Digitrax Super Empier Builder User manual
RDigitrax
Command
Control
TM
EMPIRE BUILDER
Super
Advanced
Digitrax Command Control
Starter Set
Manual
Includes:
DB150 Command Station/Booster,
DT400 Series Throttle,
UP5 Universal Panel,
IR Operation with UR90, &
Radio Operation with UR91
DDiiggiittrraaxx,,
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450 Cemetery ST #206
Norcross, GA 30071 USA
(770) 441-7992 Fax (770)441-0759
www.digitrax.com
Digitrax Manuals & Instructions are updated periodically.
Please visit www.digitrax.com for the latest version of all manuals.
This manual was updated 11/03.
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1.0 Introduction 6
2.0 Super Empire Builder Quick Start Guide 7
2.1 Connect the DB150 to the track & transformer 8
2.2 Plug In The UP5 Universal Panel or UR91 Radio Receiver 8
2.3 Plug In Your DT400 Series Throttle 8
2.4 Turn track power on 9
2.5 Connect Your Layout To The Super Empire Builder 11
2.6 DT400 Display Basics 11
2.7 Select & Run An Analog Loco on Address “00” 12
2.8 Decoder Address Basics 14
2.9 How To Select & Run A DCC Equipped Loco 15
2.10 Shutting Down the System 17
2.11 Resuming your session 17
2.12 Quick Start Problems? 18
3.0 LocoNet: The Digitrax Difference! 19
3.1 System Architecture 19
3.2 Event Driven or Polled? 19
3.3 Network Speed 20
3.4 LocoNet Personal Edition 20
3.5 LocoNet Expansion 20
4.0 Installing Digitrax On Your Layout 22
4.1 Direct Home Wiring vs. Common Rail Wiring 22
4.2 Recommended wire sizes for power bus & track feeders 22
4.3 Other Track Wiring Considerations 23
4.4 Layout Power Districts 23
4.5 Adding a DB150 Booster 24
4.6 Setting Up A Programming Track 25
4.7 Reverse Section Wiring 26
4.8 Using a DB150 as an AutoReversing Booster 27
4.9 Using PM42 for Power Management & AutoReversing 28
4.10 Using DC and DCC together on the same layout 28
4.11 LocoNet Wiring Components 29
4.12 LocoNet Throttle Jacks & LocoNet Connection Jacks 30
4.13 UP5 Panel Hook-up 31
4.14 Troubleshooting Layout Wiring 33
5.0 DB150 Control Panel 34
5.1 Power Input 34
5.1.1 Transformer 35
5.1.2 Heat Dissipation 35
5.2 Power On Indicator 35
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Set Manual
Includes DT400 Series Throttles, DB150 Command Station, UP5,
IR Operations with UR90 & Radio Operation with UR91
Table of Contents
5.3 Ground Terminal 35
5.4 RAIL A & RAIL B Terminals 36
5.5 TRACK STATUS Indicator 36
5.6 OFF LINE Indicator 36
5.6.1 Troubleshooting DB150 Shutdowns 36
5.7 CONFIG A & B 37
5.8 LocoNet Connection Jacks A & B 37
5.9 MODE Switch 37
5.10 SCALE Switch (O/G HO N) 37
5.10.1 Track Voltage Adjustment 37
5.11 DB150 Audible Sounds 38
6.0 DT400 Series Throttle Control Panel 38
6.1 General Information 38
6.2 L(Left) & R(Right) Throttle Knobs 40
6.3 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 41
6.3.1 Loco Icon 41
6.3.2 Direction Indicators 41
6.3.3 Smoke Icon 41
6.3.4 Mode Indicator 42
6.3.5 L(Left) & R(Right) Throttle Display 43
6.3.6 Text Area 43
6.3.7 L & R Bar Graph 43
6.3.8 Function Display 44
6.3.9 Track Power Indicator 44
6.3.10 Tetherless Indicator 45
6.3.11 L & R Semaphores-Cab Signaling 45
6.4 FUNC Key 45
6.5 MU Key 46
6.6 LOCO Key 46
6.7 SWCH Key 46
6.8 L & R Reverse Keys 46
6.9 Y + & N - Keys 46
6.10 DISP Key 47
6.11 PROG Key 47
6.12 EDIT Key 47
6.13 FIND Key 47
6.14 BACK Key 47
6.15 PWR Key 47
6.16 OPTN t Key 48
6.17 CLOC c Key 48
6.18 EXIT Key 48
6.19 ENTER Key 48
6.20 EMRG STOP Key 48
