The “cascade” feature is designed for sequences of points in a junction – for example the entrance or exit from a fiddle yard. There are several points, but only one path that a train can take. The "cascade" feature is there to light the LEDs for that path, but not the others.
To make programming simple, a PC software program "LocoAnalyse" is available to configure the board. This is able to download the settings straight to the board if there is a LocoNet interface available (using an MS100, PR3 or LocoBuffer). If not, a list of "required" CV settings can be generated, and the board can be programmed manually using a programming track & throttle. A PC is not needed for normal use after programming.
The DTM30 Super Tower Master can be used in conjunction with PC software applications for train control, e.g. the "TrainController" product that is part of the "Railroad & Co" suite. A unique feature of the DTM30 is that it has been designed to have a "safety interlock" with the PC program. This allows the DTM30 to control points in local areas such as stations, but to ensure that points can only be changed when it is safe to do so. So if the PC program is about to drive a train through a piece of track, the DTM30 won't allow manual control of the points on that track.
The DTM30 does not memorise the states of any of its controls when power is removed. Instead it determines them during each operating session. Consequently, after power up, all the LEDs are off because the DTM30 does not "know" the correct states. It is able to determine the point states after power is turned on by decoding both the DCC rail messages and the LocoNet messages. It will find out the states by the following methods.
The push button to “Initialise all points” on a DTM30 sets all points on this DTM30 board to a defined state. But there is a way to make it initialise other DTM30s too.
Read more: DTM30: How to cascade "Initialise" across several boards
Suppose you are the proud owner of a new DTM30, serial number 98. (This number is marked onto the processor chip on a label). Your railway has points 1-8, and you want to use cells 1-8 to control those points. This guide takes you through the first steps in programming to make it happen.
If the LEDs are flashing it means the DTM30 has tried to set the point position but it hasn't seen a response to know whether it has actually changed. Depending on programming for the DTM30, it may be expecting either LocoNet turnout feedback messages or DCC messages.
You can send commands to TrainController using sensor messages. These are detected and completed by TrainController just like the sensor message from occupancy detectors. The DTM30 can display occupancy detectors - but it can also generate sensor messages when its push buttons are pressed.
Read more: DTM30: Use a pushbutton to control "TrainController" function
The normal state for the green LED is "on". If it is off, the DTM30 is not seeing the DCC signal correctly. This could be for several reasons.
The DTM30 is supplied with cable and connectors for the front panel LEDs and push buttons. 6 connectors are provided, and 10 feet of ribbon cable (approximately 3m).
If additional cable and connectors are required, we have them available in the Wire & Cables section of our shop.
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