital" horn function packets are sent
- The analog channel for the OPTION button can now be chosen
under the SET CMD STA menu. Values from 0-255 are valid.
If 0 is chosen no analog commands will be sent.
- The analog channel for the HORN button can now be chosen
under the SET CMD STA menu. Values from 0-255 are valid.
If 0 is chosen no analog commands will be sent.
******************************
ADDITION 5/30/05
- It is now possible to send an analog command to sound decoders
for the purposes of 'playing' the whistle. You must program the
OPTION button of the ProCab to 123 for this feature to work.
You can play the whistle if hold the OPTION button while operating
the thumbwheel. When you release the thumbwheel you will be
returned to speed control. The ballistic tracking of the thumbwheel
has been allpied to the whistle. If you move the thumbwheel fast
it will reach maximum faster. You may want to adjust the ballistic
tracking in the cab for a better feel.
Programming the OPTION button:
-unplug the procab
-hold down the SEL LOCO button while plugging it in
-press ENTER (about 5 times) until you are prompted for
the OPTION button value
-put in 123 and press ENTER
-press PROG/ESC to get back to operations mode
- Previously the HORN button would repeat after 4 seconds causing
an interruption in the sound. This has been fixed (a Band-Aid
but a fix nevertheless - the problem really lies in the cab)
******************************
BUG FIX 4/3/05
- The AIU broadcast mode was always on regardless of the
BROADCAST ENABLE setting in the SET CMD STA menu. This
has been fixed.
******************************
BUG FIX 2/17/05
- Function group 2 commands sent to the consist address did not
have bit 4 set resulting in a function group 3 command being sent.
This is now fixed
- 128 speed commands sent were 1 step lower than the display on the
cab indicated. Speeds 1 and 2 sent the same 128 speed step 1 (0x02)
command. Speed 126 on the LCD sent speed 126 (0x7e) to the decoder
This is now fixed.
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
VERSION 12/21/2004 is RELEASED on 12/21/2004
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
******************************
ADDITION 12/20/04
- It is now possible to issue momentum commands using
the 0xA2 computer command. The omission was an
oversight. The command format is
0xA2 <ADDR_H> <ADDR_L> <0x12> <momentum level 0-9>
- When the system first boots (usually at the factory)
or when a full system reset is performed, all cabs
now display the following message:
'POWERPRO BY NCE '
'--PRESS ENTER-- '
The 'press enter' message will help avoid confusion
with newbies about the first thing they are supposed
to do when they reset the system. After pressing ENTER
the normal operation display is put up. Also loco 3 is
selected on cab address 2 only.
- Previously when the system was reset the default address
for accessories was 1789, it is now 1.
- The factory default for the "RADIO FIX" is now "ON"
-
******************************
IMPROVEMENT 12/4/04
- When pushing SETUP consist the system would put you
into OLD STYLE consisting if you pressed any key but
ENTER (even PROG/ESC). THis has been fixed.
******************************
BUG FIX 12/1/04
- If the message SHORT CIRCUIT DETECTED showed when
the progamming track was selected the message
1= PROGRAM ANYWAY was displayed. If you pressed
1 you could never get a successful read or write to
any CVs. This is now fixed.
******************************
ADDITION 11/22/04
- You can now program signal decoders in OPS mode.
This is accessed by pressing PROG 10 times or
PROG followed by '0' (zero)
There is a corresponding setup parameter in the
SET CMD STA menu to limit the highest cab number
allowed to program signals.
******************************
ADDITION 11/21/04
- When browsing consists if you press <ENTER> while
a consist is displayed the mid consist locos will
be displayed (if any).
If you press <SEL_LOCO> that consist will be selected
running. It will be selected by the lead loco. If
there is no lead lcoc the rear loco will be selected.
******************************
BUG FIX 11/19/04
- Deleting a mid consist locomotive would cause only
half the locomotive address to be deleted from the
consist. This has been fixed
ADDITION
- "Computer" cabs are now supported with a new binary
mode command (NOTE: the computer cab feature of 11/12/04
has been removed)
Command Format: 0xA2 <addr_h> <addr_l> <op_1> <data_1>
Addr_h and Addr_l are the loco address in DCC format.
