Viessmann Commander 5300 User manual

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 1
Commander Reference Manual
Operation ContentEditorsPCApp.Index
Reference
Manual
Commander
5300
Version 1.0
The actual version is available for
download on the internet:
www.viessmann-commander.de

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 2
0
Operation
Content
Editors
PC
App.
Index
5300
Commander
Reference Manual
prod. nr.: 92375
version: 1.0 (11.2009),
applies for Commander with software version 1.052 or higher.
Viessmann
Modellspielwaren GmbH
Am Bahnhof 1
D - 35116 Hatzfeld (Eder)
Editorial staff: Martin Kosa, Michael Fuhs, Georg Fuhs, Ingo Planert
Translation: Margit Otto
© 2009 Viessmann Modellspielwaren GmbH
All rights reserved. Errors and omissions excepted, subject to alteration due to technical improvements
and rights to alteration of terms of delivery without notice reserved. All electrical information and mecha-
nical measure indications without warranty. Excluded from the guarantee are defects resulting from incor-
rect use. The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any damage and consequential damage resul-
ting from the improper use of this product as e.g. non-compliance with the operating instruction, improper
handling, structural modications on your own authority etc.. Liability in such case rests with the user. Not
suitable for children under 14 years. Risk of injury can result from improper use.
Märklin is a registered trade mark of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, Göppingen (Germany). RailCom is a re-
gistered trade mark of Lenz Elektronik GmbH, Gießen (Germany). All other trade marks are ownership of
the respective owner of the legal rights.
Any copy or reproduction of this documentation is only allowed on the prior written authority of Viessmann.

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 3
Commander Reference Manual
Operation
Content
Editors
PC
App.
Index
Table of Content
1.0.1 Multifunction Button Switching on – Switching off 5
1.0.2 Multifunction ButtonEmergency Stop Functions 6
1.1.1.1 Running a train Control panels 7
1.1.1.2 Running a train Selection of a locomotive 8
1.1.1.3 Running a train Control of a locomotive 9
1.1.1.4 Running a train Additional functions of a locomotive 10
1.1.1.5 Running a train Multiple-unit running (multiple heading) 11
1.1.2.1 Switching Devices Turnouts and Signals 13
1.1.2.2 Switching Devices Uncoupling rails 14
1.1.2.3 Switching Devices Accessories 15
1.1.2.5 Switching Switching routes manually 17
1.1.3 Automatic Operation Basics 19
1.1.3.1 Automatic Operation Block sections 21
1.1.3.1 Automatic Operation Block sections (2) 23
1.1.3.2 Automatic Operation Shuttle train (1) 25
1.1.3.2 Automatic Operation Shuttle train (2) 27
1.1.3.2 Automatic Operation Shuttle train (3) 31
1.1.3.3 Automatic Operation Shadow station control 35
1.2.1 Displaying modes of the Commander Locomotive mode 43
1.2.2 Displaying modes of the Commander Locomotive and track diagram mode 44
1.2.3 Displaying modes of the Commander Track diagram mode 45
1.2.4 Displaying modes of the Commander Direct mode 46
1.2.5 Displaying modes of the Commander Route indication 47
1.2.6 Displaying modes of the Commander Zoom function 48
1.3.1 Operating modes Overview 49
1.3.2 Operating modes Application of the operating modes 50
2.1 Locomotive Editor Overview 51
2.1.1 Locomotive Editor Index Card 1 ‒picture and name 53
2.1.2 Locomotive Editor Index Card 2 ‒Additional functions 55
2.1.3 Locomotive Editor Index Card 3 ‒Driving behaviour 57
2.1.4 Locomotive Editor Index Card 4 ‒decoder setup 58
2.1.5 Locomotive Editor Index Card 5 ‒speed step ramp 59
2.1.6 Locomotive Editor Index Card 6 ‒CV programming 60
2.1.7 Locomotive Editor Index Card 7 ‒speed step preselection 61
2.1.8 Locomotive Editor Index Card 8 ‒locomotive list 63
2.2.1 Turnout- and Signal Editor Overview 65
2.2.2 Turnout- and Signal Editor Adjustments 66
2.3.1 Feedback Overview 67
2.3.2 Feedback Assignment of addresses 68
2.3.3 Feedback Editor Real and virtual feedback decoder 69
2.3.4 Feedback Editor Allocation of track sections 70
2.4.1 Route Editor Overview 71
2.4.2 Route Editor Index Card 1 and 1a 73
2.4.3 Route Editor Index Card 2 – Calling up 75
2.4.4 Route Editor Index Card 3 – feedback 77
2.4.5 Route Editor Index Card 4 – Commands 79

