TCS UWT-100 User manual

QUICK START GUIDE
UWT-100
TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS

UWT-100 Quick Start Guide
Table of Contents
Getting Started 3
Installing Batteries 3
First-Time Setup 3
Adding a WiFi Network 4
Connection Issues 5
Troubleshooting the WiFi 5
Troubleshooting the Server 5
Troubleshooting LNWI 6
Using the UWT-100 7
Power On/Off 7
Menu Navigation 7
The “Help” Button 7
Programmable Buttons 8
Text Entry 9
Operations 10
Select a Locomotive 10
Using Loco Functions 10
Reverse Direction 11
Change Speed 11
Emergency Stop 11
Consisting 12
Yard Mode 13
Throttle Reset 14
Warranty Information 14
Support and Contact 14
Safety and Regulatory Information 15
2

Getting Started
Installing Batteries
The UWT-100 is powered using two “AA” batteries. Many battery chem-
istries can be used, including Alkaline, NiCd, NiMH, and Lithium. The
two AA batteries must be installed into the battery holder in the correct
orientation in order to power up the throttle. The required polarity of the
batteries is indicated within the battery holder. To ensure the battery door
is properly secured, press down rmly until you hear a “click.”
Once two “AA” batteries have been installed, press and hold any button
for 3 seconds to turn on the UWT-100. Once the unit is on, press button
2 to complete the startup process.
First-Time Setup
When you turn on the throttle for the rst time, you will be guided through
a quick rst-time setup process. This setup process will enable you to es-
tablish an initial WiFi connection. If you would prefer not to use the guide,
you may press “Skip.” Otherwise, press “Next” until a scan for WiFi
networks is initiated. Once the scan is complete, the throttle will display a
list of available WiFi networks. Select your desired network from the list
and enter the password if necessary. For help with entering text for your
password, please refer to the “Text Entry” section of this guide.
Once a successful WiFi connection is made, the main Drive Window will
appear and you may begin to operate with your UWT-100. Please refer
to the “Connection Issues” section of this guide if you experience issues
establishing a WiFi or Server connection.
Pro Tip: Pressing button 7 at this time will startup the throttle in
bootloader mode. Pressing any other button besides 2 or 7 will
cancel the startup and power the unit down.
3
Pro Tip: Digitrax LNWI devices start with a standard prex. Find
“Dtx1-LnServer_(...)” in your network list to connect to your LNWI.

Adding a WiFi Network
Once you have successfully connected to a WiFi network, the UWT-100
will attempt to connect to it’s last known WiFi network on startup. If you
are in a new location or no known WiFi networks are present in your
location, the throttle will display a “No WiFi Found” screen (A). In order to
connect to a new WiFi network, select option 2 “Add New WiFi” which will
call up a list of methods for adding a new WiFi connection (B).
It is recommended that you use Option 1 “Scan for WiFi” to nd your
WiFi network - this may be a WiFi router connected to your JMRI, an
LNWI, or other device (C). Once the scan is complete, the throttle will
display a list of available WiFi networks. Select your desired network
from the list and enter the password if necessary (D).
If multiple connection modes are available on your network, you will be
prompted choose your desired connection mode from a list (E). You may
change your connection mode at any time from the “Network Options”
menu.
Once a successful WiFi connection is made, the main Drive Window will
appear and you may continue to operate with your UWT-100 (F).
A. B.
4
C. D.
E. F.