If a long address is in use, bits 6 and 7 of the high
byte are set.
Examples: Long address 3 = 0xc0 0x03
Short address 3 = 0x00 0x03
op_1 data_1 Operation description
01 0-7f Reverse 28 speed command
02 0-7f Forward 28 speed command
03 0-7f Forward 128 speed command
04 0-7f Reverse 128 speed command
05 0 Estop reverse command
06 0 Estop forward command
07 0-1f Function group 1 (same format as DCC packet for FG1
08 0-0f Function group 2 (same format as DCC packet for FG2
09 0-0f Function group 3 (same format as DCC packet for FG3
0a 0-7f Set reverse consist address for lead loco
0b 0-7f Set forward consist address for lead loco
0c 0-7f Set reverse consist address for rear loco
0d 0-7f Set forward consist address for rear loco
0e 0-7f Set reverse consist address for additional loco
0f 0-7f Set forward consist address for additional loco
10 0 Del loco from consist
11 0 Kill consist
12 0-9 Momentum command (works just like momentum button on cab)
13-7F reserved reserved
Returns: ! = success
1 = bad loco address
******************************
ADDITION 11/18/04
- Reading a CV in PAGED mode on the programming track
can take up to 14 seconds. The system now puts up
a message on the LCD telling the user that the
decoder is being read.
BUG FIX
- When browsing consists the thumbwheel now rolls over
going both ways (up AND down).
- Escaping out of function mapping on the programming track
displayed an erroneous OPS programming menu and caused the
system to hang. I believe this is now fixed.
******************************
BUG FIX 11/15/04
- If you tried to delete a non-consisted loco from an
advanced consist the system would hang. This has
been fixed
******************************
BUG FIX 11/14/04
- When setting the loco address in OPS programming mode
An extra keypress was required to get to a usable display.
The system now returns to normal operations after
programming the address because I feel that most users
will want to try out the new adddress to see if it 'took'
before doing more OPS programming
******************************
BUG FIXES 11/13/04
- When reviewing macros with 10 entries the system
displayed an erroneous 11th entry. This has been fixed
- You can now use the baud rate of 38400 to backup and
restore Macro, System or Consist memory.
Be sure the line delay in the SETTINGS->ASCII setup
of Hyperterminal is set to 10(ms) or more.
******************************
ADDITION 11/11/04
- In the SET CMD STA menu:
You can now backup and restore the battery backed
command station RAM to a computer. This has been
tested (so far) with PCs runnning Hyperterminal on
WIN XP and WIN98se
There are three backup options:
Macro backup
saves all 256 macros
5120 memory locations from 0xC800 to 0xDBFF
System backup
saves the system setup (SET CMD STA menus stuff)
80 memory locations from 0xDC00 to 0xDC4F
Consist backup
saves the advanced consist tables
1536 memory locations from 0xF500 to 0xFAFF
------------------------------------------------------
The data is sent as an ASCII file to the terminal program
Format for the data is:
:aaaa dddd dddd dddd ..... dddd (macro and consist data)
or
:aaaa dd dd dd dd dd dd ..... dd (system data)
:aaaa = RAM address in hex (high byte first)
dd or dddd = 8 or 16 bit data (high byte first if 16 bit)
The data is formatted for easy(?) modification with a
text editor. Well, easy if you know how the data in RAM
is setup and understand hex.
