T4T Decoder Manager User manual

Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
Table of contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................................2
How to use the Decoder Manager and this manually efficiently..........................................................................................3
The Decoder Manager and the next functions.................................................................................................................3
The Decoder Manager and your desires..........................................................................................................................3
The interaction etween vehicle and Decoder Manager......................................................................................................4
The general setup of a Decoder Manager.............................................................................................................................5
The potential power supply options.................................................................................................................................5
The interfaces...................................................................................................................................................................5
The key oard & the display.............................................................................................................................................5
The individual functions starting with SW version 2.0...................................................................................................6
Handling CVs..............................................................................................................................................................6
Decoder information...................................................................................................................................................6
Vehicle data.................................................................................................................................................................7
Update.........................................................................................................................................................................7
System data.................................................................................................................................................................7
Decoupling..................................................................................................................................................................7
The PC-Programm for the Decoder Manager.......................................................................................................................9
The installation of the PC program..................................................................................................................................9
How to use the PC program.............................................................................................................................................9
How to load the current applications via internet............................................................................................................9
Warning...............................................................................................................................................................................10
Should the Decoder Manager fail to work..........................................................................................................................11
Conversion ta le Hexadecimal / Decimal / Binary............................................................................................................12
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Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
Introduction
With the decoder manager you have purchased a product which fulfills and facilitates various functions when playing
with a digitally controlled model train. It is designed to do its jo relia ly, quickly, and well organized. Its functions
have een optimized for the T4T decoders and are also helpful for DCC-compati le decoders of other manufacturers.
Software version 2.0 offers the following functions:
1) Parameterizing of all CV-varia les for the locomotive decoders of the LD-1x series
2) Parameterizing of all CV-varia les for the wagon decoders of the WD-GWx and WD-PWxxx series
3) Copying of CV-records etween decoders of one series
4) Transmitting of new software versions for all T4T-decoders
5) Parameterizing of all CV-varia les for DCC-compati le decoders in accordance with NMRA—specifications
(starting with software version 3.0)
Most ackground information cannot e delivered in this manual. For more extensive information, please use the links
on our we site. However, T4T is not lia le for the content of 3rd party we pages
Copyright y T4T, technology for trains Gm H!
All rights, changes and errors reserved.
A reviations used in this manual:
A reviations:
CV Configuration Varia le
DCC Digital Command Control;
LD-1x Locomotiv-Decoder-1; x stands for the various versions
POM Program on main
SW Software
TC-H0 TrainConnection H0
TCCS TrainCoupling&CommunicationSystem
TRAM Train Manager
WD-GWx Wagon-Decoder for Goods Wagons; x indicates the num er of function outputs
WD-PWxxx Waggon-Decoder for Passenger Wagons; xxx indicates the length of the lighting strip (in mm)
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All rand names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their rightful owners.

Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
How to use the Decoder Manager and this manually efficiently
With the decision to equip your locomotives with LD-1x respectively equip your wagons with WD-xxx, you have cho-
sen a system that requires a thorough preoccupation with the new and exciting possi ilities of this technology. Even if
you have an extensive know-how and a lot of experience, it is essential that you read this manual.
This manual requires the knowledge conveyed in the manuals for the LD-1x-decoder series, WD-GWx-decoder series
and WD-PWxxx-decoder series which you can easily find in the existing PDF-files. Please consult our WEB-site from
time to time for updated manual versions.
The Decoder Manager and the next functions
The functions of the current Decoder Manager software version will e extended constantly. With the release of new de-
coders the new decoder features will also e integrated into the software of the Decoder Manager.
An important enhancement will e released with software version 3.0 since it will allow the use of the connection of the
Decoder Manager with the track. Then it will e possi le to program many DCC-decoders of other manufacturers.
The Decoder Manager and your desires
We aim at providing the est possi le product for your desires. Therefore:
Your input is appreciated.
Let us know which functions the product at hand is still missing!
Let us also know for which application(s) you found this product not at all or only partly suita le!
Please enclose the following information in your message to us so that we can est serve you:
Gauge of the railway construction (N / H0 ....)