Connection Issues
There are two network connections the throttle must make in order to
communicate to your command station: WiFi and Server.
WiFi - The WiFi connection is your access point, router, or WiFi device.
Server - A server functions as the translator between your throttle and
command station. This is often a computer running JMRI.
Please refer to the steps below to troubleshoot your connection.
Troubleshooting the WiFi connection
This section will help you troubleshoot your network connection after a
“No WiFi found” error. If no WiFi is found, there are a few likely causes:
Problem: Your router or WiFi network is not turned on or is otherwise
inoperational.
Solution: Restart your WiFi device or router, and check for error mes-
sages or warning lights.
Problem: You have not yet connected to a WiFi network.
Solution: Follow the steps in the Connecting to a WiFi section to estab-
lish a connection.
Problem: Your WiFi password was entered incorrectly.
Solution: You will see the “Wrong WiFi Password” prompt. Double-check
and re-enter your password.
Troubleshooting the Server connection
This section will help you troubleshoot your server connection in the
event the “Server not found” prompt is displayed.
Problem: Throttle cannot connect to JMRI WiThrottle server.
Solution: Reboot your computer and command station, open JMRI, and
start the WiThrottle server. Once complete, select “Try Again” on the
throttle. If you are running JMRI on a Windows PC, make sure JMRI is
allowed through the Windows Firewall or the throttle will not connect.
Pro Tip: Some devices like Digitrax LNWI and MRC WiFi module
function as both the WiFi and the Server simultaneously.
5

Problem: Command station does not respond to throttle input.
Solution: If your throttle is on and appears to be operational, but there
is no response from your command station, restart the command station
and check your power and data connections.
Problem: The wrong connection mode is selected.
Solution: Use the menu option labeled “Auto-detect LCC/WT” or
“Change LCC/WT Mode” and select the correct connection mode. An
asterisk (*) will appear next to the active mode.
At this time JMRI, LNWI, and all other potential connections communicate via
the “WiThrottle protocol.” If your connection mode is set to “LCC” for the connec-
tion to your layout, change this to “WT” for WiThrottle protocol. LCC mode will be
available in the future and is also used for throttle rmware updates.
Problem: mDNS failed to nd the WiThrottle Server.
Solution: mDNS is a WiFi protocol which is used to automatically load
the IP address and Port number of a server connection. mDNS does not
work with all WiFi networks and can fail. If you use phone apps, you may
be familiar with manually entering the IP and Port number of your JMRI
WiThrottle Server. The UWT-100 is also capable of doing this. Select
“Set IP Address” from the Server not found menu and set the IP address
and Port number as indicated on your WiThrottle server window in JMRI.
After entering the IP and Port number once, the throttle will retain this
information when reconnecting in the future.
Troubleshooting an LNWI connection
If you are unable to establish a connection with your LNWI device, follow
the steps below:
1. As simple as it sounds, turning the LNWI device off and on again will
often solve connection issues.
2. Ensure that the number of connections to a specic LNWI device
is not greater than four. LNWI devices have a limit of four connected
devices at one time - including phones running apps like WiThrottle and
EngineDriver. Turn off or disconnect one of the devices connected to the
LNWI and see if the problem disappears.
3. Check that your saved LNWI device is turned on. In situations where
there are multiple LNWI devices in use, the throttle may be congured to
connect to one that is not available.
6

Using the UWT-100
Power On/Off
To turn on the UWT-100, press and hold any button on the keypad for 3
seconds, followed by button 2 to power up the throttle. If you would like
to access the bootloader mode for rmware updating, press button 7
instead of 2. When powered up, the throttle will display the main Drive
Window - your dashboard for locomotive operations.
You may choose to shut down the throttle at any time via the Main Menu.
To do so, enter the Menu and select option 9 “Power Off.” Left idle,
the throttle will shutdown on its own after a user-congurable amount of
time. Visit the “Power Settings” menu to congure the auto-shutoff time in
minutes.
Menu Navigation
The Menu button will open the UWT-100 Main Menu. There are
functions and options in the menu that can customize your user experi-
ence and are helpful for throttle operations.
Navigating the Main Menu can be performed a variety of ways. Rotating
the scroll wheel will navigate up or down through menu items one at a
time. The current menu item will be highlighted. Use of the single chev-
ron buttons will also shift the cursor one item at a time, and use of
the double chevron buttons will move the page up or down one full
screen at a time.
Each menu option corresponds to a numeric keypad button. Pressing the
corresponding button will immediately select that numbered menu option,
even if that menu option is not visible onscreen. If you choose to scroll
for a menu option, press the Enter or Select button. If you
would like to know what a menu option does, rst consult the Help Text.
The “Help” Button
The Universal WiFi Throttle contains information that explains most
menu options and operations. To access these tips, you may press the
button at any time to access the help text for the currently highlighted
menu option. Help text is also available in menus by using the button
and which is labeled “Help” on-screen.
?
7