Basically each line of the Macro data contains one macro
there are ten 2 byte macro commands on each line. Macro
0 is at memory location C800. Addresses are in DCC format
(Refer to RP-9.2.1)
Each line of the system data has 16 bytes of individual
system setup 'flags'. (see partial memory map below)
Each line of the Consist data holds 8 locomotive addresses
locations F500-F5FF hold lead loco addresses
the first two bytes are consist address 0 (not used)
addresses are in DCC format (bits 6,7 of high byte set if long address)
locations F600-F6FF hold rear loco addresses
the first two bytes are consist address 0 (not used)
addresses are in DCC format (bits 6,7 of high byte set if long address)
locations F700-FbFF hold mid consist loco addresses
the first 8 bytes are up to 4 locos in consist address 0 (not used)
addresses are in DCC format (bits 6,7 of high byte set if long address)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
System Setup memory map below
-----------------------------------------------------------------
;battery backed System Setup variables
org 0xDC00
TIME_SCALE .RMB 1 ;DC00 Fast clock ratio (1-15)
TICK_CNT .RMB 1 ;DC01 1 scale second has elapsed when = 4
; TICK_CNT is incremented every time
; TIMER_A expires
SECONDS .RMB 1 ;DC02 seconds counter for fast clock
MINUTES .RMB 1 ;DC03 minutes counter
HOURS .RMB 1 ;DC04 hours counter
HOUR24 .RMB 1 ;DC05 'A' = AM, 'P' = PM
HOURS12_24 .RMB 1 ;DC06 flag for 12/24 hour clock, 0=12 hours
PROG_TIMES .RMB 1 ;DC07 number of times to send programming packet
TMP_TIMES .RMB 1 ;DC08 number of times to send TEMP_Q packet
ACC_TIMES .RMB 1 ;DC09 number of times to send accessory TEMP_Q packet
STOP_TIMES .RMB 1 ;DC0A number of times to send speed zero packet
HORN_OFF .RMB 1 ;DC0B number of "horn off" packets to send
RECALL_NUM .RMB 1 ;DC0C depth of recall buffer, 6 max
STOP_CLK .RMB 1 ;DC0D flag for clock stoppage, 0=run
BCAST_MSG .RMB 1 ;DC0E flag for Cab 0 broadcast message available
TST_IN_USE .RMB 1 ;DC0F flag to test for loco in use in SEL_LOCO, 1=don't test
CON_FUNC .RMB 1 ;DC10 1=send function commands to consist address, 0=don't
not_used_dc11 .RMB 1 ;DC11
not_used_dc12 .RMB 1 ;DC12
ESTOP_ENABLE .RMB 1 ;DC13 1=enable 3x ESTOP test for global stop
RADIO_FIX .RMB 1 ;DC14 1=enable testing bit 2 of IX+FLAGS1 to skip pot value of cab
AIU_BCAST_EN .RMB 1 ;DC15 1=enable AIU event driven RS-232 broadcast, 0=disable
PING_REFRESH .RMB 2 ;DC16 accessory packet refresh rate
SYS_FLAGS .RMB 1 ;DC18 system flags (these are temporary)
; bit 0 - 1=use direct service mode, 0=use paged
; bit 1 - not used
; bit 2 - not used
; bit 3 - not used
; bit 4 - not used
; bit 5 - not used
; bit 6 - not used
; bit 7 - not used
LAST_CS_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC19 highest cab allowed to access SET CMD STA menu
LAST_AS_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1A highest cab allowed to access ASSIGN LOCO menu
LAST_CLK_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1B highest cab allowed to access SET CLOCK menu
LAST_PRG_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1C highest cab allowed to access USE PROGRAM TRK menu
LAST_OP_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1D highest cab allowed to access PROG ON MAIN menu
LAST_CP_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1E highest cab allowed to access SET CAB PARMS menu
LAST_OPA_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC1F highest cab allowed to access PROG ACCESSORY menu
LAST_MAC_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC20 highest cab allowed to access PROGRAM MACROS menu
BAUD_RATE .RMB 1 ;DC21 baud rate divisor
CON_MOMENTUM .RMB 1 ;DC22 1=enable momentum to consists, 0=disable
MOM_MULTIPLIER .RMB 1 ;DC23 multiplier for momentum button, range 0-25
MOM_DEC_RATE .RMB 1 ;DC24 momentum decel rate. 1=full, 0=half
LAST_CON_CAB .RMB 1 ;DC25 highest cab allowed to access CONSIST buttons
SEL_LOC_REF .RMB 1 ;DC26 1=send speed/func commands upon selection of loco
unused_6 .RMB 1 ;DC27
unused_7 .RMB 1 ;DC28
unused_8 .RMB 1 ;DC29
unused_9 .RMB 1 ;DC2A
Bytes DC27 to DC4F are unused (for now)
------------------------------------------------------
HYPERTERMINAL setup:
CONNECT TO->CONFIGURE menu
9600 or 19200 baud (38400 isn't working right yet)
No partiy
8 data bits
1 Stop bit
Flow Control - none
SETTINGS->TERMINAL MODE
ANSI
SETTINGS->ASCII setup
Echo typed characters locally
Append line feeds to incoming line ends
Line Delay: 10mS
------------------------------------------------------
Use Capture Text to backup data
Use Send Text File to restore it
The memory address is included with eack back up so
only one restore command is needed.