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 4
Operation
Content
Editors
PC
App.
Index
2.4.6 Route Editor Index Card 5 – switching track function 81
2.4.7 Route Editor Index Card 6 – destination contacts 83
2.4.8 Route Editor Index Card 7 – cancellation commands 85
2.4.9 Route Editor Index Card 8 – safety matrix 87
2.4.10 Route Editor Index Card 9 – Illumination 89
2.5.1 Track Diagram Editor Overview and procedure 91
2.5.2 Track Diagram Editor Explication of the symbol-eld types 93
2.6.1 System Parameters Protocol formats / booster adjustments 95
2.6.2 System Parameters Starting mode 96
2.6.3 System Parameters Language 97
2.6.4 System Parameters Model time 98
2.6.5 System Parameters Display 99
2.7.1 E/A Device Editor LSB devices 101
2.7.2 E/A Device Editor s88 devices 103
2.7.3 E/A Device Editor Roco feedback modules 105
3.1.1 Software Update Basics 107
3.1.2 Software Update Procedure 108
3.2.1 Locomotive Picture Editor Overview 109
3.2.2 Locomotive Picture Editor Transfer locomotive pictures 110
3.3.1 Data Backup Backup Commander data on PC 111
3.3.2 Data Backup Restore data to the Commander 112
4.3 Factory Settings Restore factory default settings 113
4.4.1 Conguration Variables CV-table 115
4.5.1 Symbol Table Universal switching touch elds 117
4.5.2 Symbol Table Universal switching touch elds 118
5.1.1 Tips & Tricks Locomotives – locomotive lighting 119
5.2.1 Tips & Tricks Accessories ‒Roco-Booster 120
5.2.2 Tips & Tricks Accessories ‒programming a decoder 121
5.2.3 Tips & Tricks Accessories ‒three-way turnout 122
Index 123

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 5
Commander Reference Manual
1.0.1
Operation
1.0.1 Multifunction Button
Switching on – Switching off
Introduction
The illuminated multifunctional pushbutton on the
top right of the Commander serves as on / off and
emergency stop key.
You switch the Commander on and off by this illu-
minated pushbutton. Additionally you can activate
two different emergency stop functions to stop all
trains immediately. The respective operating status
of the device is indicated by the pushbutton being
specically illuminated.
The schedule on the right illustrates the signica-
tion of the different illuminating modes.
Turn on the Commander
Connect the Commander to an appropriate power
supply following the short operating instruction, be-
fore switching on the device .
The Commander can also be operated when not
connected to a layout e.g. in order to update the
software or to draw track diagrams.
To turn the Commander on:
► Press the multifunctional pushbutton on the top
right of the device till it is illuminated green
(approx. 1-2 seconds).
The display will be illuminated and the Commander
boots up the software. The display indicates vari-
ous program starting modes.
The Commander shows the actually installed soft-
ware version on the top right of the display.
The Commander takes approx. 15 seconds to boot
up. After that the Commander will show a pre-pro-
grammed starting displaying mode. You will nd
more information about the various system set-ups
and the starting mode options in chapter 2.6.2.
Turn off the Commander
Never switch off the Commander by simply cutting
off the power supply. Aloss of data may occur.
Always execute a proper shut down using the mul-
tifunctional pushbutton. You can cut the power sup-
ply afterwards, e.g. by a multi plug socket outlet
(power strip) with on / off switch.
To turn the Commander off:
► Press the multifunctional pushbutton on the top
right of the device till it is illuminated red and a
window opens up on the display (> 3 seconds).
In case there is any automatic operating mode ac-
tivated when switching off the Commander, a red
warning window pops up:
► Tip on the touch eld “ INTERRUPT AUTOMA-
TIC”, in order to conrm the switching off com-
mand.
If there is no automatic operating mode activated
when switching off the Commander, a green win-
dow pops up:
► Conrm the question if the Commander should
be switched off by a tip on the touch eld “YES”.
The Commander saves the latest operating data
and the display will darken till it is off.
Button Light Description
off Device is off
blinking
green Device is starting
green Device turned on, normal operating
mode
blinking
red / green
Device turned on,
emergency stop,
track power on
red Device turned on, emergency stop,
track power off
blinking
red Device shuts down