Digital system in use
Size of the railway construction
PC-program in use
Special features that derive from the manufacturer's standard specification (only where applica le)
And please do not forget to include your address. Thank you!!!
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Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
The interaction between vehicle and Decoder Manager
With the Train Coupling & Communication System (TCCS) T4T enhanced the functionality of the digitally controlled
model trains considera ly. If used as intended, not only can the traction vehicles and locomotives e controlled via the
DCC-protocol ut also any imagina le function in the wagon as well as functions that develop from the interaction et-
ween the vehicles. In doing so, the locomotives are controlled via LD-1x decoder. In addition, the vehicles are control-
led via the wagon decoders of the WD-xxx-series.
The decoder types are the eing linked via TCCS respectively via the current-conducting, remotely controlla le coup-
ling TC-H0 which esta lishes a 2-pole connection throughout the whole train (train us).
Why does it require a separate device, such as the Decoder-Manager?
The locomotives are always parameterized via the track interface in the service mode as defined y the NMRA.
This standard DCC-protocol interface supports asically all control units and is sufficient for all standard controlling
(conducting) and parameterizing (setting CVs) of locomotives. Now the wagons are equipped with the option to execute
functions such as controlling the TC-H0 coupling, the tail lights or the interior lighting, etc. As a result, the settings of a
wagon decoder can e changed if the factory settings are not sufficient for the required tasks, such as the adjustment of
the rightness of the illumination or the correlation of function outputs to the users.
Though it is possi le to program the WD-xxx decoders via the connected locomotive, this is a tedious way that does not
allow the read-out of the varia les. The Decoder Manager works like a locomotive with display and can therefore show
all CV-values on its display and allows the modification of the data.
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Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
The general setup of a Decoder Manager
The potential power supply options
The Decoder Manager can draw its power from either of the three sources:
✔Supply via a transformer (12 – 18 Volt AC-voltage or DC-voltage)
✔Supply via the USB-interface of the PC
✔Supply via two Mignon atteries (rechargea le attery or standard attery type AA)
If connected to several sources, the Decoder Manager draws power from the a ove listed sources in the order listed a o-
ve. Please note that, if the Decoder Manager is attery-operated, the attery will e urdened considera ly since the en-
gine of the locomotive is run y this attery. The sources USB1 and/or transformer can e added during operation.
During an update it is recommenda le to connect the Decoder Manager to a transformer or via USB-ca le!
The unit increases the voltage of a attery respectively that of the USB-interface to the voltage required for the operati-
on of the connected decoder (a out 12 V). Some USB-interfaces however do not provide the maximum voltage as re-
quired y the USB-standard. Especially older USB-interfaces of the USB 1.x generation have a limited power output.
This may lead to pro lems during updates or other procedures with connected decoder. Please hook up a transformer in
those cases.
Please also note that PCs with multiple USB-interfaces may have USB-interfaces with different capacities and that it is
est to use the most powerful interface.
The interfaces
Decoder-Manager possesses the following interfaces:
Connection of a TC-H0 coupling contacts 1 until 4 (6-pin plug)
Output to the programming track contacts 5 & 6[2 (6-pin plug)2
Connection of a transformer contacts 1 until 2 (6-pin plug)
Interface to PC USB 2.0
Infra-red transmission diode testing of infra-red receivers
(TRAM- and Lissy-format)3
The Decoder Manager software version at hand exclusively supports the connections etween Decoder Manager and
vehicle via the coupling us. Therefore contacts 5 & 6 are inopera le!
The keyboard & the display
The unit is operated via 4 keys. This manual does not explain each dialogue since most of them are self-evident. There-
fore this manual explains the structure of the user interface and the general setup of the operation mode.
1 A minimum capacity of 0,5A if required for the PC’s USB-interface – depending on the connected decoder or vehicle.
If necessary, a transformer (16,5V/50VA) had to e connected.
2 In version 2.0 at hand the output to the programming track is inopera le.
3 In version 2.0 at hand the IR transmitting diode is inopera le.
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Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
To turn on the unit, press the lue key. The unit turns off automatically if the unit is not used for 5 minutes. In attery
mode or USB-mode the ackground lighting of the display turns off after 10 seconds of no key stroke. This also applies
when the decoder is updated.
