DCC 101, Programming the Basic 8 (47)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Programming CVs (configuration variables) may seem confusing until you realize there really are only a few basic ones that you are most likely to use and then more or less ignore the rest. In this video I'll share with you what I call the Basic 8 CVs, tell you what each does, and show you how to program them. So get your notepad ready and here we go!
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Subscribed. New to DCC. One of the first videos I've watched that really explains CV values in an easy to understand way. Not nearly as complicated as it's made out to be!
Thanks so much for all your insight. Getting back into the hobby after 40 years and using DCC has been fun but challenging. Thanks for the basics…makes it a lot more understandable
Larry, this is an awesome video for those who are new to DCC, I learned a ton of great information on the decoders Initial 8 CV’s. Thanks for making and sharing this. Ken
Yes, it’s always a learning experience when technology like this is concerned, and it never seems to get old-Larry
i watched your video basic 8. well it showed me how to read what is programmed in my engine. i have been trying to figure it out for years. i got it thank you.
I had a problem with "run away" engines when I turned on my NCE DCC system. After doing some research on NCE's website I discovered that it was caused by decoders that recognized DC and DCC power. By turning off the DC function on my decoders I eliminated the problem. Your explanation of CV29 was big help in solving the problem. Thank you
Terrific video! I just picked up the NCE Powercab. Super easy explanation to help get me going with CV’s. Thank you.
Enjoy the new system, the PowerCab is a great beginner’s choice that has a good upgrade path when and if you need it.
Thankyou for all your presentations. You are a great teacher.
Thank you for the explanation I’m just getting into DCC and have been wondering about this.Please continue videos of this type
I am planning more introductory type videos to help ease folks into DCC but picking the right system is the most important step. Getting the wiring one can lead to frustration and setbacks. Let me know which ones you are considering and I’ll try to provide some more info on them.
The DCC Guy I have the NEC power cab.
Larry, fantastic video.. being brand new into DCC.. acquiring three locos that all were pre programmed as they were used when I got them.. This video was most helpful in understanding the basics of CV's .. Thank you.
Good stuff! I am getting close to making the leap. Thank you!
Well jump on in the water is nice. After testing one if the first DCC systems that Digitrax made in 1994 I was so impressed I sold my old CTC16 system and used the money to buy more decoders. Here we are 25 years later and it just keeps getting better. I’m going to try and do more videos for beginners, maybe a DCC 101 series, to explain the basics of the technology that can be confusing.
excellent video Larry, thank you. I especially liked your including the links to the other topics (although the link to the Decorder Pro series takes me to the WIFI Throttle video #193.
I have people visit who are not in the hobby. I give them a throttle to run a train and I use CV 5 to stop the "how fast can it go?" syndrome by setting CV 5 to 60% of full value. Works very well.
I have learned a lot, thanks for the tech info.
Just ordered that dcc system. THANK YOU for this video seminar. My old Atlas Commander refuses to read the new decoders.
Great video, I have subscribe d as I am just wiring up the layout and your videos will be invaluable
Ian, you might want to take a look at my companion website www.dccguy.com and search there for posts on wiring. I also recommend my book “Wiring Your Model Railroad” which is available at the Kalmbach books store or on Amazon. I’ll also be doing a series next spring on laying track, installing turnouts, and wiring it all in but that may be a bit late for you.
Another well done video
Another good, clear explanation!
I'm beyond this point, but it was just fun to watch!! 😉
One thing I do, and I know many don't....
I remap CV7 and 8 up into the thirties. Freeing those two up for more frequently used CVs.
I don't know if you've covered CV remapping, but for those with a bit of experience, it's a valuable tool. 😉
Carmine ✈🚂🚙
Very informative video, enjoyed the info on decoder CV’s
Thanks for sharing and I subbed to your channel
👍👍👍😎😎😎 Cary
Glad you got something from the video. Please let me know if there are specific topics you’d like to see me cover.
Thanks for that offer Larry, last week I watched your videos on soldering tips and keep alive installs. Happy to say I installed a TCS KA4 in a BLI 4-6-2 heavy pacific that’s been mildly troubling with stalls on a couple #6 turnouts
A few days ago and all is well
Thanks again for sharing
👍👍👍😎😎😎 Cary
Thanks that was very informative.
Awesome stuff
we love it way you explain... which your book we can buy to set up mid-size HO scale layout for NCE system ( all signal, switches etc.)
Awesome video. Just trying DCC.
Hope you like it.Just don’t try tom overthink it and take it one step at a time.