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 6
1.0.2
Operation
1.0.2 Multifunction Button
Emergency Stop Functions
Emergency stop function in multiprotocol
environment (Märklin-Motorola and DCC):
The digital emergency stop commands emit-
ted from the Märklin-Motorola system differ
from those of the DCC system . They are not
compatible. This is the reason why the emer-
gency stop 1 function is only available for
each digital system separately.
To ensure that the Commander doesn’t
boot up in the multiprotocol mode, please
make sure:
► To adjust the protocol/ booster settings to
the respective digital system. If necessary,
please deactivate the option “Motorola
scanning active” ( → chapter 2.6.1.)
Emergency Stop functions
The Commander is equipped with stepwise wor-
king emergency stop functions to stop all trains on
your layout immediately.
You can activate the different emergency stop func-
tions via the multifunctional button. You‘ll nd the
description of procedure and functions below.
In case of a multiprotocol exploitation of the digital
systems Märklin-Motorola and DCC, only the emer-
gency stop 2 function is available, due to the tech-
nical differences between the two systems. You‘ll
nd more information in the box down below.
Emergency Stop 1
This emergency stop step will stop all trains imme-
diately. The track power will stay on.
Activation of emergency stop 1:
► Push the multifunctional pushbutton once in or-
der to activate the emergency stop 1. The Com-
mander transmits a stop-command to all trains.
Cancellation of emergency stop 1:
► Give the multifunctional pushbutton one short
push in order to deactivate the emergency stop
1. Letting off the pushbutton the emergency
stop 1 will simultaneously be annulled. The illu-
mination of the pushbutton will turn to constant
green again and the trains will continue running.
Emergency Stop 2
This emergency stop step will stop all trains im-
mediately cutting off the track power. The func-
tion “emergency stop 2” is also available in case of
a multiprotocol exploitation of the digital systems
Märklin-Motorola and DCC on your layout.
The moment the Commander detects a short circuit
on your layout, the emergency stop 2 will automati-
cally be activated.
Activation of emergency stop 2:
► Press the multifunctional pushbutton till the il-
lumination will turn to constantly red in order to
activate the emergency stop 2. The Commander
cuts off the power supply of the rail exit outputs.
Cancellation of emergency stop 2:
► Push shortly the multifunctional pushbutton
once in order to deactivate the emergency stop
2. Letting off the pushbutton the emergency
stop 2 will simultaneously be annulled. The illu-
mination of the pushbutton will turn to constant
green again and the trains will continue running.
► Remove all locomotives belonging to the
other digital system from the control pa-
nels. Replace them by appropriate locomo-
tives. Ensure this for both displaying mo-
des “locomotives and track diagram” and
“Locomotives”. If necessary, please delete
all locomotives belonging to the “wrong” di-
gital system which you don’t need from the
locomotive data bank. (→ chapter 1.1.1.2
and 1.2 and 2.1.8)
► Adjust the starting behaviour setting of the
locomotives to “speed step 0, additional
functions deactivated” (→ chapter 2.6.2).
► Ensure that all attachment devices (points,
signals etc.) are operating with the same
digital system as the locos (→ chapt. 2.2).

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 7
Commander Reference Manual
1.1.1.1
Operation
1.1.1.1 Running a train
Control panels
Introduction
The control panels guarantee a comfortable con-
trol of your locomotives. The ergonomic arrange-
ment enables you to operate and control your loco-
motives ambidextrously. At the time you always will
have a free view of the entire main display.
The Commander has two equivalent control pa-
nels. They are on the right and left side of the dis-
play, composed of a handle rotary speed control
knob with intelligent turn stop adjusted to the actu-
ally controlled locomotive. Furthermore you will nd
two direction- buttons, displayed indications and
touch elds for the selection of locomotives, additi-
onal functions, speed and direction of travel.
Conception
The illustration shows the different components of a
control panel. You have the full view of all relevant
touch elds and information.
The rotary speed control knobs have a dynamic
evaluation. This feature avoids the necessity of ha-
ving to turn the speed control knob several times
to increase speed from step 0 to step 128 and to
decrease reversely , in case that a locomotive is
programmed on “speed step 128”(see chapter
1.1.1.3).
Rotary speed control knob with intelligent turn
stop adjusted to the actually controlled loco-
motive. Turning clockwise, you accelerate the
speed. You decelerate the speed by turning it
anti-clockwise.
Two direction-buttons for the selection of the re-
spective direction of travel.
Function-touch elds: in order to choose the ad-
ditional functions of a locomotive by a touch-tip-
ping.
Locomotive-selection eld to call up the list of
locomotives. The Commander shows a locomo-
tive icon of your free choice in this eld as well
as the address and the name of the locomotive.
Speed indication eld: The Commander indica-
tes the actual speed of the locomotive (speedo-
meter and speed steps) and the direction of tra-
vel.
Speedometer
The pointer instrument of the speedometer visua-
lizes the selected speed step. The indication de-
pends on the speed step programmed in the loco-
motive decoder.
The colour of the pointer indicates the digital format
used for the control of the locomotive:
► red = Märklin / Motorola
► yellow = DCC
The digital display shows the actually adjusted
speed step or visualizes the speed numerically
(km/h). Thus an exact control of the locomotive is
possible.
Emergency Stop
If you want to stop a single actually cont-
rolled locomotive immediately, just press the
speed- control knob associated with the res-
pective engine.

