KB877: Programming the Digitrax DA120 Decoder Installed in Atlas Locos With Wangrow and Lenz Systems

This article was last updated on Oct. 28, 2010, 7:05 p.m. | Print Article | Leave Feedback

This application note concerns the DA120 deocder, which began production in 1997 and was discontinued around 2000.

The DA120 decoder that is being shipped with the Atlas locomotives has certain variables that are available for programming. These guidelines are provided for those who are using the Wangrow or Lenz systems for programming the DA120 decoders.

The following variables were selected by Atlas to be offered in the DA120. These CV's are available to be programmed on the DA120:

    * CV01 - Address
    * CV02 - Start Voltage
    * CV03 - Acceleration Rate
    * CV04 - Deceleration Rate
    * CV05 - Maximum Voltage
    * CV06 - Mid Point Voltage
    * CV13 - DC Functions On or Off
    * CV17 - Long (four digit) Address, first two digits
    * CV18 - Long (four digit) Address, last two digits
    * CV29 - Primary Configuration
    * CV65 to 95 - Loadable Speed Table ( 14 or 28 speed step mode only)


Programming instructions if you are using Wangrow’s System One

1. Place the locomotive on a programming track connected to the ‘Programming Track’ outputs of the command station.

2. The programming sequence is started by pressing the button on the cab.

3. Keep hitting until the screen shows ‘Use Program Trk’. Hit to enter the programming mode.

4. You will have a choice of ‘1 = STD 2 = CV 3 = CFG’. STD will lead you through a series of variables to program. This is the easiest mode to use for first time programming. When using the STD option while on the programming track, the system will attempt to read each variable that has been previously programmed into the decoder. Please note that older Wangrow systems had difficulty in reading these values. If you get the message that a variable could not be read, simply hit and type in the value that you want. The programming will still be accepted.

5. The first two variables will be ‘Manufacturer’s ID’ and ‘Decoder Ver’. After each of these values have been read by the system, press to go to the first option, the short address.

6. After entering the more common variables, such as address, acceleration rate, etc., menu will lead directly to CV programming. CV is for directly entering the CV# that you wish to program from the list above and CFG is for Physical Register mode programming.

7. Digitrax recommends using the STD or CV option.

8. Hit without typing in a number when done to exit the programming mode.

Programming instructions if you are using a Lenz System

Programming with the Lenz systems has changed with versions 1.3, 1.5 and 2.1.

Versions 1.3 and 1.5

1. Press , <8>, , , <8>, to get to the programming mode.

2. The screen will show POS _. Enter the number for the CV you wish to program based on the following list; POS1 = CV1, POS2 = CV2, POS3 = CV3, POS4 = CV4, POS5 = CV29, POS6 = Page Register.

3. After entering the POS number the screen will show what is being programmed, i.e., ADR_ for address. Enter the number you want for the CV followed by . If you enter a digit by mistake, hit to clear. Note that hitting without typing in a value will attempt to read back the current value. This will only work with POS5 and 6. POS1 through 4 will return 'ERR 02'.

4. When the screen shows that the variable has been accepted, hit to return to the POS screen.

5. To exit the programming mode, hit again.

6. Note that the ability to read back the value of POS1 (address) on these older Lenz versions will not be correct with newer decoders that do not support the interogation command (F9).

Version 2.1

1. To enter programming mode, hit , 8, , TRK OFF,

2. The first option is to enter CV’s directly. Other options are to hit for Physical Register mode and hit again for Paged mode.

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