A scroll bar will appear on the right side of the screen if more text is avail-
able. Scroll up or down to see additional text by using the thumbwheel or
the chevron keys. The single chevron keys will navigate one line at
a time, and the double chevron keys will navigate one full screen.
Pressing the Help button on the Drive Window will bring up the
“Function Help” screen. This screen displays all available function but-
tons, what they do, and their status (on/off). This feature will only display
named functions for each function number if the throttle is connected to
a JMRI WiThrottle server and has a roster entry whose functions have
been dened in [Your locomotive] > Labels and Media > Function Labels.
Programmable Buttons
There are eight buttons on the UWT-100 that can be assigned operations
by the user. These buttons can be customized to perform an operation
different than their default assignment. The top four buttons, directly be-
low the screen, will always identify their action with an on-screen descrip-
tion. If the description is blank, no action is assigned to that button.
When connected to JMRI, the throttle will display the name/number of
your locomotive and functions based on your JMRI roster entry. The pro-
grammable buttons will display and operate based on the function names
as established in your roster entry under [Your locomotive] > Labels and
Media > Function Labels.
?
You can access button conguration
options via the “Throttle Settings” menu.
The programmable buttons will ad-
just based on the conguration in your
throttle, command station, and selected
locomotive’s roster entry. If you are con-
nected to a server which does not com-
municate function data such as a LNWI,
the buttons will return to their defaults or
not display names.
8

Text Entry
The UWT-100 has a text entry interface that is used to ll out text-based
elds such as WiFi passwords. Whenever the throttle requires text input,
it will display the text entry interface. A sample is shown (G).
Within the text entry interface, the thumbwheel adjusts the position of
the highlighted character. Rotate the thumbwheel to move the cursor to
the rst character you want to enter, then use the button to ‘Add’ that
character. If you make a mistake, you can delete a character using the
Backspace button. You may navigate through your entered text us-
ing the single up and down chevron buttons.
The double up and down chevron buttons move the cursor up or
down one whole line at a time. These buttons also advance the cursor
to other pages of characters. To quickly switch between uppercase and
lowercase letters, use the Shift key.
A fully-entered password is shown above (H). Letters and special char-
acters can all be entered with the text entry interface. Numbers do not
display within the text entry screen and can be entered directly with the
throttle keypad
When you have nished entering text, press Save or Enter .
G. H.
9

Operations
The Drive Window provides an overview
of your currently selected locomotive
and other important status indicators.
When no locomotive is selected, an “E”
will be displayed in the top left corner
which stands for “Empty”. If you had previously acquired a locomotive
address prior to powering down, the throttle will attempt to re-acquire it.
In order to operate a locomotive, use the Select Locomotive button .
The single dot button defaults to the quick recall function which will
swap between the two most recently used addresses/names.
Select A Locomotive
Press the button on the keypad to access the locomotive selection
screen. Users are given two options for selecting a locomotive.
1. Enter the cab number manually using the numerical keypad.
2. If the throttle is connected to JMRI, all locomotive IDs (names or
numbers) will be automatically loaded from the JMRI roster list. If you
have a long roster, you can start entering the address to lter your avail-
able options. Use the scroll wheel or chevrons to navigate to the desired
locomotive, then press the Enter button to select it and return to
the drive window. To assume control of a different locomotive, press the
locomotive button on the keypad again.
Using Loco Functions
Pressing the numerical buttons on the keypad will operate the function
assigned to that number on your locomotive. When a function is turned
on, the function number will be displayed on the screen.
To select higher function numbers than 9, press the Shift button.
The new function page selected will “persist.” You must press the shift
button again in order to continue through function pages. This was de-
signed to allow for easy repeated operation of higher-number functions.
On the left side of the screen, a small “1” or “2” will indicate that you are
controlling higher functions: 1 for F10 - F19, or 2 for F20 - F28.
Pro Tip (Digitrax users): If you would like to relinquish control of
your currently selected address, enter the Menu and se-
lect “Operations” followed by either the “Release” or “Dispatch”
options. Once a locomotive address has been released, it will
become the rst option available in the recall list.
10