******************************
ENHANCEMENT 11/8/04
- The momentum button now works with up to 6 locomotives
in an advanced consist.
It also works with old style consists. If there are any
advanced consists in an old style consist all locos in
the advanced consist will have the momentum set.
******************************
BUG FIX
- Binary mode programming track commands now return '0' 11/5/04
if the program track is not enabled.,
******************************
ADDITION 11/1/04
- The number of macros has now been increased to 256
The entire range of 0-255 is now enabled.
******************************
ADDITION 10/31/04
- The momentum deceleration rate (CV4) can now be set
in the SET CMD STA menu. You can choose FULL (same
as CV3) or HALF (1/2 the value prorgammed into CV3).
******************************
ADDITION 10/31/04
- The RS232 baud rate is now configurable in the
SET CMD STA menu. There are three rates available:
1 = 9600
2 = 19.2K
3 = 38.4K
******************************
CHANGES 10/30/04
- The momentum button now has a programmable multiplier
Previously (see 10/28/04 below) the entered value was
multiplied by 8. You can now set a multiplier value
from 0-25 in the SET CMD SAT menu.
BUG FIXES - momentum button 10/30/04
- In the 10/28/04 version the develeration rate of the
momentum was not 1/2 the acceleration rate. This is
fixed in this version
- CV4 was programmed immediately after CV3. In testing
I found that some decoders (brands L and T) ignored the
CV4 value in some cases. There is now a 400mS delay
between programming CV3 and CV4
******************************
BUG_FIXES 10/30/04
- The SET_CMD_STA menus have been cleaned up so that you
can escape at any time. The current state of most
"yes or no" values is now shown.
- The FUNCTION REFRESH RATE was not working correctly
and could send the system into a bizarre state. This
has been fixed.
A re-cap of how Function Refresh works:
Functions are refreshed only to the active loco on
an active cab (not locos in recall or cabs that
are no longer plugged in)
Functions are only refreshed if the loco is moving
(speed not 0).
All functions (F0-F12) are now refreshed. Previously
only F0-F4 was refreshed
Three function packets are sent to each locomotive:
Function group one (F0-F4).
Function group two (F5-F8).
Function group three (F9-F12).
If you set the refresh rate to 500 the functions will be
refreshed about once every two seconds.
If you set it to 0 no functions will be refreshed (as always)
The recommended setting is 0 for large layouts. Otherwise
the function commands can easily be more numerous than
speed commands is 30 or more locomotives are running.
******************************
ADDITION 10/28/04
- The momentum button now works (kinda). When you press
the button you will be prompted for a momentum level
from 0 to 9. Pressing a digit button will program CV3
(acceleration) of the current locomotive with 12 times
the value entered and CV4 (deceleration) will be programmed
with 6 times the value entered (1/2 the acceleration rate).
Momentum rates (per RP-9.2.2)
Rate 1 = 7 seconds to full speed, 3 seconds to stop
Rate 2 = 14 seconds to full speed, 7 seconds to stop
Rate 3 = 21 seconds to full speed, 10 seconds to stop
Rate 4 = 28 seconds to full speed, 14 seconds to stop
Rate 5 = 35 seconds to full speed, 17 seconds to stop
Rate 6 = 42 seconds to full speed, 21 seconds to stop
Rate 7 = 49 seconds to full speed, 24 seconds to stop
Rate 8 = 54 seconds to full speed, 27 seconds to stop
Rate 9 = 61 seconds to full speed, 30 seconds to stop
If a consist is active when the button is pressed the
button will do nothing unless "CONSIST MOMENTUM" is enabled
in the SET CMD STA menu.
Warning: If you enable CONSIST MOMENTUM only the lead and rear
locomotives will heve the momentum programmed. The
command station is only aware of these two locos.
I've added the option to enable/disable it for consists.
Some modelers only run two locos in a typical consist
so they will likely enable the feature. Others run
several locos in a consist. They will want to disable
the feature.