For navigation within the dialogue system, use the red or yellow key (up / down). An arrow on the left side of the dis-
play indicates the selection which is then called up with the Enter-key. For returning to the invoking level, use the menu
key. When a menu option has een selected, the arrow sym ol changes from an open to a filled sym ol. Only then the
value connected with the CV can e changed.
The individual functions starting with S version 2.0
Handling CVs
The meanings of the individual CVs are explained in the various decoder manuals.
In the "individual CV"-mode the CVs for the individual decoder types can e changed and read-out. The values are dis-
played in the formats: decimal, hexadecimal and inary. The entry requires decimal values only. During the entry the
other formats are displayed as well. The writing process is triggered through “writing” and ends with the automatic
read-out of the CVs after the termination of the writing process. This automatically indicates the success of the process.
The menu option “CV in locks” allows for the complete read-out of a decoder so that this lock can e transmitted en-
tirely to another decoder. Each decoder type is stored in a separate lock. This means that there will e a lock for all
LD-1x decoders, a different lock for all WD-GWx decoders and yet another lock for all WD-PWxxx decoders. Sto-
ring all data of the same decoder type will make copying data from e.g. a LD-1M decoder to a LD-1MTC decoder easy.
The data of an imported lock will e conserved even after the unit has een turned off and will only e overwritten y
the next read-out of a lock. In the factory setting all locks are empty or undefined.
After the copy procedure (import lock) all individual CV-values will e changed y the "individual CV"-mode. This is
required on a regular asis for the locomotive’s address.
Decoder information
In order to e a le to read out data from the vehicles without having to open these, this menu displays all essential deco-
der data. The information has the following meaning:
Dec. Type Depending on the uilt-in decoder, e.g. LD-1L, WD-GW2 or WD-PWxxx
Vers. App. The main decoder software is displayed as a figure: e.g. 2.3
Rev. App There may e revisions due to product improvements indicated y the figures 0 until 9.
Vers. TCCS The compati ility of TCCS decoders is only guaranteed y this version num er. In one train set
vehicles must have the same TCCS-version!
Bootl. This information may e necessary for the support at T4T.
RM-Id. Each T4T decoder has a unique serial num er
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Important:
To accomplish the a ove mentioned functions with the decoders LD-1x, WD-GWx, WD-PWxxx they must
have at least the following software:
LD-1x: V2.3
WD-GWx: V2.2
WD-PWxxx: V2.2

Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
The information of this window cannot e changed!
Vehicle data
The TCCS uses information that is used y the train us. This information gets displayed at the push of a utton and can
also e changed. The information has the following meaning:
Vmax V4Each vehicle can limit a train set’s maximum speed. This limitation has to e set separately for
each direction of travel. V = travelling forward, R = travelling in reverse
Vmax R
Weight The vehicle’s weight is indicated in metric tons and is used for a dynamic mass simulation.5
Capacity In order to achieve an acceleration of the train that takes the train’s mass into account, the para-
meters engine capacity and vehicle mass have to e entered.
Coupling V Num er of activations of the coupling head in the front
Coupling R Num er of activations of the coupling head at the ack
The prototype data can easily e found on the internet y entering keywords such as " BR50“.
Update
Once the vehicle is hooked to the Decoder Manager via the coupling, the unit will automatically esta lish a connection.
When the menu “Update” is selected, the display will indicate the current version of the connected decoder as well as
the version that can e transmitted to the vehicle at the push of a utton.
If there is no valid application in the connected decoder, the decoder type has to e selected manually. An incorrect se-
lection does not influence the connected decoder. Please re-enter the correct data.
Before updating, please follow the hints in chapter “The potential power supply options”.
System data
The Decoder Manager can currently e set to one of the following languages: German, English or Dutch. Additional
languages can e supported if needed.
The Decoder Manager stores the application for all T4T decoders. The stored versions will e displayed on this page.
In order to update new applications for individual decoder types, consult page 8 for the required procedure.