6.21 Full Numeric Keypad 49
6.22 Infrared Emitters 50
2
7.0 Track Power On/Off 50
7.1 Track Power On 50
7.2 Track Power Off 51
8.0 How To Select and Run Trains 51
8.1 The SEL Message 51
8.2 DCC Address Ranges & Display 52
8.3 Selecting An Address On A Throttle 52
8.4 Recall a Loco 54
8.5 Stealing: Forcing An Address Selection 55
8.5.1 Slot Following 56
8.6 “slot=max” Message 56
9.0 Locomotive Speed Control 57
10.0 Stop 57
10.1 Setting A Loco to Zero Speed 57
10.2 Emergency Stop 57
11.0 Locomotive Direction Control 58
12.0 Controlling Functions 59
12.1 Controlling F0-F8 59
12.1.1 Function 0 (F0) 60
12.1.2 Function 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 Keys 60
12.1.3 Function 2 (F2) 60
12.2 Controlling Functions On Consisted Locomotives 61
13.0 Multiple Unit Operations 61
13.2 Removing A Loco From A Consist 64
13.3 Nested Consisting 64
13.4 MU of Mismatched Locomotives 64
14.0 Releasing An Address From A Throttle 64
14.1 Dispatching addresses or consists 65
15.0 Programming and Configuration 66
15.1 Using the DT400’s key pad in Programming Mode 67
15.2 Programming Mobile Decoder Addresses 68
15.3 How to Program Other Configuration Variables 71
15.3.1 Hex Display & Decimal Display 71
15.3.2 Programming CVs Other Than Addresses 71
15.4 Operations Mode Programming 73
15.5 Busy or Fail Message 75
16.0 How Your DB150 Manages 22 Addresses 76
16.1 22 “Slots” For Addresses 76
16.2 Address Purging Strategy 77
17.0 Decoder Status 77
17.1 To Change the Status of a Decoder 78
17.2 Note for Non-Digitrax Decoder Users 79
18.0 Sw (Switch) Mode 79
19.0 Edit Fast Clock 81
19.1 Fast Clock Basics 81
3
19.2 Stop the Fast Clock 82
19.3 Edit Fast Clock Time, Rate & Alarm 82
20.0 FIND Key & Digitrax Transponding 83
21.0 Shut Down and Resume Procedures 84
22.0 IR & Radio Receivers UR90 & UR91 85
22.1 Powering UR90 & UR91 Receivers 85
22.1.2 UR90/UR91Track Status Indicator Hook Up 86
22.2 Installation Basics UR90 & UR91 88
22.3 UR90 Infrared Receiver Installation 89
22.4 UR91 Radio Receiver Installation 90
22.4.1 Resolving Radio Reception Problems 92
23.0 Tetherless Operation of DT400/R 92
23.1 LocoNet ID Change 94
23.2 Tetherless Operation 95
23.2.1 Control Lock 97
24.0 DT400 Battery 97
24.1 Battery Installation 97
24.2 Low Power Indicator 98
24.3 Battery Replacement 99
25.0 Customizing Your DT400 99
25.1 DT400 Option #1 101
25.1.1 Ballistic or Straight Line Tracking 101
25.1.2 Key & Knob Clicks On/Off 101
25.1.3 Local/Global Stop 101
25.2 DT400 Option #2 102
25.2.1 Throttle Default Decoder Operation 102
25.2.2 Tetherless Operation Mode 102
25.3 DT400 Option #3 104
25.3.1 LCD Backlight Brightness Setting 104
25.3.2 Fast Clock Format 104
25.3.3 Recall Stack Depth 104
25.3.4 Tetherless Release 104
25.4 DT400 Option #4 106
25.5 DT400 Option #F 106
25.6 DT400 Option #6 106
26.0 DB150 Option Switch Setup 107
27.0 Troubleshooting 110
27.1 Nothing is responding 110
27.2 Emergency Stop 110
27.3 Can’t select a loco address on my throttle 110
27.4 Clean Track 111
27.5 The Quarter Trick 111
27.6 The LT1 Tester 111
27.7 Decoder Won’t Respond 111
27.8 Mechanical Drive Train Problems 112
4
27.9 “Strange” Locomotive Lights 112
27.10 Lights Work But No Motor Response 112
27.11 Lights Flash First Time Loco Placed On Track 113
28.0 Glossary 113
29.0 FCC Information 122
30.0 Warranty and Repair Information 123
5
Digitrax, Inc. is not responsible for unintentional errors
or omissions in this document.