There are commands for setting momentum in a consist
but many decoders do not support these CVs.
CV3 and CV4 are required in RP-9.2.2 but support
for the consist CVs (CV23 and CV24) is not required.
******************************
ADDITION 10/25/04
- new binary mode RS232 commands
CMD FORMAT DESCRIPTION # OF BYTES POSSIBLE
RETURNED RESPONSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x9E Enter Programming track mode (1) ! = success
3 = short circuit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x9F Exit Programming track mode (1) ! = success
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA0 aa xx Program CV aa with data xx in (1) ! = success
paged mode (CV address range in paged 1-256)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA1 aa Read CV aa in paged mode (2) !,3
NOTE: register data followed by != data ok,
0xff followed by '3' =can't read
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA6 rr xx Program register rr with data xx (1) ! = success
in register mode (Register range 1-8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA7 rr Read register rr in register mode(2) !,3
NOTE: register data followed by != data ok,
0xff followed by '3' =can't read
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA8 aaaa xx Program CV aaaa with data xx (1) ! = success
in direct mode. CV address range 1-1024
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0xA9 aaaa Read CV aaaa in direct mode (2) !,3
NOTE: register data followed by != data ok,
0xff followed by '3' =can't read
******************************
ADDITION 10/21/04
- The command station can now be setup to send Event driven
RS-232 output data for changes to AIU inputs. Each change
of an AIU nput is an AIU "event". A 3 byte RS-232 message
is generated for each event listing the AIU input number
that changed and what polarity it changed to. The format
for the data is:
1st byte = 0x60 ("a" for AIU event)
2nd byte = 0x30 + AIU cab address (addresses start at ASCII '0')
3rd byte = 0x3F + input number for input high (input 1=A, 2=B, etc)
= 0x5F + input number for input low (input 1=a, 2=b, etc)
Each input change of the AIU is reported separately.
14 messages are sent at power up for each AIU to update
your computer as to status of all AIU inputs.
The reason for the oddball reporting of AIU data is so
you can test AIU installations and read the results in
ASCII with Hyperterminal using a simple PC connection.
This feature can enabled/disabled in the SET_CMD_STA menu.
******************************
ADDITIONS 10/20/04
- In the SET CMD STA menu there is now a selection called
"RADIO FIX 0=N". By default steps taken in the command
station to prevent runaways when using radio cabs.
You may need to disable the fix in the rare circumstance
that are using a CAB04e with both "halves" of the cab set to
the same cab address AND one is set to yard mode while the
other is set to normal mode. Pressing ENTER or PROG/ESC
skips changing it. Pressing 0 will disable the fix. Any
other key will enable it.
The following is big news but you will not be able to test
these features until the associated products are released
- Support for Analog fast clocks is now included
- Support for Signal decoders is now included
- Support for Macro Panels is now included
- Support for Single direction radio cabs is now included
- Support for CAB02r and CAB03r is now included
- Support for CAB07 and CAB08 is now included
******************************
ADDITION 10/18/04
- A macro can now be linked to another macro by entering
an accessory address of 9999 when programming the macro.
You will then be prompted for the macro number to link.
You can chain as many macros together as you like but
use caution. If you chain macros in a 'circular' fashion
the system will appear to crash (it is busy sending macros)
until you press PROG/ESC.
******************************
ADDITION 10/12/04
- You can use the PROCAB to send signal aspect commands.
Program your Procab <OPTION> to a value of 108. Pressing
OPTION will allow you to access the signal aspect entry
menu. Signal addresses range from 1-2044 and valid aspects
are currently 0-31.
Currently only NCE signal decoders (not released yet) support
NMRA signal packets so you will not be able to try it out.
******************************
ADDITION 10/1/04
- You can reset the command station to factory defaults as
one of the last options under the "SET CMD STA" menu.
******************************
MASSIVE CHANGE 10/1/04
- A complete rewrite of OPS programming has been done.
The are now 10 sub menus for OPS programming (there were
originally three)
Press <ENTER> to see each subsequent sub menu item
at the "1=ADR 2=CV 3=CFG" prompt. Then press the
number correcponding to the sub menu you desire
1=ADR - set loco addresses
Programming the loco address is now under this menu instead of
the CV programming menu. Setting the address is now simplified.