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 8
1.1.1.2
Operation
Scroll through
lists and data-
base.
Leaf
through
1.1.1.2 Running a train
Selection of a locomotive
Introduction
The Commander has an integrated database with
1000 locomotive-data records. Each record con-
tains details about the locomotive address, de-
scription/design series among other information
concerning the respective engine. A photo of the lo-
comotive can be assigned to each data-record. The
Commander can administrate up to100 photos ma-
ximum at the same time.
The saved locomotives are represented in a clearly
arranged locomotive-list. The list is subdivided into
four different sub-lists, which can contain up to 25
locomotives each:
► steam locomotives
► diesel locomotives
► electrical locomotives
► museum locomotives
Selection of a locomotive
You can shift through the locomotive lists using the
navigator. In case you want to exchange the loco-
motive assigned to one of the two control panels,
proceed as following:
► Touch the locomotive icon of the respective con-
trol panel. A loco-list will pop up showing all sa-
ved locomotives.
► The navigator enables you to select a sub list, to
have a look at it and to scroll it up and down.
Leaf through:
Move the navigator to the left or to the right.
Scroll:
Move the navigator in the respective direction in
order to scroll up or down .
► You can pick out the locomotive either by tou-
ching the appropriate icon, or by using the navi-
gator. The background of the selected locomo-
tive will turn red.
► You only have to touch the description-field or
the icon of the selected locomotive in order to
transfer it to the chosen control panel. Alterna-
tively, you can press the navigator to hand the
locomotive over.
In addition to the photo the representation of a lo-
comotive- data record visualizes the design series,
the digital format and the address. Take one look
and you know which engine is concerned.
All settings of the locomotive data are done with
the locomotive editor (see chapter 2.1).
Tip: automatic train identication
The Commander automatically identies the
locomotive standing on the programming
track. During the scanning process the Com-
mander queries not only the address but
also other information. The automatic train
identication on the programming track only
operates if the rst locomotive list (steam lo-
comotives) has at least one position free.

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 9
Commander Reference Manual
1.1.1.3
Operation
1.1.1.3 Running a train
Control of a locomotive
Introduction
The speed control knobs of the Commander are
equipped with an intelligent function which enables
you to comfortably control locomotives even with
128 speed steps. The speed control knob reacts to
a quick turn in such a manner that several speed
steps are skipped at the same time. Thus a sensi-
tively measured out run is possible without having
to turn the speed control knob several times, even
if many speed steps are skipped.
All functions of a locomotive can be called up com-
fortably by touch elds. You have the free choice of
up to ve functions which are always immediately
accessible by priority-function keys.
Control of a locomotive
The speed of a locomotive can be adjusted sensi-
tively by the respective speed control knob. Turning
clockwise the train will accelerate. You slow down
the train by turning the knob anti-clockwise.
See also chapter 1.1.1.1 control panels.
Changing the direction of travel
You can determine the direction of travelling of the
locomotive by the two direction-buttons.
In case you operate with the old format of the Mo-
torola digital system, a direct assignment of a spe-
cic direction of travel to one of the direction but-
tons is not possible. Each pressing of one of the
two direction-buttons then will result in a change of
direction.
Additional functions
The additional functions of your locomotive can be
switched with the Commander comfortably and in-
tuitively. For more information, see the next chap-
ter.
Emergency stop for one loco
To stop a single actually controlled locomotive im-
mediately, just press the speed- control knob attri-
buted to the respective engine. The Locomotive will
only continue to move as long as the inertia-mass
of the train pushes it forward.
Notice:
A locomotive controlled by a control panel
continuous running with the adjusted speed,
even if it is no longer displayed.
The new selected locomotive is taken over
with the previously adjusted speed.
The Commander will adapt the neutral posi-
tion of the speed control knob again. So you
can turn back to the neutral position of the
speed control knob individually for each loco-
motive.