Digitrax, the Digitrax Train Logos, LocoNet, Empire Builder, Super Empire
Builder, Chief, Super Chief, Zephyr, Jump and others are trademarks of Digitrax,
Inc.
This manual may not be reproduced in any form or translated into other languages without the
express written permission of Digitrax, Inc.
©Digitrax, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA REV 11/03
Components included in the Super Empire Builder set are covered by US
Patents 6,275,739, 6,533,223, 6,367,742 B1, 6,533,224, and others.
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Digitrax Super Empire Builder Digital
Command Control Set!
Digitrax provides a complete solution to layout control. The Digitrax
Command Control system lets you operate your layout the way you want to.
With LocoNet you simply connect system components to build the layout con-
trol system that you’ve always wanted! The Digitrax system reduces and sim-
plifies layout wiring for new layouts. If you already have a layout, you proba-
bly won’t need to rewire to install the system and get all the benefits of
Digitrax Command Control.
Your Super Empire Builder Starter Set contains:
The DB150 is the system’s DCC command station. It generates the
DCC signals that control decoders and other devices on your layout.
The DB150 is also a DCC booster. Boosters receive DCC signals from
the command station, amplify them and put them on the track along
with the power from the transformer to run the locomotives. You can
have several boosters on your layout to provide additional power to
run more locos.
The DT400 or DT400R is the DCC throttle that comes with the Super
Empire Builder. DCC throttles are the handhelds you use to tell the
command station what you want the decoders to do. You will proba-
bly have several throttles on your layout if you have more than one
person running trains at a time.
A UP5 Universal Panel or UR91 Radio Receiver for memory walka-
round operation or tetherless infrared or radio operation.
LT1 LocoNet & Decoder Tester.
In addition to your Super Empire Builder you’ll need:
A power supply (you many be able to use one you already own) and
One or more mobile decoders for your locomotives. This gives you the
flexibility to choose the “right” decoder for your locos.
Your starter set is just the beginning of an exciting trip. Digitrax will help you
make your model railroading more enjoyable and more realistic. Your success
with and enjoyment of our products are very important to us. After all, this is a
hobby and it is FUN!!!
Please read this manual carefully before you install your system it includes lots
of hints and operating ideas based on our experience with the Digitrax system.
If you have questions not covered by this manual please contact your dealer.
6
2.0 Super Empire Builder Quick Start Guide
These instructions will get you up and running quickly. A full description of all
controls and technical reference information are included later in this manual.
This section assumes that you are using a new set straight out of the box. If
your set is radio equipped, we recommend that you follow this quick start
guide without using radio to learn the basics. When you are successfully run-
ning your radio throttle tethered to the system, then go to Sections 22 & 23 to
learn how to install the radio option.
Figure 1: Super Empire Builder Quick Installation Hook Up
LocoNet Network
(6 Conductor
Flat Phone Cable)
To
Transformer
R
DB150
TRACK
STATUS
POWER
ON
OFF LINE
O/G
N
HO
MODE
O
RUN
LOCONET
A B
SCALE
SLEEPP
R
R
Power District (Double Gapped)
Notes:
1. This example shows a DB150
Command Station.
