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Locoanalyse

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LocoAnalyse

Ribbon Cables

 

How do I connect my PC to LocoNet?

A LocoBuffer is recommended for this connection: an MS100 can be used, but will not function reliably on heavily loaded LocoNet layouts. The LocoBuffer needs to have revision 1.5 or later software: versions prior to that did not reliably transfer the long messages used by this software.

What Messages are being Generated?

Locanalyse includes a message viewer. This allows the user to see all messages on LocoNet. This can be useful when debugging - for example to see if a board is generating messages. It is also useful when programming signal and panel controllers: for example if the user has forgotten which sensor is connected to a given block of track, simply place a train onto the track and note the message that is generated. There is an option to expand the message description for purposes such as this.

It is possible to save messages to a file from the log window: this may be useful for fault reporting.

Is my LocoNet cable working properly?

One issue that has caused problems on several layouts has been poorly crimped connectors on LocoNet cables. In several instances this has resulted in a connection that has high resistance, but isn't open circuit. The result is that the cable tests OK with an LT1 but doesn't work properly in practice.

This can be tested for by using a multimeter to look at the voltages on the cable. On a "healthy" LocoNet, the voltage measures from DCS100 "ground" terminal to the centre two LocoNet pins should be 10v or more. However if a cable has a high resistance connector, then the voltage down that segment of LocoNet can be dragged down. Voltages as low as 4v have been seen due to this. If you suspect your LocoNet is not working correctly, check the voltages to the centre two pins and investigate if is less that approx. 9-10v.

How do I change the serial number of a board?

Some newer boards support programming of System Variables (SVs) directly through LocoNet, rather than requiring connection to a programming track. An example is the SIGM10 signal controller from CML.

The programming process requires that all boards have a unique serial number. In most cases, vendors will number their products sequentially and it is unlikely that a user will have two boards with identical serial numbers....but it can happen. When it does happen, it is necessary to renumber one or other board; the programming messages allow this to be done easily using the PC.

  1. Run Locoanalyse, and connect to LocoNet if it isn't already connected.

  2. Ensure that all your boards are powered up.

  3. Select "Renumber Boards" from the "Configure" menu

  4. Select "Discover Boards" from the "Board Numbering" menu. A list of all of the board found that support this type of programming will be filled in into the list box within a few seconds.

  5. Select the board to be renumbered in the list box.

  6. Choose a new number for it (A high number, say above 10000, is least likely to conflict with other boards)

  7. Select "Change Board Address" from the "Board Numbering" menu. The board number will be changed through LocoNet.

  8. Mark the board with its new number!

 

 

 

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