Decoupling
So that the coupling us connection can e easily disconnected after a decoder maintenance, disconnect the connection
with the push of a utton. However, due to technical reasons, a locomotive cannot the uncoupled in this way. Only the
hook of the coupling that is connected to the Decoder Manager will open.
4 Please note that its may have to e activated in CV 173 of the locomotive decoders!
5 For further detail consult the LD-1x manual, software version 2.3 or higher.
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Important:
During the update procedure the vehicles may not touch the conducting tracks! Else the electronic system of the
decoder may e damaged.

Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
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Important:
Since the TC-H0 shortly requires more energy than provided y a attery or most USB-connections, it is highly
recommended to use a transformer in this case!

Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
The PC-Programm for the Decoder Manager
The installation of the PC program
On the enclosed CD you will find the directory "Decoder-Manager". Please copy this directory to your PC’s local hard
drive. Then a link of the file "DecoderManagerUpdate.exe" on your PC’s desktop can e esta lished. The PC program
can then e started from the directory of via the desktop link.
Before the initial use of the Decoder Manager, ensure that the following steps have een conducted on your PC:
i. If there is a connection etween PC and Decoder Manager, disconnect it.
ii. Execute the file "CP210x_VCP_Win2K_XP_S2K3.exe". This will automatically install the driver (produced
y Silicon La s) for the Decoder Manager on your PC.
iii. Follow the instructions of the driver software.
iv. Once the driver has een successfully installed, re oot your PC.
v. Esta lish a connection etween PC and Decoder Manager y using a USB-ca le.
vi. Start the device manager of the operating system. Depending on the version of the operating system, you will
find the device manager under: system control/System/Hardware/device manager (Windows XP) or control pa-
nel/System/device manager (Windows 7). Check the device manager, su menu "connections (COM and LTP)"
for the Silicon La s driver CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx). There should e no error icon!
vii. If the device manager indicates an error for the interface, de-install the driver and reinstall the driver anew.
How to use the PC program
The PC program that comes with the Decoder Manager ena les you to transmit new applications to the Decoder Mana-
ger. Four uttons initiate the transmission to the Decoder Manager. The T4T decoder application versions can e
checked under the menu "system data". The version of the Decoder Manager application can e seen on the start screen
once the unit has een turned on.
The installation of the PC software does not require any license and can e installed on any PC.
How to load the current applications via internet
If there are new functions for the T4T decoders, the required applications can e downloaded from the T4T we site. To
do so, enter the following link:
www.tec4trains.de/Software-Updates
In the last column of the green row a zip-file has to loaded. Once the file has een unpacked, copy the files with the ex-
tensions ".dat" into the "Decoder-Manager" directory.
Then start the program DecoderManagerUpdate.exe. Now the loaded application versions can e read in the uttons
that trigger the transmission. At the push of a utton you can now transmit the new application versions one after the
other to the connected Decoder Manager where they are stored permanently.
i. Copy the dat-file into the directory of the Decoder Manager. In this directory you will also find the file "Deco-
derManagerUpdate.exe".
ii. Start the program " DecoderManagerUpdate.exe" and check the versions in the individual uttons.
iii. Connect the Decoder Manager with the PC.
iv. Turn the Decoder Manager on and change from the start screen into the first menu level ( ase menu).
v. Start the transmission via PC- utton; select the utton depending on the to e transmitted file.
vi. After the transmission, press the Enter-key of the Decoder Manager.
vii. If the application "DecoderManager.dat" has een transmitted for the Decoder Manager itself, the Decoder
Manager will turn off automatically after the transmission.
After the transmission, the versions displayed on the PC can e compared and checked with the menu “system data”.
During transmission, the Decoder Manager has to e turned on and e in the top menu level ( ase menu).
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Issued: 21.03.13 Manual: Decoder Manager
arning
The Decoder Manager can e operated y various voltage sources. It is important, however, to ensure that no ground
loops are evoked due to the simultaneous supply y USB and transformer! These ground loops would lead to the de-
struction of the unit's electronic system.
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Components, such as decoders, couplings and other parts, that have een damaged due to the use of 3rd party
decoders, cannot e repaired under warranty! The use of 3rd party decoders is regarded as improper use.