7
3
Setting (programming) the decoder
This section describes the basic setting of features. If you are
already familiar with so-called "CVs" and their operation you may
skip this section.
Unless stated otherwise in the detailed operating manuals, all
settable features can be programmed both via "Programming in
operational mode (
PoM
)" and "Programming on the
programming track".
3.1
Variable decoder features - Configuration Variables (CV)
The number of the decoder’s functional outputs cannot be
altered since it is determined by its hardware. The maximum
current load is also a feature that cannot be altered.
However there is a wide range of features which are not
determined by the decoder’s hardware but by its software. These
features can be altered to a great extent. The most important of
these features for normal operation are the locomotive address
and the starting and braking delay.
There is a storage location for each feature within the decoder. A
figure is stored in each storage location.
These storage locations are similar to cards in a index card box.
Each decoder has a "card index box". Each "card" holds a
feature of the locomotive decoder, for example on "card" number
1 the locomotive address, on "card" number 3 the starting delay.
This means one card for each feature. Depending on the
number of features available in the decoder, the size of the
"index card box" varies.
This "index box" functions as a "command station" in the
decoder. The information stored here largely defines the
decoder’s behaviour. For example, one of the "cards"
determines whether the locomotive decoder also reacts to
conventional DC.
If you imagine that these cards are written in pencil, it is possible
for you to alter the entry by simply "erasing" and "rewriting" it.
This is done while programming the locomotive decoder on the
programming track. The comparison with the eraser is not
completely correct, because there are no empty "cards". There is
always something written on them, even if it is only 0. However
this does not necessarily mean that the content is not interesting.
And -the exception proves the rule- there are also cards whose
