There's a lot to take in about DCC, however, if you just keep at it, it all makes sense eventually. If there's ever a question you have, comment on any one of my videos and I'll see if I can make a how-to video for you!

Glad it was helpful!

There's several main brands of systems out there. I use Digitrax, just because that was what other people in my area were already using. NCE, Digitrax, ESU, and MRC all seem like common systems people use. They all have pros and cons.

Thank you! If you need any help figuring out something about your system, let me know & I will try to make a video!

@@signalupproductions thank you

I don't disagree with you. I recall a few months after I made this video, we had a large group of friends over to run trains. One guy brought some engines he wanted MU'ed. I tried MUing them with the 602 throttle, but it wasn't working. I started getting flustered because of so many people needing my help (that's what a good host does right?). One guy said "just use an old 402 throttle." It frustrated me in the moment because I had literally just made this how-to video on how to consist with the 602 throttle! I caved and used the 402 just to get him running, but then when I had a moment I went back and watched my own how-to video lol, and realized what I was doing wrong... I haven't had any trouble since. But I think it comes down to having learned how to consist with the old throttles, then trying to re-teach yourself for the new ones, vs. learning fresh on the 602's.

Hi James! I hope all is well in New Zealand. The Cobalt motors are new to me. I have never worked with them personally. I wonder if they are similar to the new Walthers switch motors. They may be programmed from the track bus, using some kind of jumper to put each motor into programming mode? If some, then once each motor is programmed with a unique DCC accessory address, then you would control it with the 602 throttle much the same as any other turnout, pressing the "S" to enter switch menu, clicked the button under either Throw or Close.

Unfortunately, no sorry. Keep in mind, that ESU is different when it comes to "factory default". There really isnt one. I guess an original file form ESU's download page could be considered a default. But when you use a lokprogrammer to change CV's, THAT becomes the default. So if you try to use CV8 to 8, that's what it will be reset to. You may want to download a fresh file from ESU, then use a lokprogrammer to write it to the decoder.

Im not sure if decoders have the same options for European version vs. US versions. But in the US many modelers use speed tables in their decoders for speed matching than CV2, 5 & 6. But the bit in CV29 has to be on for the decoder to follow the table CV's 67-94. As for the quick decoder setup, yes this will automatically set CV29 to use 4-digit, and set the CV17 & 18 to what it needs to be for a 4-digit address. To confirm, you could always read the individual CV's after using the quick decoder setup and verify they match the values needed for 4-digit operation.

I personally would not try to change an address on the main. But if you're going to, then write CV 17 & 18 first, THEN change CV 29 to switch it to to the 4 digit address. CV 29 toggles the decoder between 2 and 4 digit (among other settings), and the decoder will respond to what's in CV 1 or 17/18 based on CV 29. By doing the address on the main, there's always the risk of accidentally changing ALL the addresses on the layout! Big oops. For those people with an older command station like the DB150, they could run the track wires through a toggle switch, with one output going to the layout for normal running, the other going to a programming track that is isolated from the layout.

Thanks for your reply. I’m going to go ahead and make a designated programming track, stub ended, in my staging yard.

You should not have to. Address changing using this method is similar across different brands because of the NMRA DCC standards. I just used a digitrax equipped engine because it was the most handy. Some things I would check, make sure you have the throttle selecting the correct programming mode (i.e. Pg or Pd). Are you using a separate programming track? Also, if you're setting up engines for 4-digit addressing, double check CV29. It controls many things, including if the decoder uses the values in CV17/18 or CV1.

At the UPSF Layout (my friend's layout where I record most of my videos) he is using the DCS100 Super Chief and 5 DB150 boosters. In my basement workshop (and future layout!) I have a 210+.

I do not. It's not an issue I have needed to overcome.

@signalupproductions Hmm, I have digitraxx dcs 210+ and I am trying to adjust the voltage on it for g scale. I go through digitraxx Manuel to try to adjust and my dt602d has no control, when I plug the control straight to the command center.

Sorry to hear this. The Digitrax manuals leave a little to be desired, that's one reason I make the videos on how to use their stuff. What specific task are you trying to do? Acquire a locomotive, throw a switch, consist or turn on track power?

At 24 minutes long, I feel I was pretty thorough. Programming DCC decoders is not a task most new model railroaders should attempt. Are you needing a video on the setup and basic use of a DCC system? I can get something together that focuses more on the fundamentals.

@@signalupproductions Actually, I've discovered that I needed to add tracks to the digitrax programer and it works quite well.

Yes, while I did not specifically address this in the video, in the description of the video I explain that the programming track has to be connected to the programming terminals of the command station, labeled Program A and Program B.

@@signalupproductions I have the DT602 and I discovered that I had tracks turned off in the controller. The function might be usefull but I haven't worked out what for. I've ordered the full duplex version of the controller which allows 2 trains to be controlled on the setup.