It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many meters of OO track can be covered with a 250g bag of ballast, as...
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How many meters of OO track can I cover with a 250g bag of ballast ?Read more -
What are my curved platform options in model railways?Read moreA good many real-life platforms have some sort of curve incorporated into them to accommodate either the topography...
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How can I create a reversing loop with Y-shaped turnout on my layout?Read moreA reversing loop is a section of track that allows a train to change direction without reversing. Reversing loops can...
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How do you design a track plan?Read moreThere are several different ways to design a track plan for your model railway project. There is no right or wrong...
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How do I connect track?Read moreThe track is connected using rail joiners, also called "fishplates". They are thin metal plates that simply slot...
In DCC, what is a programming track?
A programming track is used to read or program a DCC locomotive's decoder. It comprises a short section of track that's completely isolated from the main layout and connects to the controller via a dedicated programming port.
Using a programming track offers both protection and convenience. It is convenient because to read a locomotive's decoder while sited on the main layout, you would first have to remove all other decoder-operated locomotives and accessories. A programming track also offers protection because there's less risk of accidentally resetting, corrupting or otherwise upsetting any other decoders on the layout. That may sound like an unlikely eventuality, but it only takes a mistyped command to cause you problems.
Another advantage of a dedicated programming track is the current protection it offers. Controllers with the facility to operate a dedicated programming track produce less current to that particular circuit. That means extra protection and assurance when interacting with vulnerable decoders.
Posted in: Tracks
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