Just select the new address type (short or long) then enter
the new address. There are no longers restrictions on programming
the same address type as the one in use.
2=CV - no changes
3=CFG - no changes
4=MOTOR control
Prompts and gets input for:
Start voltage (CV2)
Max voltage (CV5)
Mid Voltage (CV6)
Acceleration (CV3)
Deceleration (CV4)
PWM frequency (CV9)
Kick rate (CV116, an NCE specific CV)
Kick depth (CV117, an NCE specific CV)
5=FUNCTION MAPPING
You are prompted for the function number to map. If "0" you
are asked if it is forward or reverse. Press the appropriate digit.
The top line of the LCD displays the function number and the output
numbers that can be controlled by the function. Pressing of a digit
key will enable the output on the decoder when the function is activated.
Pressing the same digit key again will disable the output.
The top line of the LCD will have small output numbers on the display
when the output numbers are 10 through 14. To enable/disable these
'high' numbers press the digit key that is 10 less than the output number.
Example: press 0 for output 10, 1 for output 11, etc.
6=NCE EFFECTS
You are prompted for the output number to setup.
Use the thumbwheel or up/down speed buttons to scroll through the
lighting effect options. Press ENTER when you get the one you want.
Next press 1,2 or 3 to select the 'directionality' or the output
Last, press 1 if the output has an LED connected, any other key if
incandescent lamps.
7=SOUNDTRAXX - special SOUNDTRAXX indexed feature programming
When programming CV120-127 you are asked for an index number before
you are asked for the CV value. CV119 is then automatically set
with the index value before the original CV is set with the desired
data. All other CVs are programmed in the normal manner.
8=QSI - special QSI indexed feature programming
When programming CV51,CV52,and CV56 you are asked for an index number
before you are asked for the CV value. CV49 is then automatically set
with the index value before the original CV is set with the desired
data.
When programming CV56 you are asked for primary and secondary index
numbers before you are asked for the CV value. CV49 and CV50 are then
automatically set with the index numbers before CV53 is set with the
desired data.
All other CVs are programmed in the normal manner.
9=BIN - programs a CV with binary imput.
Enter CV number to program then press bit number to toggle
individual bits to make up a binay byte. Press enter to program.
0=BIT - sets or clears individual bits in a CV
Enter CV number then bit number then bit value.
When using Function Mapping and NCE Effects programming the fast clock
is not displayed, It still runs in the background and will be displayed
the function mapping or NCE effect programming is finished.
******************************
MASSIVE CHANGE 6/1/04
- A complete rewrite of the programming track operation has been
done.
STD mode
Paged/direct auto detect
Set address broken out separately
Motor control
Prompts and gets input for:
Start voltage (CV2)
Max voltage (CV5)
Mid Voltage (CV6)
Acceleration (CV3)
Deceleration (CV4)
PWM frequency (CV9)
Kick rate (CV116, an NCE specific CV)
Kick depth (CV117, an NCE specific CV)
Function mapping
You are prompted for the function number to map. If "0" you
are asked if it is forward or reverse.
The top line of the LCD displays the function number and the output
numbers that can be controlled by the function. The bottom line of
the LCD displays the outputs that are enabled for that function.
A digit means that output is enabled,a dash means it is disabled .
Pressing of a digit key will enable the output on the decoder
when the function is activated.
Pressing the same digit key again will disable the output.
The top line of the LCD will have small output numbers on the display
when the output numbers are 10 through 14. To enable/disable these
'high' numbers press the digit key that is 10 less than the output number.
Example: press 0 for output 10, 1 for output 11, etc.
CV mode - same
CFG mode - same
PAGED - forces paged mode and jumps to STD mode
DIRECT - forces direct mode and jumps to STD mode
NCE EFFECTS
You are prompted for the output number to setup.
Use the thumbwheel or up/down speed buttons to scroll through the
lighting effect options. Press ENTER when you get the one you want.
Next press 1,2 or 3 to select the 'directionality' or the output
Last, press 1 if the output has an LED connected, any other key if
incandescent lamps.
