NCE Mini-Panel Instruction - page 10
of time is it possible to miss momentarily activated inputs. This is not a problem for
typical applications with quick acting command strings such those used with a control
panel that just issues accessory/macro commands. The problem may occur in layout
automation applications that require long periods of time waiting for a loco to enter a
block or delays used for stopping at a station. In these cases you must carefulyl
consider the series of event that may be happening and how commands are strung
together.
USB interface
When using the NCE USB interface memory locations 1-255 can be read or written
using programming track direct mode binary commands 0xa8 and 0xa9. It is
necessary to put the USB interface into program track mode with the 0x9e command
before attempting programming other wise you will just get the “not in program track
mode” response from the USB interface. This will allow you to test the commands you
just programmed without having to disconnect the USB interface. You cannot read
memory location 0 (Cab Bus address). Memory locations 6 (CV7) and 7 (CV8)
correspond to decoder CVs 7 and 8 allowing you to determine the Mini Panel make and
software version. Mini panel software versions start at 200 (decimal) and the
manufacturer is 11 decimal (NCE). You may still write to these memory locations but
not read them through the USB interface. They are trapped by the mini panel software
when the USB is used for reading with the manufacturer and version substituted for the
actual values in memory. You can read them by plugging a ProCab into the SETUP
port.
When using Decoder Pro for programming select:
Service mode programming
Comprehensive Programmer format
NMRA
Raw CVs 1-255
Click on “READ” for CV1. Due to multiple layers of buffering between the USB and
Mini Panel the first CV read will fail but you should get valid reads and writes from that
point on. Using Direct Byte mode is slightly faster than Paged mode.
When finished programming you can put the Mini Panel back into operational mode
with the 0xa6 (Write register) command. Any register and value is OK. The panel is
just looking for any Write Register command
Last revised: 22 July 2008 Page 10