What function do I use to dim the light using a TCS decoder? same question only with a NCE decoder? I tried reading the little paper that came with the TCS decoder, but it locks like martian to me. Note: I'm using an NCE power cab.
Please be more specific, the amount of control available is tremendous, i.e. - Do you want to have a specific light dimmer (less bright) all the time or do you want to change the brightness when the dimming function is active? I can help you customize and also tell you how to control it using the Function F0 - F8 buttons. I have programmed TCS, NCE, Digitrax, and Bachmann decoders.
Go to the TCS DCC homepage and down load a copy of their "Plain English Programming guide" I am sure that NCE will have a version of this also. I will paste the TCS explaination here. LIGHTING CONTROL: To add dimming (Rule 17) to the front and/or rear headlights: • To have a dimmable front headlight when running forward only, select CV 49 (Worksheet Table 11) and enter 8. To have a dimmable front headlight when running in both directions, select CV 49 (Worksheet Table 11) and enter 40. • To have a dimmable rear headlight when running in reverse only, select CV 50 (Worksheet Table 11) and enter 24. To have a dimmable rear headlight when running in both directions, select CV 50 (Worksheet Table 11) and enter 40. The light will dim when you press button 4. AND • To dim the headlight when the engine is stopped, select CV 61 (Worksheet Table 12 or Table 14*) and enter 16. • To have the opposite headlight on and dimmed, select CV 61 (Worksheet Table 12 or Table 14*) and enter 32. • To dim the headlight when the engine is stopped and to have the opposite headlight on and dimmed, select CV 61 (Worksheet Table 12 or Table 14*) and enter 48. To adjust the brightness of the dimmed headlights: • Our Generation X decoders allow you to change the brightness of the dimmed light. The preset value is 15. If you want the light dimmer, select CV 64 (Worksheet Table K or Table 15*) and enter a smaller number. LED’s operate nicely on values from 2 to 6. To operate ditch lights ( Using the green and purple wires ): • To have ditch lights operate in forward direction only, select CV 51 (Worksheet Table 11) I highly recommend that as soon as you are able to do so to purchase a locobuffer USB and then download Decoder Pro. This is so much easier to figure out than programming CV's or Martian as yu refer to it. Good luck! Bob Wintle MMR Parsons Ks.
Okay, Bob, I was trying to wait to see exactly what he wanted - thanks for your response. Additionally For TCS: Change the brightness of a specific bulb all the time on the TCS unit: Set CV49 to 44 (for the white wire) Set CV50 to 44 (for the yellow wire) and then Set CV64 to a value lower than the default 15. (You may have to experiment.) Use the Plain English Programming guide from TCS (attached) with the sheet that came with the decoder. Following Bob's lead; For NCE; Dim the headlight or taillight with F4: Set CV120 (white wire) to 32 to dim the headlight when on (F0) and F4 is on. Set CV121 (yellow wire) to 32 to dim the taillight when on (F0) and reverse and F4 is on. Basically this sets up F4 to manually dim either light when on. If you want something more specific, just ask. I also agree with Bob, Locobuffer USB is the way to go. It will work with your NCE Powercab.
Ok, Bob honestly, that is clear, bu I still don't get how to select CV 49. Pretty much all I want to do is be able to press a Function button and no matter which way or how fast the loco is going, I want the light to be dim. I understand that I may have to program it, but I the only programmer I have the well, the power cab.
Here's where reading the manual for your DCC system comes in. With NCE, it appears (based on reading their manual I just downloaded) you have two different choices: Programming on Main (page 39 - 45, specifically page 40) or Use a Program Track (page 48 - 59 , specifically page 55) In either case, you will enter the CV number you want to change and then enter the value you want in that CV. The above pages, extracted, are attached.
I am just not going to be much help with your system as I have no experience with it. Hopefully you will find someone near to you that does. I will make this statement. If at all possible make sure that you have a seperate programming track. Using the main to program on is just asking for trouble. If you must use the main, make sure that you have all the rest of your loco's off of the track. I look forward to hearing of your successful progress. I also suggest that you join the NCE Yahoo group. I am sure you can find all of the help that you need there. Bob
Ok, all I read was the programing in the start up sectio0n of the manual. I'll just have to do some experimenting with it.
