Digitrax Query Mode:
The new generation of Digitrax Advanced Command Stations and other new products from ~October 2016 onwards include some convenient new self-diagnostic and external diagnostic capabilities and methods, to help keep LocoNet systems and devices healthy and working optimally, without requiring additional tools.
The DCS240 and DCS210 Advanced Command Stations include “Query Mode” diagnostic information that can be interrogated or read-out using enhanced capabilities of DT500 throttles. Advanced Command Station Query information is grouped into six broad groups of data/diagnostic information displayable by a DT500/DT500D:
- “Lnt”: LocoNet Device Type/product info
- “ELE”: Device Electrical information, voltages/currents, etc.
- “Lnt”: LocoNet message status information
- “FLG”: Device Flag state information
- “Slt”: Command Station Slot usage information
- “tRK”: Booster track actions/status
To enter “Query Mode” using a DT500 on a LocoNet with an active DCS240 and/or DCS210: Press the DT500’s PWR, DISP keys in sequence. The LCD display center 2 status digits will typically then show “Q0” for “Query Device 0”, which is the active Command Station. Press EXIT key to get out of Query mode.
You can then change the RH DT500 throttle knob to scroll through all the available information for the identified device(s). This information is provided for interested users, to be able to more easily diagnose system issues by themselves, or in conjunction with Tech Support persons.
For the DCS240/DCS210 Query info the following tables indicate the meanings, which in most cases may be self-evident. The 4 right Loco Number digits may indicate the info type being displayed.
“Lnt” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: LocoNet Unit identification
|
LH main display code |
RH text Example |
Means |
|
D: |
DCS240 |
Device name |
|
S#c |
0568 |
Device serial no. |
|
HWver |
0.1 |
Hardware version |
|
SWver |
0.2 |
Software version |
“ELE” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: Unit electrical information
|
LH main display code |
RH text Example |
Means |
Notes |
|
Vtrk |
12.6 |
Track voltage |
In 0.1V steps |
|
Vin |
15.8 |
Device input volts |
DC input volts |
|
Iin |
0.1 |
Average Current in |
Offset ~0.1A |
|
Ilim |
5.0 |
Track current limit |
Set by DC jack etc. |
|
Vrs |
13.2 |
Railsync load volts |
Lowers with current draw |
|
Vln |
10.4 |
LocoNet rest voltage |
Should be above ~8.5V |
“Lnt” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: LocoNet message counts
|
LH main display code |
RH text Example |
Means |
Notes |
|
Msg |
1663 |
Good LocoNet messages |
Press ‘0’ key to reset |
|
Bad |
0000 |
Bad Ln Msgs |
All this group counts |
|
Slp |
0000 |
Number or LN Sleeps |
“FLG” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: Unit state flags. Press DISP key to refresh
|
LH main display code |
RH loco |
Example Means |
Notes |
|
Itrk Max |
OFF |
OFF = Track is not over I limit |
|
|
Vin Lo |
OFF |
OFF =DC Input voltage is > ~13.5V |
|
|
Vin Hi |
OFF |
OFF = DC Input voltage is < ~24V |
|
|
Rsync Max |
OFF |
OFF= Railsync load volt drop is OK |
|
|
Fuse Bad |
OFF |
OFF = Internal 10A fuse is OK |
ON=replace fuse |
|
Overtemp |
OFF |
OFF = Device is NOT overheated |
|
|
LnetVmin |
OFF |
OFF is LocoNet Rest volts OK |
|
|
PtrkIsol |
ON |
ON: Last Prog Trk access aborted due to stray voltage detected, OFF= OK |
ON means check wiring |
|
PtrkMaxI |
OFF |
OFF= last Prog Trk access current was OK |
|
|
TrkI Lim |
OFF |
OFF=Trk current limit not lowered due to excess input voltage or temperature |
Informational |
|
USB Link |
OFF |
USB port is NOT enumerated to a PC |
OFF on DCS210 |
“SLt” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: Slot usage info
|
LH main display code |
RH text Example |
Means |
Notes |
|
Used |
0002 |
2 slots in use |
|
|
Idle |
0001 |
Idle slot count |
Available to recycle |
|
Free |
0401 |
Slots free count |
|
|
Ctop |
0001 |
Consist Top count |
|
|
Cup |
0001 |
Slots consisted UP |
Includes nested consists |
“tRK” group text in LH Loco Number display digits: Track Booster disturbance info
|
LH main display code |
RH text Example |
Means |
Notes |
|
Flt |
0000 |
Number of full fault Shutdown cycles |
Press ’0’ key to clear this group’s information |
|
Arv |
0001 |
Number of good Autoreverse cycles |
|
|
Dst |
0220 |
Track disturbances seen since last reset/clear |
Brief track events that did not result in Shutdown or Autoreverse cycles |
Note that pressing the DISP key or changing into a new Query group with the RH throttle knob will refresh device information. The values are given within a tolerance value, for diagnostic comparisons.