Reverse Direction
The direction of the locomotive is indicated by the arrow displayed under
the cab number. The upward facing arrow indicates the unit will travel
in its forward direction, and the downward facing arrow indicates it will
travel in reverse. Users may change the direction of the unit by using the
Reverse Direction button directly below the thumb wheel.
Change Speed
To adjust the speed of the active locomotive, roll the thumb wheel toward
the screen to increase speed, and away to decrease the speed. The sin-
gle chevron buttons will increase or decrease the speed by 1 step.
The double chevron buttons will increase or decrease the speed in
larger steps, which are congurable in the “Drive Settings” menu. These
buttons are also programmable and can be assigned other functions by
the user via the “Change Buttons” menu. Refer to the Programmable
Buttons section in this guide for more information. The throttle will always
display 128 speed step mode but can still control locomotives operating
in 28 or 14 speed step mode.
Emergency Stop
The UWT-100 has a unique 3-Stage Emergency Stop function. Some
stages will not be supported on certain DCC systems. Stage 1 is support-
ed under all DCC systems that communicate via the WiThrottle Protocol.
LCC supports all 3 stages.
Stage 1: Press the E-Stop button once to bring your current locomotive
to a stop.
Stage 2: Quickly press the E-Stop button again to stop all of the locomo-
tives on the layout.
Stage 3: Quickly press the E-Stop button a third time to turn layout power
off completely.
When E-Stop is initally pressed, a small countdown timer will appear in
the drive window. Pressing the E-Stop button again before the timer runs
out will escalate the E-Stop to the next stage. To release any of these
stages of E-Stop, wait until the countdown has nished and press the
E-STOP button again.
E-Stop stages can be disabled in the “E-Stop Settings” menu.
11

Consisting
It is common for operators to create and disband Multiple Unit “MU” con-
sists during operating sessions. The UWT-100 features a simple method
for quickly creating and managing consists that is completely self-
contained in the throttle. This method is konwn as “in-throttle” consisting
which operates independently of the command station. In-throttle consist-
ing can be used in conjunction with or independently of decoder-based
“advanced” consists.
The UWT-100 consisting system is capable of controlling the speed,
direction, and functions for all locomotives within a consist. The UWT-100
can also select JMRI-created and managed consists.
Our consisting system features “in-cab control” which allows the user to
select the lead locomotive of the consist, effectively putting you “in the
cab” as an operator. The Enter button can be used to quickly page
through consist members and select the active cab.
Managing Consists
When a consist is created, the current cab address will become the rst
member of that consist. The following options in the “Consisting” menu
can be used to manage consists.
Add Loco To Consist
Enter the address of the locomotive to be added, or select from a list.
Pressing the button changes the direction of the locomotive being
added to the consist.
View Current Consist
Shows all members of current consist and their direction within the con-
sist. Selecting a locomotive from the consist provides options to switch to
that cab, remove that member, or change direction.
Clear Current Consist
Dispands the consist, returning all locomotives to independent operation.
Consist Functions
Determines what functions are assigned to the consist or to the selected
cab.
12

Yard Mode
Yard Mode is a special operations mode of the UWT-100 that is suited
especially for switching movements. Yard Mode allows users to quickly
and conveniently switch between a slow forward speed, a stopped loco-
motive, and a slow backwards speed without managing individual speed
steps. Users may adjust the speed at which their locomotive travels,
select between two different speeds for each direction, and quickly stop
the locomotive when needed.
To enable or disable Yard Mode, select “Yard Mode” in the “Operations”
menu. When you are in Yard Mode, the direction indicator on the Drive
Window will show a letter “Y” instead of an arrow. To drive the locomotive
forward, press and hold the or button. Your locomotive will drive
forward as long as the button is held down. To drive in reverse, press and
hold the or button. Releasing the button will return the speed to
zero and your locomotive will come to a stop.
Latching
Users may “latch” or lock-in the current direction and speed of their loco-
motive by quickly double pressing any of the four buttons.
This can be useful if an operator needs to operate locomotive functions
or drive for a longer distance. The locomotive will maintian speed and
direction until any button is pressed again, releasing the
latch.
Speed Adjustment
Yard Mode default speeds can be changed during operation. Use the
scroll wheel while holding a chevron button or while the locomotive
is latched to increase or decrease the speed of the locomotive. Both
speeds can be adjusted independently. Your speed adjustments for Yard
Mode will be retained until the throttle is powered off.
The default speed of Yard Mode for the single chevrons is the same
as the Fast Increment speed of the throttle, and the double chevrons
default to twice that speed. This can be changed in the “Drive
Settings” menu.
13

