Description of Mini-Panel
The mini-panel is primarily intended to make it easy to build control panels for yards,
towns, interlockings and other layout applications. This manual concerns itself with
these aspects of the Mini Panel.
A secondary use of the Mini Panel is to provide rudimentary automation of trains or
control of signals. For more information on this aspect of the Mini-Panel the
Mini-Panel Technical Reference
is available for download from our web site:
www.ncecorporation.com/pdf
For even more complex automation or signal operation the
Macro
-Panel has more
comprehensive implementation of these secondary features and more memory for
command storage.
The mini panel has 30 inputs that can be connected to pushbuttons, toggle switches,
block detectors, etc. for the purpose of issuing accessory, macro or locomotive control
commands. A thirty-first input is provided to act as a panel reset.
Activation (grounding) of an input will initiate sending a string of one or more DCC
commands through the track to control turnouts, locomotives, signals or other DCC
controlled devices. Inputs are activated by connecting them to the mini panel
“GROUND”. This makes the mini panel compatible with pushbutton/toggle switches
and most block detectors. Virtually any device that provides a "contact closure" to
panel ground can be used.
The mini-panel communicates with the command station via the cab bus and uses
one cab bus address. The factory default address is 3.
Setup (programming) of the mini-panel is accomplished by plugging a ProCab or NCE
USB adapter into the “setup” jack. If USB is used the mini-panel memory is accessed
via CV read and write commands (page or direct mode). USB jumpers should be set
for PowerCab v1.28. CV7 and CV8 return the manufacturer number and version of
the Mini Panel as with a decoder when used with the USB interface. See the Mini
Panel Technical Reference for additional USB information.
Installation Notes:
The mini panel runs off Cab Bus power (nominal 12V DC) and draws about 90mA of
current, slightly less than a ProCab.
NOTE: When used with a PowerCab use the mini
panel must be used with the address of 3.
Last revised: 9 December 2008 Page 2
Warning:
Do not connect devices that are powered from an external power supply
to the Mini Panel
Any electrical noise from an external supply will be introduced
the Cab Bus possibly causing erratic operation of your system.