Hi Garry, I am at the stage of purchasing a throttle. I am looking at Digitrax, Powercab, and Guagemaster. Do you have a video with all 3 in, and under the spotlight?
No have not looked at the Gagemaster or MRC throttles.
Great set of videos on dcc! You are an invaluable resource! I am using a ProCab. If I have a loco on a programming track and I set Cv to 8 does that also reprogram any locos that I have on the main? If so, does that imply that I must remove all other locos from the main before setting Cv to 8?
It is not clear what system you have son e you say a ProCab which is just a throttle that can be used with all NCE systems. If you are using a PowerCab then you need to set up a switched feed to an isolated programming track or order the NCE AutoSW. However if you have one of their other systems with separate main track and programming track feeds then that should provide an isolated programming track.
Larry, this old video just popped up on my cell phone, and I hadn't seen it before. I found it helpful. I have a question about programming tracks. What is it that defines a programming track? Is it enough simply to be isolated, or is there a voltage limit? With my NCE Power Cable or PfoCab, is there a difference between a main line and a programming track? With my controller, there is an output identified for a programming track. Thanks.
The programming track is electrically isolated from other tracks to prevent reprogramming all other locos. Also the output from the command station for a service mode programming track is current limited to prevent damage in case of a short circuit. The good thing about a service mode programming track also is that you can read CV settings as well as write them. Check out video 45 too.
Dear Larry,
I enjoy your wonderful, instructional videos. Thank you very much! :-)
I did run into a difficulty programming these cv’s and was wondering if you might help. I’m a newcomer to the hobby and just recently purchased an N-scale Broadway Limited EMD SW7, DTS #117, with a Paragon4 Sound DCC. I am working with an NCE Power station, just like yours in the video. All a first for me. :-)
When I went through and programmed a long address, I discovered that it required a zero (0) in front of #117, that is, I had to enter 0117. In the controller it now reads asterisk (*117). No big deal. I was just surprised that the software was unable to distinguish / work with 3 digit “long” addresses. Henceforth, when selecting locomotives, the user must always remember to prefix 3-digit addresses with a zero. Is this correct?
The larger issue is that after running through the cv’s, the locomotive sort of jumped backwards and then stopped responding. I rebooted everything and then was “forced” to reset by entering 8 into cv8 as you explained in your video. No big deal, however… my bell button now operates the light! So, too, does the light button… strangely. Thankfully, my horn still functions normally. The bell was functioning fine beforehand, so I don’t know what I may have done wrong? Just wondering if this is something you’ve seen and might you have a suggestion to remedy? Thanks.
On a lighter side, I absolutely love programming the momentum. At first, I entered 60,000 and it took forever to stop. :-). Neat! Pressing the direction button and the locomotives ever so slowly braked and then slowly accelerated in the opposite direction. Pretty cool. This is my first modern purchase of DCC sound, etc. Didn’t think it would be a big deal… But, it sure is fun!
Thanks again for all!
Best,
Dan Cleary
Thanx!!
Of 8k plus views, there are 6 that don’t understand this excellent video !
You can’t satisfy all of the people all of the time so I am more than happy with my >98% record!
@@TheDCCGuy You are The Top DCC GUY !
I've been using DCC for 7 years and love how it opens up a new world to model train operations. I do have a question though. Is there a way to program the decoder to not start the engine sound card when it 1st gets power. I have multiple engines and when they are sitting idle engines off (sound) if there's a short anywhere on the lay out all the engines restart their sound cards.
This is very annoying. Any ideas?
Yes, most decoders do have a way to either start up muted or to shut off after a preset amount of time. The catch is that every decoder does it a different way if at all. For example LokSound can be set up to be on or off when powered up but to my knowledge cannot be set to shut off after a certain time. SoundTraxx and TCS WOWSound decoders can be set to shut down after a preset time. Others have their own methods as well. I think I have a post or two on my website www.dccguy.com covering some of these methods but there are over 300 posts so excuse me if I am not sure. There is a search box at the top of the page which will allow you to find ones on specific topics.
@@TheDCCGuy Thank you for your quick response it's been bugging me for years! I have the WOW decoder and love it in a steam engine. I'll do some digging and figure out how to configure them all. My other engines have soundtraxx.
Go to my website and enter mute in the search box. My posts on this will come up. I did explain how to do this with several major brands.
Hi, great video. It would be useful to show folk programming using the STD setting, as well as the CV setting that you've shown so well. I've found that very easy to use with my NCE system.
I am planning a video showing how to program a decoder step by step using DecoderPro.
