2. Content of package
Please check that all items are contained in the package imme-
diately after opening it. The following components should be
inthepackage:
•Navigatorhandheldcontroller
•Navigatorbaseunit
•IRreceiver
•IRextensionmodulewithsocketsforfourexternalIRreceivers
•4Rechargeablebatteriesmicro(sizeAAA)
•Lanyard
•Cablewith3.5mmplugfortheprogrammingtrack
•Double-poleterminalfortrackconnection(mainline)
•Switchablepowersupply90VA,15V-21V
•FlyingleadwithEuroplug-topformainsconnection
•(This)manual
Should any one of these parts be missing please contact your
dealer immediately from whom you purchased the Navigator.
3. Introduction – What can the Navigator do?
The Navigator has been developed for model train enthusiasts
with smaller or medium sized layouts who do not want to for-
go modern controls. Due to its bi-directional Infrared techno-
logy the Navigator provides you with the freedom of wireless
control!
3.1. System architecture
The Navigator is a modular system consisting of several com-
ponents.
3.1.1. Handheld controller
The handheld controller operates with infrared wireless com-
munication to the receiver. You may be as far away as 7 meters
from the receiver while still enjoying reliable control of your
layout. Due to the wide angle infrared optics there is no need
to aim accurately at the receiver as long as there are no obs-
tructions in the line of sight between the handheld controller
and the receiver.
The well balanced housing with its central, backlit display rests
comfortably in your hand and enables you to have direct access
to speed control as well as the first 10 functions of the current-
ly controlled locomotive. The unique joystick provides smooth
speed control by simply using your thumb.
The Navigator is supplied with 4 “AAA” size batteries or re-
chargeable batteries and can be carried with the supplied cord
around your neck.
3.1.2. Base unit
The receiver unit contains the complete command station in-
cluding a booster for powering the mainline, a programming
track output and a computer interface. The ECoSlink socket
for the later connection to an ECoS rounds off the equipment.
The Navigator offers 3.5A current for the mainline and thus
provides enough power even for coaches with interior lighting.
The stabilised voltage output can be adjusted to the required
level to suit the scale and assures trouble free train operations.
In order to read out and reprogram decoder parameters you
simply run your locomotive onto the programming track.
For linking the Navigator to a PC it has a USB interface. Thus
you can control your trains and turnouts with your PC as well.
3.1.2.1. Fan control
Each Navigator contains a fan to cool the circuitry that starts
automatically once a certain temperature is reached. As soon
as the temperature has dropped to normal levels again, the fan
will be automatically switched off.
Whenever you turn on the Navigator the fan will work for
about 3.5 seconds. This serves as function control and is there-
fore not a fault.
3.1.3. IR receiver
Normally the IR receiver is plugged onto the base unit. It facili-
tates the connection between the base unit and the handheld
controller. It must be placed in such a way that there is always
an uninterrupted line of sight between the two devices. Due
to its special wide angle optics it almost covers a solid angle
of 180 degrees.
Should the IR receiver have to be located further away from
the base unit - perhaps due to space limitations – then an
extension cable must be used. For enlarging the range up to 5
IR receivers can be used in one system.
3.2. Controlling locomotives
The Navigator enables you to run up to 40 DCC locomotives.
Subject to the decoder type it supports up to 21 functions for
each locomotive and can handle up to 9999 addresses. Of
course you can assign a specific name and symbol to each lo-
comotive.
3.3. Data formats
3.3.2. DCC-Format
The DCC standards published by the North American NMRA
(National Model Railroad Association) is based on a develop-
ment by the German company Lenz® Elektronik.
In DCC-format up to 10.239 addresses, up to 21 functions and
up to 128 speed steps are encoded. In practice only 126 speed
steps can be used, the others are reserved for the emergency
stop function. The absolute direction of travel is also encoded.
How many of these addresses, functions and speed steps are
actually available depends on the type of decoder and the com-
mand station. The Navigator supports currently all known DCC
formats.
We differentiate between 14, 28 and 128 speed steps. In the
latter case 126 speed steps can actually be utilised.
Subject to the mode in which you want to run your DCC lo-
comotive please select „DCC14”, „DCC28” or „DCC128” as
data format.
Please bear in mind, that the information regarding the speed
steps transmitted by the Navigator has to correspond with the
speed step setting of the decoder. A data packet for „DCC14”
is for instance identical to one for „DCC28”, but will be „un-
derstood” differently by the decoder. If the settings do not cor-
respond then the headlights of the locomotive will blink slowly
while the locomotive is accelerating.
If you are not sure which DCC modes are supported by your
decoder try DCC 28 first. This is the compulsory mode as sta-
ted by the NMRA. All ESU DCC decoders detect the number
of speed step automatically. You may just as well start with
DCC 128.
3.5. Consisting
ConsistsdonotrepresentaproblemfortheNavigator:itsup-
ports consists of up to 6 locomotives. You can access all func-
tions of each locomotive even in consist mode. This is useful
if you want to blow the horn of the leading locomotive, for
instance. You can also select the type of consist to suit your
preference:a“UniversalConsist”isstoredinthebaseunit:the
Navigator transmits individual signals to each locomotive of the
consist in quick succession so they work perfectly in unison.
Thus you can also form consists with locomotives and decoders
that do not support consist addresses.
Of course all locomotives of a consist should have more or less
similar running characteristics. Match the locomotive parame-
ters by changing acceleration times and maximum speeds prior
to adding them to a consist.
3.6. Accessories with magnetic drives (solenoids)
As you would expect from a modern command station such
as the Navigator it is also suitable for switching turnouts and
signals. You may operate up to 100 DCC accessories.
Certain Roco® accessory decoders behave like locomotive de-
coders so they can also be controlled with the Lokmaus® 2.
Such decoders can only be controlled with the Navigator if they
can be switched into a DCC compatible mode.
3.7. Adjusting locomotive parameters
From time to time it may be necessary in digital operations to
adjust certain decoder parameters. The Navigator supports you
in this task by its clearly structured user interface.
On the programming track one can read out and adjust all CVs
of DCC decoders. Similarly all registers (01-80) of programma-
ble Motorola® decoders (e.g. Märklin® mfx® decoders) can
be adjusted.
3.7.1. Programming track
The programming track must be completely (!) isolated from
the rest of the layout and must be wired directly to the pro-
gramming track output of the Navigator.
There should always be only one loco on the programming
track at any point in time. You may read out and write new
Introduction – What can the Navigator do?
