The DCS100 supports up to 32 routes. Each route consists of a list that con-
tains a TOP turnout address and its position (c or t) and up to 7 other turnout
addresses and their positions. Routes are stored in the DCS100’s memory and
can be operated by any throttle in the system that can send switch commands.
Each of these 32 routes is operated by setting the TOP turnout address to the
position saved in the route list. When a route is triggered, a route can include a
switch that is the Top of another route and all the entries in the second route
will be added to the string of turnout commands the initial route request gener-
ates. The second route called is a "nested" route.
From the initial route you can "nest" up to 3 levels deep. Note that a route that
itself does not contain another Top switch (i.e., another route) will not increase
the nest depth. Knowing this, you can assemble up to 120 switch commands in
a single route if you are careful when you set up your nesting.
If the DCS100 determines that you have exceeded these limits, it will beep 5
times to alert you to the problem. Note that if a route contains the same switch
command more than once and this causes the route to "loop back" on itself, this
will also generate a 5 beep route error indication and no switch commands will
be issued to the layout. In this case you will need to edit the route and correct
the errors in the list before trying the command again.
17.4.1 Enabling Routes
Before you can use routes in the DCS100 you must set the DCS100’s OpSw
#26 to "closed." See your DCS100 manual for instructions for changing
OpSws
You can erase all current routes in the DCS100 by setting OpSw 37 to "closed."
17.4.2 DS54 Cascaded Routes
Because the DS54 can also generate cascade switch message commands, it can
be used to augment the DS54’s "local route" capability with any LocoNet route
that is in the system. Even if you do not use the internal or local routes of the
DS54, you can trigger up to 8 different route requests to the system from small
push buttons attached to the DS54. Remember to select the correct Cascade
control value from the DS54 manual so that the "thrown" or "closed" state
matches that of the Top turnout address of the route you want to trigger. Also
be sure to connect the DS54 to LocoNet by the black 6 pin RJ12 jack so it can
"talk" to LocoNet!
60