@@TheDCCGuy Yes that'd be good too, I do like JMRI and I also use it, albeit after initial programming with NCE Powerhouse Pro, which as I'm sure you'll know is almost identical to PowerCab operationally. The NCE 1st option STD programming on the Program track is incredibly easy compared with the 2nd option CV setting. I've never used the 3rd option so can't say about that. I just wonder if everyone else realises this? Your Function mapping video was absolutely great, thanks.
I like people like you
Hi Larry, do you know anything about nce 524-153. It used to switch the turnouts. I don’t see anything on TH-cam about it. Thanks Bill
Dear Larry,
3 point of acceleration It is a good but quite primitive method, because in real live parts of acceleration is not equal at all.
For example Br 80 acceleration start slowly, but it own locomotive length it run for about 11 seconds, however distance about certain train length it beats of a 35 seconds. Which totally impossible to beat with CVs min-middle-max speed points. Or it is too slowly from beginning or move one meter scale rail too fast (faster by 10 seconds) than it needs to make more precision’s settings.
Did you try more deeper SVs settings?
what are the differences between the Power Cab and the Pro Cab? This video sounds like NCE is more flexible than Digitrax...am I right or is it subjective?
DCC Guy any advice getting a BLI switcher programmed to run correctly with an NCE Powercab? I can get sound and get to move but really slow not sure how to change the setting.
Go back and watch my video “Programming the basic 8”. Pay attention to CVs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These are most likely to be controlling your basic speed response.
If I use only dcc locomotives utilizing the powercab coupled with SB5 while only implementing the basic CVs, do I need decoder pro? I guess what is the main benefit of decoder pro? Is it simply an organizational database that pulls all locomotive configurations into a nice clean computer program? If so, I don't think I need the USB connector as it will probably overcomplicate things unless I am misinterpreting decoder pro. thanks
Once you get past the basic CVs things can get a bit complicated but that is primarily with sound decoders. If you don’t have or plan to use sound decoders then you really don’t need DecoderPro.
@@TheDCCGuy Great. Thanks for quick reply and always making the content understandable and applicable especially to newbies.
Very helpful, thank you.
Great information, I have a question. I have two Walters SD60 DCC and every time I select either one using my powercab the engine sounds mutes and headlights go out. Is there a setting to disable that function?
Check your decoder and see what it is set for by default. It sounds like it may be defaulting to off when it powers up.
@@TheDCCGuy I have a ESU Digital Sound running an NCE PowerCab. When powered up everything go well. While I'm running my three loco's on my setup sounds are all OK and as I switch from one loco to the other the sounds mutes. I have to hit F8 to get the startup all over again. It does it consistently. However if I hit recall on my PowerCab the sound is not affected and works well, only when I identify a Loco. I haven't checked my CV's yet, but don't know which CV to check.
First when you move from loco to loco in a consist I think it might be switching from the consist settings to the individual loco settings. If the individual locos do not have sound on then when you switch to them it will not stay on. So read your instructions that came with the models and see how they are configured. They probably are defaulting to sound off until you hit F8. The instructions should tell you how to set up the decoders so they are muted at startup or are not.
I just ordered a NCE Power Cab, which I haven't received yet, so I am watching this video in preparation for its use. I'm wondering how the Power Cab differentiates between a test track and the main line? Would not the functions be identical in either case?
Not sure what you mean by test track. Care to explain?
@@TheDCCGuy The single piece of track like you used in the video. Maybe you called it a programming track?
OK, that is the programming track. It is used when you want to change the setup of the decoder, sort of like changing your preferences in a computer or your TV. The PowerCab does not have separate outputs for running locos and programming them, that is why you need an isolated piece of track for programming. Otherwise you would program all your locos on the track at the same time. I have produced other videos on setting up a programming track and NCE sells the Auto-SW that will automatically switch the output to the programming track whenever you send out programming commands. Most DCC command stations now have separate outputs for operations and programming but the PowerCab is now almost 20 years old and does not.
@@TheDCCGuy ok, so the answer is that the DCC controller has separate outputs for the main track and the programming track. Thanks
No, there is a single outlet that provides BOTH main track power AND programming track power. You must provide some way to isolate them so as not to accidentally reprogram all your locos. I have several videos on my channel offering various methods to do this.
Larry, a used Genesis SD70-ACe DCC Loco was given to me because it’s dead. I have a feeling it just needs to be programmed. Is there a way that I can reset it and program it if I don’t know its address? It’s not a short address and it’s not the loco number. I have the NCE Powercab.
