Digitrax Command Station Configuration

Configuring Digitrax Command Station Operation Switch (OpSw) Settings

Digitrax command stations include a variety of "Operation Switch" (OpSw) settings which influence the command station's behavior. While each command station model implements its own set of OpSw settings, the mechanisms which may be used to configure those OpSw settings is common across Digitrax command stations.

The Digitrax manual for yhour command station will generally describe a mechanism where command station OpSw settings are manipulated using "Switch" control operations issued from a throttle, while the command station is in a mode where OpSw settings may be changed. For many OpSw settings, once the settings have been changed, the command station may be returned to its normal operating mode, and the OpSw settings will take immediate effect. For some OpSw settings, it may be necessary to change the command station to a different mode before it is returned to its normal operating mode.

For DCS50 and DCS51 (Zephyr and Zephyr Xtra) command stations, OpSw configuration operations can be performed from the integrated keypad. The DCS50/DCS51 will automatically perform any necessary mode-change before returning to normal operating mode.

Alternately, JMRI, when configured to communicate with LocoNet, can make command station OpSw changes. For many years, JMRI has provided a specific tool, under the "LocoNet" menu item: the "Configure Command Station" tool. Recent JMRI versions allow Command Station OpSw configuration via a "Roster" entry, as if the command station were simply a mobile decoder. Both of these methods are described below.

Requirements

• JMRI can only configure those command stations which implement OpSw settings accessed in the same way in which Digitrax command stations are configured. Supported command stations include:
  • DCS50 (Zephyr™)
  • DCS51 (Zephyr Xtra™)
  • DB150 (Empire Builder™, Empire Builder II™, Super Empire Builder™, Super Empire Builder Xtra™, Genesis™)
  • DCS100, DCS200 (Chief™, Chief II™, Super Chief™, Super Chief Xtra™)
  • DCS210 (Evolution™)
  • DCS240 (Advanced™)
• JMRI must have a properly-configured computer interface to LocoNet in order to configure the command station.
• JMRI cannot configure the Challenger or Big Boy command stations.

Command Station Configuration Using a Roster Entry

First, it is necessary to create a new Roster Entry which specifies the correct "decoder" type for the command station. Here are some step-by-step instructions:

• Open the Roster. If you are using the DecoderPro application, this is open by default. If you are using the PanelPro application, Select the "Roster" menu item in the "Roster" menu.
• Select the "New Loco" button to begin creating a new Roster Entry.
• A window showing the manufacturers of DCC equipment with "decoder" definitions will appear. Open the "Digitrax" folder.
• A list of decoder definitions for Digitrax hardware will appear. Select the "Command Stations" folder.
• From the list of command stations, select your command station. Be sure to select the correct model. If you select an incorrect model, the OpSw settings may be incompatible with your hardware and behavior may be unpredictable.
• Give the Roster Entry a unique "Roster ID".
• It is not necessary to enter an "Active Address". You may enter an address, but that address will be not be used in any way when reading and writing OpSw values to the command station.
• Save the Roster Entry to the Roster.
• Select "Open Comprehensive Programmer".
• Use the Roster Entry like you would for any locomotive.
• Be sure to save your Roster Entry so that any changes which you have made may be easily restored at a future date.

Once you have a saved Roster Entry for your command station, you may open it at a later time and restore those settings to the command station or modify them and then update the OpSw settings in your command station.

Command Station Configuration Using the "Configure Command Station" Tool

The previous JMRI method for configuring Command Station Operation Switches (OpSws) is described at the Configure Command Station tool page.

Limitations

• The LocoNet mechanisms used by JMRI for modifying Command Station OpSw settings do not allow modifications to any OpSw which has an OpSw number which is evenly divisible by 8.
• The JMRI mechanisms for modifying Command Station OpSw settings is unable to complete the process of performing some "reset" OpSw functions without user intervention. When using the JMRI Roster-based configuration mechanisms, further information may be found in the "Notes" shown on the "Internal Storage Management" sheet in the decoder definition.
• JMRI can only modify Command Station Operation Switches using these tools for those command stations which implement the required LocoNet messaging. Non- Digitrax command stations are not supported by these mechanisms.

Support

For JMRI-specific questions, including questions about how JMRI and Digitrax hardware interact, the JMRI users "groups.io" group is very helpful. Many knowledgeable Digitrax users contribute to the group and answer questions on JMRI issues.

For Digitrax-specific questions, the Digitrax users "groups.io" group provides great support from other Digitrax users. If you have a problem with Digitrax equipment, this is a good place to pose your Digitrax-specific problems. This user's group is run by and for Digitrax users. It is not directly supported by Digitrax.

Support for Digitrax hardware products is available through Digitrax, Inc. Digitrax product manuals may be found here. Note that Digitrax does not provide support for JMRI software.

LocoNet® is a registered trademark, and Zephyr™, Zephyr Xtra™, Empire Builder™, Empire Builder II™, Super Empire Builder™, Super Empire Builder Xtra™, Genesis™, Chief™, Chief II™, Super Chief™, Super Chief Xtra™, Evolution™,and Advanced™ are trademarks of Digitrax, Inc.

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