Any Digitrax Command
Station can be used.
2. The DT400 throttle can be
plugged in any LocoNet Throttle
Jack or LocoNet Connection Jack
on the system.
3. DT400 can also be operated
tetherless with UR90 Infrared
Receiver or UR91 Radio Receiver.
CONFIG B
RAIL B
POWER IN
CONFIG A
RAIL A
POWER IN
GROUND
LOCONET
UNIVERSAL PANEL UP5
R
R
TRACK
STATUS
LocoNet Cable from
Port A or B
plugs into either
LocoNet
Connection
Jack in
rear of UP5
or UR91 with
Radio Equipped
Super Chief
R
R
FUNC MU
MU
SWCH
R
c
LOCO
Y +
L
t
CBABACK
OPTN CLOCPWR
10 11 12
1 2 3
4 5 6
ENTER0EXIT
7 8 9
DISP
PROG
EDIT
FIND
_
R
L
DT400
N
EMRG
STOP
7
2.1 Connect the DB150 to the track & transformer
1. Set the DB150’s SCALE Switch to the scale you are running (N,
HO, O\G). Use the lowest setting (N, HO, or O/G) that will run your
layout.
2. Set the DB150’s MODE Switch to the RUN position.
3. Connect the two terminals on the DB150 marked POWER IN to the
transformer.
4. Plug in the transformer to power up your booster.
5. The DB150 will beep once and the DB150’s “POWER ON” indicator
will come on.
2.2 Plug In The UP5 Universal Panel or UR91 Radio Receiver
1. Using the short LocoNet cable provided, connect either of LocoNet
jacks on the back of the UP5/UR91 to either the A or B LocoNet
Jack on the DB150. If you are using a UR91, plug in the power sup-
ply that was included with your radio equipped set. After completing
Quick Start, see Section 4.13 for information about Universal Panel
Track Status Lights.
2. If you choose not to hook up the UP5/UR91 during the initial installa-
tion, simply plug the DT400 throttle directly into either LocoNet
Jack A or B on the DB150.
3. Remember if your set is radio equipped, please follow these quick
start instructions using your DT400R as a tethered throttle without
radio control. See Sections 22 & 23 for setting up the radio option.
2.3 Plug In Your DT400 Series Throttle
1. Plug the DT400 series throttle into either LocoNet jack on the
UP5/UR91 or DB150.
2. First, you will see the DT400 version number screen:
MODE
O
RUN
SLEEPP
O/G
N
HO
SCALE
8
This screen shows the DT400’s
software version number. It is
displayed for a few seconds
each time you power on the
DT400.
3. Next you will see the power indicator screen:
This screen indicates the power
available to the throttle. When
you are plugged in to LocoNet,
this value will be between 9 &
15 volts. when you insert a bat-
tery or unplug from LocoNet,
the value displayed will be the battery power available. When this
number is less than 6.2 volts it’s time to consider replacing or
recharging your battery. See Section 24 for more information about
using batteries with your DT400.
4. The throttle will beep and you will see a screen similar to the follow-
ing. If your throttle is a DT400R, or if there is a UR90 or UR91 con-
nected to your system, you will see additional displays described
later in the radio section. This screen displays current
addresses selected on the L & R
throttles along with their current
speed and direction. The func-
tions that are turned ON for the
active throttle (the one with the
blinking smoke icon) are dis-
played across the top of the dis-
play.
5. When you unplug the DT400 from LocoNet, the LCD will go off
while it is unplugged. It will come on again when you plug in to
LocoNet again.
2.4 Turn track power on
The DT400’s Track Power Indicator and the DB150’s track status indica-
tor show whether track power is on or off. The first time you plug in
your DT400 throttle, track power will usually be off. To run trains,
you will need to turn on the track power. Look at your DB150
and/or DT400 to determine whether the track power is on or off.
9
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