Yes, just try programming a value of 8 into CV 8 using the service mode track. Watch video 105.
The DCC Guy, comes back unable to read the CV codes. I’m thinking now it’s def no power. I’ll be tearing into it this weekend. Thank you! Great knowledgeable videos, great for reference.
Doesn’t sound good. I would disconnect the track pickup wires and the motor leads and hook them up directly bypassing the decoder then see if it runs on DC. If it does the those two factors are OK and it likely is the decoder.
The DCC Guy right on thanks. I’ll keep ya posted.
Mr Larry how are you and ty for getting back to me. And it worked like you said. I just want to train show and pick up 3 locomotives Dcc ready. Know my question is do I have to buy a decoder to run it on my layout. And what decoder do I buy. It’s a GP38-2 locomotive proto 2000 series buy life-like. I know they not the best locomotives like my other good ones I believe I did good for 80 bucks and they Long Island my town. That’s why I got them. How do I run them sir. Ty danny
Hi Larry, do you have any tutorials on how to program DCC Bachman EZ track turnouts with NCE Power Cab. I'm having a hard time with this.
Sorry but haven’t been down that rabbit hole. Good luck
Larry do you have a video for basic programming, not using CV values, basic stuff for beginners using NCE
No matter how basic you get CVs are still involved since they are what need to be changed or set for programming. The first thing a newbie needs to learn is what CVs are and how to change the basic ones. The only work around is using DecoderPro which acts as a graphics interface which allows you to pick the feature you want to change and click on it.
Will this controller work with the newer digital LGB/Marklin locomotives? And would I need a booster to go along with it?
If you mean the NCE throttle then no, it uses their proprietary cab bus. If you system has a wifi interface then you might find some throttles from ESU or other european makers that will work. TCS throttles also might work as they use a wifi interface. Watch my video on throttles as it talks about the issue of interoperability.
@@TheDCCGuy thanks sir
@@TheDCCGuy this one may do the trick, Marklin 60657 Mobile Station Digital Train Controller Set
Hi Larry, I was wondering if you covered troubleshooting on NCE POWER CAB. I’m having trouble with my hand held unit, it doesn’t hold more than 2 loco’s in memory. How can I correct this?
Open your manual to about page 59 to set cab parameters. The default value for loco recalls is 2 but you can change that to as many as 6. Follow the instructions.
@@TheDCCGuy Thank you 🙏
We have a 5 year old layout at my Club that has developed a problem. After tens minutes or so, any sound locomotive will stop running, non sound will run fine. It is NCE controlled with a sb5. We are at wits end. Where can I get assistance?
That is a very strange phenomenon indeed. Does it matter whether it is one or more locos running at the same time? Do the same locos operate without issues on other DCC layouts? Does the brand of decoder matter or does this happen with SoundTraxx, LokSound, BLI, Digitrax, etc. decoders? Do they start running again if given a rest period? Even if it were a power issue I would think the sound would drop out and the loco continue to operate. I would call NCE tech support and see if Ed Wilson has any thoughts.
Im new to this whole thing and am really considering getting a NCE power Cab but I don't know what ops mode is
Watch my video #119. Also keep watching my series of videos “Let’s build a model railroad” as I will be installing a PowerCab on the layout in the not too distant future.
Hi,
Maybe you can help me, I have a EZ track layout with bachman dcc controller. I just bought a walther mainline dcc locomotive and is running very slow and delay commands response, compare to the bachmman locomotive I had. Do I need more power to my track or is my new locomotive defective? Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Are you trying to run more than one loco at the same time? If so yes power might be an issue. If not tell me more.
Hi Larry, please help. My “Horn/Whistle” and “Bell” buttons (f7 & f8) suddenly do no work. I can’t figure out why. Could you please help me to restore this issue? Thank you. I love your videos. Eric
If and when I sell a DCC locomotive, do I have to decouple it from my NCE Power Cab? Or can I just take it off the rails, box it up and sell it?
You don’t have to do anything.
@@TheDCCGuy Thank you. I appreciate your response.
Hi hello it is Matthew from Mangoplah nsw in australia just want to know how to set up my 2 new Dcc train to my new train set
I have programmed a new locomotive with a NCE power cab and now when I hit forward it goes into reverse and reverse is forward. What can I do to change this?