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 10
1.1.1.4
Operation
F►
Additional function menu of a loco
1.1.1.4 Running a train
Additional functions of a locomotive
Introduction
Additional functions of a locomotive are all those
functions which are not directly connected with the
traction motor control.
You can dispose of different additional functions
depending on the digital system, the features (cha-
racteristics) of the decoder and the equipment of
the engine.
Typical additional functions are:
► light on/ off
► horn
► telex coupling
► steam generator
► pantograph raising / lowering
► and much more...
At the moment 13 functions are standardized for
the digital format DCC and 5 functions for the digi-
tal format Märklin-Motorola.
The Commander offers you also the function “multi-
ple-unit running”(multiple heading) in the additional
function- menu. Refer to chapter 1.1.1.5.
Additional functions
The locomotive editor enables you to transfer to the
respective touch elds various additional functions
available for the specic locomotive.
The priority-function keys allow you an immediate
access to your personal 5 favourite additional func-
tions of the locomotive-decoder.
The function keys always visualize the actual sta-
tus of the function displaying the respective sym-
bol. Thus you can immediately see if a function is
activated or not.
The assignment of a priority- function symbol to the
respective priority- function key is executed in the
locomotive editor.
Other additional functions can be operated in the
menu “ additional functions” by the touch eld
“F>”(see chapter 1.1.1.4).
Priority-function keys
The ve priority- function keys are always
displayed on the control panel and thus im-
mediately accessible.
Further additional functions are opened by
the touch eld “F>”. To close the menu “ad-
ditional functions” you only have to touch any
free place on the track diagram.
Notice:
The digital system as well as the decoder
type must support the range of functions you
want to operate with. The old digital format of
the Motorola system has the additional func-
tion “light(FO)” only. The new digital format
of the Motorola system offers the additional
functions F0 to F4 and F5 to F8.

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 11
Commander Reference Manual
1.1.1.5
Operation
Multiple heading editor for up to 5 locos
1.1.1.5 Running a train
Multiple-unit running (multiple heading)
Introduction
The Commander is equipped for the multiple hea-
ding-function. The traction of the train is accomplis-
hed by several coupled locomotives then, e.g. in
case of heavy trafc. Normally, locomotives off the
same design series with equal running qualities are
used for this purpose. This should be a guideline
on your layout too, in order to achieve an equaliza-
tion of weight.
Application
The set up of the multiple heading is done by the
additional function menu of the leading locomotive.
But rst you should shunt and couple the respec-
tive engines on the rail.
The Commander allows you to couple up to 5 trac-
tion units. One of them is the leading locomotive.
The control panel of the leading locomotive visua-
lizes a programmed multiple heading by an indica-
tion below the icon of the leading locomotive. You
will see an “M” followed by the number of additio-
nally participating locomotives.
All other locomotives coupled to this multiple hea-
ding will show the indication “MT” (see illustration
on the next page).
Multiple heading editor
The set up of a multiple-unit running is exe-
cuted via the control panel of the leading lo-
comotive. You call up the multiple heading
editor in the additional function menu of the
leading locomotive by pushing the symbol
represented down below.
Note:
All participating locomotives should work with
the same digital format. If using the DCC-
format they should also be adjusted to the
same speed steps. Otherwise you will have
an error message.

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 12
1.1.1.5
Operation
Multiple heading is indicated on the control panel
for all participating locomotives.
Procedure
► Assign the rst engine determined for the multi-
ple heading to one of the two control panels.
► Push the touch eld “multiple heading” in the
menu “additional functions” (see the previous
framed eld). You are now in the multiple hea-
ding editor.
► You put down the already coupled locomotives
on the traction list by selecting them one after
the other from the locomotive data bank.
Shift through the locomotive lists with the navi-
gator as usual.
► Add a locomotive by pushing the left pointing ar-
row key
► In case of an input error you can delete the lo-
comotive by touching the“delete”-key.
► Save the inputs and quit the menu.
► Control the multiple heading with the control pa-
nel of the leading locomotive.
► To cancel a multiple heading you delete all par-
ticipating locomotives by the multiple heading-
menu of the respective leading locomotive.

