What is a programming track and how do you build one? Are there any things I need to build one? Is there something special I need to do? Thanks in advance.:tb-biggrin:
Check out this thread. Lots of good ideas. Partly depends on what sort of DCC system you have, i.e. whether it has separate outputs for programming, or not. How do you do your program track? - TrainBoard.com
I don't have a Zephyr but according to the manual here http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/zephyrmanual.pdf It does. Hopefully someone else with a zephyr will be able to confirm
The Zephyr does have separate programming outputs, which is one of the things that I like about it. I just using a straight section of track attached to a board as my programming track.
May I make a suggestion? If you can segregate a suitable length of track very close to your preferred operating position at the layout, that should be where you programme your engines...UNLESS you have a strong suspicion you may want to avail yourself of the JMRI interface with a computer and do all your programming that way. In my own case, a transition era heavy steam enjoyer (is that a word...?), a turntable and a roundhouse are key for both looks, interest, visual appeal, and for varitey...oh, and of course engine storage, too. I thought to meself, "Why not make the lead to the turntable a switchable, isolatable (is that a word...?) length of track and do my programming front and center?" It seemed logical and highly convenient to be able to plunk a new engine or one needing serious scrambling problems rectified on a track easily reached where the engine could be easily railed and easily programmed. I was right! So, I left the two rails unjoined to the wye turnout allowing access to the tuntable lead, and of course that track terminates naturally at the pit to the turntable. I wired it to the same input terminals on a SPDT as the main bus so that when I throw the toggle the rest of the layout goes dead, but the power continues up to the lead. If you would like more details, feel free to ask or PM me.