Watch video #48 and pay attention to the values for CV29. Change the value of CV29 to reverse the direction of travel and that will do it as long as the decoder was wired properly
@@TheDCCGuy Thanks I will try that. It should be wired correctly since it is brand new,but I guess you never know for sure. Thanks Bruce
Changed factory CV 29-063 to 034 . Now my Rapido F59H now it goes forward when selected and reverse when selected. Hope this helps anyone else having this problem .
I just bought a DDC it have sounds But will not run. 0:34 I put it on the program track
your page is very helpful ,but im having a hard time getting this thing to work so i just hooked it up today was working fine and i entered the wrong numbers somewhere ,now it wont work ,i got power, the thing lights up but i cant reset it ive tried many things things from all these videos i wish i could just reset the whole thing before i break it,im a bit frustrated with it atm
Set it aside and walk away for a few hours then try it again with a clear mind-often works for me. Also when trying out a new system follow the quick start instructions step by step and see if that does it.
When you are setting up a three engine consists . Can you please provide the steps.
It would be the same for 3 as for 2, just a little more complicated since you need to first speed match the all. I’d also start with universal consisting and then move up to advanced once I got more comfortable with the process.
@@TheDCCGuy How would you speed match? I have the NCE DCC Procab transmitter. I do not see anything about speed matching in the manual. If I am overlooking it, can you tell me where to find it in the manual?
When I go to change a CV, why doesn't it show me the current value that is being used? BTW, I'm using a NCE PowerCab system
Did you select service mode programming or programming on the main? You can only read values with service mode.
@@TheDCCGuy Thanks, I didn't know that. This is all new to me.....but I'm learning.....slowly.
I was programming on the main.
How can I make my HO trains go faster? With todays engines and my NCE power cab DCC system, speed seems limited. My Dad could run his trains off the rails by turning up the transformer.
I look forward to your reply. Thank You - Tom
The PowerCab basically is a pass through device on that the voltage out is dependent on the voltage in. The one I have runs at about 14 volts which should be enough power to zip your trains around so check your little wall wart power supply to see what its voltage rating is. If it is the same and your trains run slow then it may be your speed settings in the decoders but not likely unless you changed them. Another possibility is your wires. Thin long wires will drop track voltage significantly as will not having enough track feeders off your main DCC power bus. If you only have one power connection to the track then that is your problem and you should have a set of feeders ever 6-8’.
@@TheDCCGuy Thank You so much! My My wall wart power is DC13.8V=1.8A
My layout is 4x6 with two and half loops interconnected with turnouts. I have one track feeder on each of the two main loops.
With Gratitude,
Tom
Trying to set CV6 with a NCE PowerCab. When I enter a value and press enter, I receive a message saying, "Can not read CV". What should I do the remedy this situation?
Are you trying to program on the main or on an isolated programming track?
@@TheDCCGuy Using the programming track mode with no other engines on the layout.
Have you had a similar result when you tried to read other loco decoders or just the one?
@@TheDCCGuy Just this one. Its a QSI chip with 007 Id and 113 Manufacturer code.
I have not used a QSI decoder in years so can’t really address issues with them. The PowerCab is usually pretty robust about programming decoders. You might see if there is a QSI forum on Groups.io that can advise you. You could also try programming it on the main and see if that takes. You won’t be able to read back but it might work.
hi can you explain "cant read cv"that comes up on some of my decoders thanks Brian
It can vary depending on whether you are using your handheld throttle or DecoderPro. Sometimes on decoders with complex indexed CVs the timing may be off and the system fails to read the values. Also, some decoders expect a certain voltage and are not getting it. Usually if DecoderPro can’t read a cv then the handheld throttle will but not always. Which DCC system are you using, do you use DecoderPro, and which rand decoders are giving you problems? Finally, programming on the main will usually work even when you get a cannot read on the service mode track as it is working with full track power.
Hi thank you for your reply most greatful,I am using a NCE POWER CAB,the decoders are not new have had for sometime,tried using cv8 to 8 to see if that works, some work ok others don`t,Hope this help`s can`t explain any thing else,if it help dose it on MAIN AND PROG TRACK,Thanks again,Brian....ps Happy christmas and have a good new year. @@TheDCCGuy
First, I have found the PowerCab to be a very reliable programmer so don’t know why you would have this problem. However be aware that you cannot read back CVs on the main, only with service mode programming. Also if these are older decoders of various brands some in the past used different reset CVs and settings. Dig out your manuals and check. If you don’t have the manuals most companies have pdf versions on their websites.
@@TheDCCGuy thanks for that, will have a look later see what i can find ,thanks again Brian.
How do you go from DC to dcc
You read a lot and watch a lot of TH-cam videos. There are over 350 on my channel alone-binge away!