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 13
Commander Reference Manual
1.1.2.1
Operation
With the Commander you can even easily control signals (e.g. Ks-signals) with more than four aspects.
Comfortable switching with the Commander:
Simply tipping the respective functional mo-
del symbol on the track diagram...
... and then you touch the specic switching
command eld. You will never have to re-
member digital addresses again!
1.1.2.1 Switching Devices
Turnouts and Signals
Introduction
The track diagram offers you a most comfortable
possibility of switching turnouts and signals. Two
operations must be carried out to have a direct ac-
cess to all switching options (e.g. various signal as-
pects) and to avoid the switching by an accidental
touch on the other side:
1. selection of the object you want
2. selection of the switching command
Presupposition:
You must draw up the track diagram of your lay-
out rst (see chapter 2.5.). The objects have to be
set up in the turnout-/ signal editor then (see chap-
ter 2.2.).
The “direct mode” is another way of switching all
accessories. This mode requires no track diagram.
You only have to know the respective command
addresses.
Ks-Signals
Ks-signals can show more than four signal
aspects. The Commander enables you to
have an immediate access to each aspect.
The Commander displays all aspect options
(up to eight) in the switching eld area at the
top (see down below).
Procedure
► Touch the symbol of the functional model (turn-
out or signal) you want to switch on the track
diagram. The red frame of the cursor blinks and
thus marks the selected functional model. A
choice of different switching option symbols will
be displayed on switching touch elds appea-
ring between the two locomotive control panels.
► Touch the respective switching option symbol.
The Commander executes this command. The
new position is displayed on the track diagram.

Commander Reference Manual
Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 14
1.1.2.2
Operation
1.1.2.2 Switching Devices
Uncoupling rails
Introduction
With the Commander you can also comfortably
control uncoupling rails directly on the track dia-
gram. To avoid switching by an accidental touch on
the other side, you have to execute two operations:
1. Selection of the respective uncoupling rail on
the track diagram
2. Activation of the switching command
Presupposition:
For that purpose you must draw up the track dia-
gram of your layout (see chapter 2.5.). The objects
have to be set up in the turnout-/signal editor then
(see chapter 2.2.).
The “direct mode” is another way of switching all
accessories. This mode requires no track diagram.
You only have to know the respective command
addresses.
Procedure
► Touch the symbol of the uncoupling rail on the
track diagram.
The red frame of the cursor blinks and thus
marks the selected functional model. At the
same time the uncoupling symbol will light up on
a switching touch eld appearing between the
two locomotive control panels.
Impulse excitation time
of the uncoupling device
Most of the uncoupling devices have sole-
noid drives. They are activated by an elec-
tromagnet. The attracting time of this magnet
corresponds to the impulse excitation time
emitted from the solenoid device decoder.
Adjust the uncoupling time long enough for
the execution of the uncoupling procedure
(approx. 1 – 2 seconds).
► Touch this uncoupling symbol.
The Commander executes the uncoupling com-
mand. Completing period of the screwing-up of
the coupling depends on the actuation period
programmed in the “Turnout-/Signal editor”.

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Commander Reference Manual
1.1.2.3
Operation
Accessories like lamps, house lighting or mo-
ving gurines etc. can comfortably be cont-
rolled by the Commander too:
Just select the respective object and...
… activate the switching command by a sim-
ple tip on the respective switching symbol.
1.1.2.3 Switching Devices
Accessories
Introduction
Accessories like lamps, lanterns, house-lighting or
moving gurines can also be controlled easily by
the track diagram of the Commander. You have to
carry out two operations in order to avoid errors by
an accidental touch and to have immediate access
to all switching options nevertheless:
1. Selection of the respective accessory on the
track diagram
2. Activation of the switching command
Presupposition:
A drawn up track diagram of your layout must exist
and represent the different accessories (see chap-
ter 2.5). The objects have to be set up in the turn-
out-/ signal editor before (see chapter 2.2.).
The “direct mode” is another way of switching all
accessories. This mode requires no track diagram.
You only have to know the respective command
addresses.
Procedure
► Touch the symbol of the respective accessory
on the track diagram.
The red frame of the cursor blinks and thus
marks the selected functional model. At the
How to connect
the accessories
to the switching
decoder
All accessories
listed here need
same time the on /off switching symbols will be
shown between the two locomotive control pa-
nels.
► Touch the respective switching option symbol.
The Commander sends this specic switching
command to the accessory decoder.
continuous rating current for their operation.
Connect them to a so called. “continuous ra-
ting current switching decoder” (e.g. Viess-
mann 5209 or 5213)
For connecting, please follow the instructions
of the respective decoder.
To set up the switching decoders you use the
“turnout-/signal editor” as usual.

