5
• Controlling Points using DCC - setting up multiple routes
The DCC32 has 5 separate Route Store memories so that in effect you can give each point up to
5 different addresses it will move from and this address may be the same as other points so that
multiple points can be controlled using one command. For example if you have a passing loop it
may be useful to have a unique address to change both points at each end of the loop together,
whilst also being able to control each point independently so that you can feed one side of the
loop with one train and release a train from the other side. Also you can use multiple DCC32’s on
a layout to extend the number of points which can be controlled in one route address.
At this point we should advise that although this is relatively easy to set up it does need you to
plan exactly what you want it to do
before you set it up
and also to note the addresses and
directions you have set for each point & set of points in order not to be confused when running it!
Planning Routes
The previous page shows how to set addresses to single points - this was using Route Store 1.
This page shows how to use a single DCC address to change multiple points to set a whole route.
Make a table to plan which points you want to control together with the both the DCC address and
the
▹
or
"
you want them to act on. If you also plan to have lots of other DCC accessories on
your layout its worth considering the addresses these may use so that you leave space for them.
The example table shows route Store 1 to assign an address of 60, 61, 62 and 63 to each of the
points so that they can each be controlled individually. Store 2 controls points 1, 2 and 3 using
address 70 for a Mainline to Station route, Store 3 controls points 1, 2 and 4 using address 72 for
Mainline to Goods yard route & Store 4 controls points 2 and 3 on address 75 for a passing loop.
Store No
Route Name
Point No 1
Point No 2
Point No 3
Point No 4
1
Individual points
▹
60
▹
61
▹
62
▹
63
2
Mainline to station
▹
70
"
70
▹
70
3
Mainline to goods
▹
72
▹
72
"
72
4
Passing loop
▹
75
"
75
5
Setting up the Route Stores
- ensure your DCC control system and DCC32 etc is powered up.
The Learn Button sets this up and the output LED next to each of the Point terminals shows which
point is being set & the LED flashes 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 times to indicate which Route store is being set:
1)
First select which Point Number you want to setup by pressing the DCC32 Learn button
repeatedly until the LED next to the Point output you wish to set up flashes.
2)
Select which Route store number to use:
Initially the LED flashes once - this indicates it is on Route store number 1. To select the Route
Store number you wish to setup, press and hold down the Learn Button for around 3 seconds
until the LED flashes twice - this indicates it has changed to route store number 2. Touch again
and the LED will flash 3 times (store 3), 4 times (store 4), 5 times (store 5), then back to 1, etc
3)
Send either a
▹
or
"
command at the DCC address from your controller your table says for this
point and store - the LED will stop flashing, any points set on the address will activate (including
any using this address in other stores), and this Point is now stored in this Route store.
Note: Which
▹
or
"
command you use sets the way that the Point coil on terminal A moves to.
4)
Now set up all of the other other Points and Route stores in the same way as per your table.
Once Points and routes have been set they are easily controlled by selecting the DCC address for
the Point or Route store you have set and entering a
▹
or
"
command to control them.
IMPORTANT
• If you need to amend or change anything in the store just repeat the setup for that Point / Store
• When more than one point changes there will be a short delay between each as CDU recharges
• If a Point is changing the wrong direction set up again using the opposite
▹
or
"
command
• To fully reset the DCC32 to original factory settings press and hold Learn button for 10 seconds.