RESCUE mode - updated factory reprogram (works with more decoders)
When using the programming trackthe fast clock is stopped and not displayed,
It will be re-started and displayed when programming is finished.
******************************
ADDITION 5/5/04
- Function commands are now optionally sent to the consist address.
You can turn this off (it's on by default) in the SET_CMD_STA
menu.
CHANGE
- The "TEST FOR LOCO IN USE" prompt in the SET_CMD_STA menu has
changed in the wording.
******************************
CHANGE 3/4/04
- The maximum fast clock ratio hase been reduced from 25 to 15
- The <BELL> button is now mapped to F1 instead of F3 by default
ADDITION
- A 2 byte "time sync" is sent to cab 0 at the 30 second mark of
the fast clock. This consists of the following bytes.
<0xD4><0xC1-0xCF>
BUG FIX
- When using "SET CFG" in STD programming on the programming track
the "DIR" bit is now properly set in CV29.
******************************
ADDITION 1/11/04
- The long awaited improvements to advanced consisting are
in this version.
When prompted for the "CON ADDRESS:" the highest open
consist address is displayed on the LCD. If you wish
to use this address (recommended) just push ENTER.
You can also enter any short address just as with previous
versions.
After entering the usual LEAD LOCO address (and direction),
you are prompted to enter an optional REAR LOCO address (and
direction). You can skip either or both loco addresses by
pressing ENTER.
When you exit, the LEAD LOCO will be selected for running.
If there is no LEAD LOCO the REAR LOCO will be selected.
If there is neither a LEAD or REAR loco the consist address
will be selected. In this case "CON:" will NOT be displayed
on the top line of the LCD as there is no "other" address
by which the consist is known.
- You can now BROWSE CONSISTS by pressing PROG 9 times
(the short cut is to press PROG followed by 9). Them
press enter at the "BROWSE CONSISTS" prompt. The LCD
will display something like:
"CON: 127 10:42AM"
"LEAD:2190 R:4484"
Each button push will display the next lower consist
in the list. When you get to the "bottom" of the list
it will start over at the top. You can also scroll
up and down through the list using the speed buttons
of thumbwheel.
You can clear a consist entry from the list by pressing
CLEAR then pressing 1 at the "KILL CON? 1=YES" prompt.
If there are no consists in the list the display will
say "-CONSISTS EMPTY-"
Press PROG/ESC at any time to exit browsing.
CHANGES
- The factory default speed table has been updated to reflect
the NCE Version 3.0 to V3.5 decoders
******************************
ADDITION 11/16/03
- Support for functions 9-12
- In the SET CMD STA menu "HORN OFF PKT" is programmable
this is used the number of times a "horn off" packet is
sent when the HORN button is released. Previously this
was always 1 which led to a sound decoder occasionally
missing the "off" packet. The factory default is 2 but
can be set as high as 16.
BUG FIX (MAYBE)
- There was a Cab Bus timing problem that caused problems
with radio cabs going to full speed with certain combinations
of RB01, command stations and radio interference. This
has been fixed by having the command station always ping
cab addresses 21 and 42.
******************************
DELETION 8/20/03
- Support for 14 speed mode has been removed
- In the SET CMD STA menu "HORN LOOPS" is
no longer programmable (it didn't ever need to be)
CHANGES
-OLD STYLE consists now operate in 28 speed mode
******************************
DELETIONS 6/16/02
- all ASCII mode RS232 commands have been removed except
the "M" command to enter ASCII programming mode
- All uploadable speed tables have been removed
BUG FIX
- Function commands are no longer sent to short address 0
This prevents all Horns or other funtions coming on
unexpectedly when an operator presses a function button
with a 'blank address'.
******************************
CHANGE TO DEFAULTS 3/20/01
- The system default of TEST FOR LOCO IN USE is now OFF instead
of ON
BUG FIX 2/2/01
- The fast clock bug of showing 00 hours when it should read 12 hours
in 12 hour mode is fixed. Using the SET SYSTEM CLOCK menu you
must still enter 24 hour time to set the 12 hour clock.
e.g. enter 15 for 3PM.
DELETION
- The ASCII help menu has been deleted. The maintenance mode help
menu is still there for programming.
For read.me file prior to 4/9/99 see readme.old
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