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1.1.2.4
Operation

Commander Reference Manual version 1.0 from 2009-12-03, page 17
Commander Reference Manual
1.1.2.5
Operation
1.1.2.5 Switching
Switching routes manually
Introduction
You can not only control single articles (locomo-
tives, turnouts, signals, accessories….) with the
Commander. The feature “route control” enables
you to call up series of articles on the track diagram
by tipping on few touch elds and to exploit routes
manually thus.
Playing options
You can put into action many different operating va-
riations.
Several players can take over different tasks, cor-
responding to reality. The pointsman e.g. swit-
ches the routes. He is thus the responsible per-
son for the operations on your layout as he would
be with the real railway. The engine drivers on the
other hand are running their locomotives according
to the permitted speed respectively and the as-
pects of the signals. In this case the switching com-
mands for a route are not allowed to comprise con-
trol commands for locomotives.
If there is only one player he can call up routes and
control the appropriate running of the trains at the
same time. This demands that control commands
for the locomotives are included in the switching
commands for a route.
Presupposition
A manual exploitation of routes requires the fol-
lowing preconditions:
►The track diagram of the layout is visualized on
the display of the Commander and has starting
point- and destination touch elds ( see chapter
2.5. track diagram editor)
►Turnouts and signals etc. can be controlled digi-
tally.
► The required touch elds and switching com-
mands are programmed in the form of routes in
the mode “ manual operation” (see chapter 2.4.
route editor).
Route editor
The formation and programming of routes in
the route editor is the precondition for the ex-
ploitation of routes. You‘ll nd more informa-
tion in chapter 2.4 .
Another option is that your layout is equipped with
feed back modules in order to indicate occupied
track sections. This is not absolutely necessary
when you call up routes in the manual, mode, but it
is recommendable anyway.
Functions
You can call up routes designed for manual ope-
ration in every operating mode of the Commander
(see chapter 1.3. Operating Modes).
In case of ank protection (one route locks another
one) e. g. in order to avoid collisions or cornering
you can not call up the route, not even manually .
The Commander indicates “route locked” then.
The simplest form of manually operated routes
doesn’t need any feed back information, running
commands for the locomotives or any cancellation
commands. The Commander switches all operation
commands of a programmed and called up route
by means of the respective starting point- and des-
tination touch eld combinations . In this case there
will be no ank protection or consideration of feed
back modules.
Procedure
In case of planning routes including running com-
mands for the locomotives, please respect the in-
formation concerning locomotives and train identi-
cation elds. (chapter 1.1.3)
Calling up routes
Following the example of the real railway, routes
are called up by tipping on starting point- respec-
tively destination keys on the track diagram (see il-
lustration on the next page):
► Dene the starting point key on the track dia-
gram by a ngertip. A touch eld “start” will ap-
pear at the top of the display.
Operating modes
You will nd more information concerning
this subject in chapter 1.3 “Operating Modes”

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1.1.2.5
Operation
► Push the “start” key.
The corresponding eld on the track diagram
will indicate an “S”, visualizing that it has been
chosen as starting point for a route.
► Then dene the destination point on the track
diagram by a tip. A touch eld “destination” will
appear at the top of the display.
► Push the “destination” key.
The corresponding eld on the track diagram
will indicate a “Z”, visualizing in this way that
it has been chosen as destination point for a
route.
A crossed out touch eld symbol (to delete the ip-
nuts) will appear at the top of the display. A text-
touch eld “FAHRSTRASSE XXX STELLEN”
(“SWITCH ROUTE XXX”) is displayed as well.
►If you want to call up the respective route,
push this text touch eld.
Multiple occupancy
of starting- and destination point keys.
You can use the once dened starting- and
destination point keys on the track diagrams
for several other purposes. One single key
can serve as starting or destination point for
different routes.
Which route will be called up by activating
two keys depends on the combination (com-
position) of the route.
The entry into a station on different rails can
be called up by one unique starting point key.
The Commander carries out the switching com-
mands for the route. If the route includes details
concerning destination feedback modules and run-
ning commands for the trains, they will be regar-
ded, respectively executed. At the end the route will
be cancelled following the cancellation commands.