Is there a CV to set so the loco uses CVs 2, 6 and 5?
In DecoderPro there is a menu pane just for entering these values and selecting whether speed tables are used. As long as speed tables are not turned on and these vales are filled in they should be active. Some older decoders did not use these if the default 128 speed steps were in use but I am not familiar with any current production ones that do that.
@@TheDCCGuy yes but when I use CVs 2, 6 and 5 there is a button that when selected indicates to use these CVs and not the 28 step speed table. I was just wondering what CV was affected by selecting that button.
i need help setting my new NCE controller back to the factory setting. step by step
You have to be more specific than that, there is more than one.
@@TheDCCGuy I just bought two HO DCC engines and a NCE power cab controller. When using the
engine number on the engine was incorrect, trying to fix it , the 003 on the NCE went to something else
and the more i try to correct it the worse it gets, there i need to restore the NCE back to its original configuration to start over. The manual did not help. Also my trains both have 5 numbers , the NCE wants only 4. which do i use? first 4 or the last four? Ive been watching your videos . yours are better than anyone else's. Thank You Ron
Ok so you want to reset the decoder. Put it on a programming track (they show you how to set one up in the manual) and program a value of 8 to CV8. That should reset it to factory defaults. In the future remember that there is a difference between “3” and “003”, these are two different addresses. And that holds true for all addresses.
I must be missing something. No matter what I change my CV5 to, it still goes full speed of 80 scale mph.
What kind of decoder is it? some decoders previously did not support that feature when using the default 128 speed steps but I thought that feature was no longer being done. You may need to set the decoder for 28 speed step operation for CV5 to work. You could also try using the user loadable speed table option to lower the top speed. All of this is so much easier to do with DecoderPro.
@@TheDCCGuy It’s a Bachmann locomotive with a Bachmann decoder. I’ll have to see about the 28 speed step operation. Thanks for getting back to me.
OK, depending on the age it might be a SoundTraxx decoder or it might be a Bachmann which would explain this.
45k followers ….
One more thing.... how about giving each locomotive a number...what on earth is a long address? Or a short address..why not just a number from eg:1-10. Or is that toooo simple
One of the great things about DCC addresses both long and short is you can assign the same address to the decoder that appears on the locomotive itself. That way to acquire a loco all you need to do is look at it and use that address.
Amazing that people have to watch YT videos to figure this stuff out. I have the power cab and NCE wireless cabs, they are good products and I managed to get the basics going, but their documentation is AWFUL. Programmers writing instructions for programmers. C’mon, guys!
It is well known that the developers of this stuff are genuses who have difficulty translating the technobabble to something users can understand. I have written dozens and dozens of articles as well as several books explaining this stuff and now TH-cam has made it easier to get the message across.
@@TheDCCGuy Glad I found your channel. I’m getting back into the hobby after a long time away, and need all the help I can get. Also enjoyed your video on steam engine lubrication. Question, why is it that as I get older, the HO engines and cars seem to get smaller and smaller? :)
Bio-savart , Quantum computation , Ionization Keys
??????
I’ve just watched your video. I’m sure you know what talking about but to be honest I haven’t a clue what your on about! I have just bought a NCE powercab. I can only say, why make something easy when you can make it difficult. The NCE powercab has gone beyond that. Here’s a good idea....maybe explain what a CV is! If you talk jargon that people (including myself) don’t understand or know then your lost before you get to base one. I am new to this DCC stuff and I’m loosing heart at the complexity, illogicality and complete confusion. Let’s face it this NCE Powercab hasn’t even got an off/on switch! You have to unplug it each time from the wall! I’ve read the manual and it’s like listening to Mr DCC. NOTHING has been made simple. I have purchased all locomotives with sound decoders and cannot hear any of them. The whole deal is Very poor.
I occasionally get this question from newbies so you are not alone. Like most technical subjects one task when approaching a new one is learning the jargon. Simply reading your manuals will usually provide most of that for you. There also is my book “Practical Guide to Digital Command Control” originally published by Carstens Publications and now available from White River Productions (shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/crs-pdcc ). I also wrote a monthly column for Model Railroader from 2015-2020 and covered all of this over and over again. For TH-cam creators it is easy to get into the habit of assuming that folks watching your channel have some basic knowledge about your subject and fail to define all the commonly used jargon. I never work from a script and just go with what my train of thought, so sometimes I remember sometimes I don’t.
Saying cv is gibberish for a newb.
CV = configuration variables