Frequently Asked Questions:

SIGM10

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FAQ:
General
DAC10
DTM16
DTM30
SIGM10
SIGM20
LocoAnalyse

Ribbon Cables

 

My signals aren't responding properly

The following causes have been found to cause this kind of behaviour:

  • Is the LocoNet cable plugged into front of UP3 or similar utility panel? The front connectors are suitable only for throttles because the rail_sync signals (a version of the DCC track signal) is not passed out to the front connectors. The LocoNet cable must always be connected to the rear telephone connectors.

  • Are the LocoNet cables OK? We are aware of several instances where a LocoNet cable that passes a test with an LT1 tester is actually high resistance, affecting the messaging.

  • Are the two jumpers (JP1, JP2) on the board removed? These should be REMOVED for normal operation, and only inserted for programming on a programming track.

  • Is the board's green LED lit? If not, this suggests a problem with LocoNet cabling, or the track power is currently switched off.

What sort of signals should I use?

The SIGM10 & SIGM20 drives most signals that have LEDs. Using the optional S10HCA adapter board, it can also drive signals using miniature incandescent light bulbs. It is able to represent the following kinds of signal:

  • 4 aspect: these are typical of UK main line signalling with red, amber, double amber & green aspects;

  • 3 Aspect: widely used everywhere with red, amber, green aspects;

  • 3 aspect with flashing amber state: typical of US practice;

  • 2 aspect, used on minor lines only.

  • In European signalling practice, separate "distant" signals are common. The SIGM10 can drive one "distant" signal type, with the signal becoming dark (no LEDs lit) if the "main" signal on the mast is green.

The board can drive model signals that have LEDs wired in both common cathode and common anode arrangements. It can also drive "searchlight" signals that have one visible lamp that can adopt red, amber or green aspects using bi-colour LEDs.

How do I set a serial number for a new processor?

Some users (e.g. beta testers) may be sent a new processor chip. This will have the SIGM10 firmware, but no serial number allocated. This needs to be set before the board can be used and programmed. DO THIS BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ON THE LAYOUT! A SIGM10 with unprogrammed serial number can be identified because its green LED flashes steadily after power up.

Full instructions for installing new processors can be found here.

A serial number is assigned by setting a point to THROWN (typically using a handheld throttle). To assign serial number=17, set point 17 THROWN.  The SIGM10 responds to the first point thrown command it sees. It is important not to operate the railway with an unconfigured board - because the first point operation is likely to program it.

Once the serial number has been programmed it can be changed using the "locoanalyse" software. Consequently setting to an erroneous value is not disastrous. However, the PC software will not be able to configure a board that has not had the serial number set initially.

What does the green LED tell me?

The green LED will be lit if all is well on the board and it is correctly decoding DCC packets from the LocoNet cable. In general if the track power is on, your green LED should always be on.

When the SIGM10 receives a DCC or LocoNet message that affects the signals it controls, the LED flickers off momentarily. This is provided to assist with layout setting up, so that users can tell that a command tot he board has been detected. For example if a signal is controlled by a sensor on a BDL16x board, then when that sensor changes state & puts a message onto LocoNet, the LED will flicker.

If the SIGM10 is powered up, track power is on and the green LED isn't on, it points to a problem in cabling between the SIGM10 and the command station. The following suggestions are offered:

  • Check that the SIGM10 has power properly applied.

  • Is the board correctly powered? SIGM10 boards should not share a transformer winding with the boosters, or with power fed to some other types of device e.g. DS54 or DAC10. This can lead to "ground loops" with short circuits introduced via the return path. There is more advice in the general FAQ.

  • Check that track power really is on.

  • Check that jumpers JP1 and JP2 are removed.

  • Check that the SIGM10 cable isn't connected into the front of a utility panel, e.g. UP3.

  • Check the integrity of the LocoNet cables between the SIGM10 and command station. Sometimes the connectors don't crimp properly, leaving a high resistance connection. An LT1 type tester doesn't always detect this!

 

 

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