Throttle Reset
If for any reason the throttle encounters a problem that it cannot recover
from, the LED ashlight blinks a diagnostic code, which may be helpful to
TCS support. If you encounter this condition, it can be cleared by remov-
ing and reinserting the batteries.
In the event that removing the batteries from the UWT-100 does not
solve the problem, a factory reset may be performed. Navigate to Menu
> Settings > Factory Reset. Performing a factory reset will erase all
network proles, user settings, and throttle settings. After performing a
factory reset, you will need to re-enter your WiFi connection information
as outlined in the section “First-Time Setup.”
Warranty Information
Train Control Systems, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects
in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a
period of one (1) year from the original invoice date. Please visit our web-
site for additional warranty information.
Support and Contact
If you experience issues with your UWT-100 unit or would like to speak
with a technical support representative, please contact us.
TCS Technical Support
[email protected]
[phone]
14

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
This symbol means that according to local laws and regulations your product and/or its battery shall
be disposed of separately from household waste. When this product reaches its end of life, take it to a
collection point designated by local authorities. Proper recycling of your product will protect human health
and the environment.
Safety and Regulatory Information
Train Control Systems Inc.
845 Blooming Glen Rd, Blooming Glen, PA 18911 USA
https://tcsdcc.com/contact
Model: UWT-100
FCC ID: 2AUJ6-UWT100
IC: 25442-UWT100
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
SAR (CE/AU/NZ): Measured Value: 0.204 W/kg (Limit 2.0 W/kg)
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
FCC 15.21 Changes or modi cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user‘s authority to operate
the equipment.
FCC 15.105 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip-
ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ISED warning RSS-Gen 8.4
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.”
European Users
• Hereby, Train Control Systems Inc. declares that the radio equipment type UWT-100
(WiFi) is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet ad-
dress: https://tcsdcc.com/DoC
• RF Exposure Information (SAR)
This device has been tested and meets applicable limits for Radio Frequency (RF) exposure. Speci c Absorption Rate (SAR) refers to the rate
at which the body absorbs RF energy. SAR limits are 1.6 Watts per kilogram (over a volume containing a mass of 1 gram of tissue) in countries
that follow the United States FCC limit and 2.0 W/kg (averaged over 10 grams of tissue) in countries that follow the Council of the European
Union limit. Tests for SAR are conducted using standard operating positions with the device transmitting at its highest certi ed power level in all
tested frequency bands. To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a hands-free accessory or other similar option to keep this device away from
your head and body. Carry this device at least 5 mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels.
Choose the belt clips, holsters, or other similar body-worn accessories which do not contain metallic components to support operation in this
manner. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a
manner that has not been tested or certi ed, and use such accessories should be avoided.
• Caution: risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
Train Control Systems Inc. EU Support Contact Information:
PO Box 17749, BROMSGROVE, B60 9NJ, UNITED KINGDOM
To access the certi cation and compliance details of your UWT-100 follow the steps below
1) Power on the UWT-100 by pressing button 2 until the screen lights up and then pressing button 2 again.
2) Press the Menu ( ) button, scroll to [Settings], and press Enter ( )
3) Scroll to [Regulatory] from the [Settings] menu, and press Enter ( ).
You can now read and review the e-labelling details of your UWT-100
E-Labelling, Compliance and Certifi cation
15

UWT-100 OVERVIEW
For more information about your UWT-100 device, please visit our website.
www.tcsdcc.com
UWT-100 QSG Revised Jan 2020