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Commander Reference Manual
1.1.3
Operation
1.1.3 Automatic Operation
Basics
Introduction
With the Commander you can control layouts of
any size automatically either time controlled or de-
pending on events (incidents/actions). The automa-
tic operation (fully,-semi-) covers running of trains,
switching of additional functions of the locomotives,
switching of turnouts and signals as well as the
control of every single digitally controlled accessory
(lamps, level crossings,…..).
From the basic of the feature “route control” the
Commander can carry out automatic operations.
Routes control all running of the trains on your lay-
out in the automatic mode..
Presupposition
The following conditions have to be ensured for an
automatic operating:
► The track diagram of the layout is visualized on
the display of the Commander (see chapter 2.5.
track diagram editor).
► All rails where a train starts running are equip-
ped with “train identication elds” for the indica-
tion of the locomotive name.
► The layout is equipped with a feed back informa-
tion system.
► The feed back modules are set up in the Com-
mander and visualize occupied track sections
on the track diagram (see chapter 2.3. feed-
back-editor)
► Turnouts and signals etc. can be controlled digi-
tally.
► The respective locomotives you want to control
are standing at their starting positions (starting
point feedback sections) and they are correctly
displayed in the corresponding train identica-
tion elds.
Operating principle
Working in the automatic operating mode the Com-
mander checks every feed back section with re-
gard to its determination in the route- data bank
as starting point of a route. If this is the case, the
Commander looks for further requirements of the
respective route (respect feedback information,
Tip:
The Commander must have all information
concerning your layout as basis for the auto-
matic operating mode. Please do consult in
any case the following chapters:
► track diagram editor (chapter 2.5)
► feed back editor (chapter 2.3)
► route editor (chapter 2.4)
locking, …).The Commander switches the route
then if all conditions are accomplished. The swit-
ching criteria include also the running commands
for all set engines. The route is worked off by the
train running on its journey route. The moment the
train reaches the feed back section programmed
as destination point, the Commander executes
the route cancellation and works off the respective
switching commands e.g. stop of the train.
Using the automatic operating mode you can ex-
ploit two different operating mode options (see
chapter 1.3 operating modes).
Train identication elds (ZNR):
The Commander must know which loco-
motives should run on the respective rou-
tes in order to send the appropriate running
commands. In case the switching command
concerning a specic route indicates “LOK
ZUG-ID” (locomotive train identication), the
Commander transmits the control command
to the locomotive indicated in the train identi-
cation eld.
The Commander transfers train identica-
tions from one train identication eld (ZNR)
to another only when working in the automa-
tic operating mode. In the manual operating
mode the ZNR-eld indicates the last train
you have entered there, even when another
train is meanwhile standing at the place.
Check if the indications in the ZNR-elds
correspond to the real positions of the loco-
motives on your layout, before calling up au-
tomatic operating modes!

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1.1.3
Operation
1.1.3 Automatic Operation
Basics
Procedure
You can start the automatic operating mode if all
necessary conditions are accomplished.
Emplacement of the locomotives
to their starting position
Emplace hand controlled all trains to their intended
starting positions and enter them in the respective
train identication elds (ZNR-elds). The following
example makes every single step evident:
►Emplace the locomotive hand controlled to the
starting point feedback section of the route.
The corresponding track section and the ZNR-
eld will be illuminated red. A locomotive name
is indicated on the ZNR-eld at the same time.
 Touch the ZNR-eld.
A switching eld representing a locomotive icon
will appear on the switching area in the middle
of the display at the top.
Touch the locomotive icon.
A window will pop up in order to assign a loco-
motive to an ZNR-eld.
 By tipping on the locomotive icon marked “edit
train annunciation”(“ZUGMELDUNG EDITIE-
REN”) on the left, the locomotive list will open
up.
Choose the appropriate locomotive from the list
by tipping (see Chapter 1.1.1.2).
The window will close and the Commander indi-
cates the correct locomotive name in the ZNR-
eld now.
Calling up the automatic operating mode
You can call up the automatic operation when all lo-
comotives are at their correct starting point posi-
tions.
► Push the touch eld “ operating modes” at the
bottom right.
►Select one of the two automatic operating mode
options by tipping on the respective touch eld.
You will nd more information concerning the sub-
ject operating modes in the chapter 1.3.1. “opera-
ting modes”.