Re: Mini Commander EX Programming, Help Please

Jayhawk500OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I'm trying to program this mini-EX for my UPP 2066 project. I have been able to get the ENG ID set (66). Now I'm trying to program the the OPTION code. Since I'm going to be using LC-1 as "front light only" and LC-2 operates as a "Smoke unit". The Option Code should be zero (0).

So this is where I'm getting confused, Help me out here, I'm know I'm doing it wrong.

Program switch to PMG.
ENG ID (66) then SET 5 times to enter Soft Set Programming. Light flashes. YES, IT DOES. We're good up to this point.

Then ENG 66 Set, AUX1 and 0 for the smoke unit and headlight. Remove power, place configure switch back in RUN.
Apply power, ENG 66 Button 3 for start up or AUX1. AUX1 and BUTTON 9, Smoke unit should turn on and run. NOPE Nada!

What did I do wrong. Please help!

Thanks in advance.

***NOTE***
I just edited this to the procedure I used to get it to program.

12/1/244:25 PM

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Jayhawk500OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I have been able to get the Feature Code programmed in to the Mini EX. BUT, In order to get the smoke unit to operate I have to hold the 9 Button down on my Cab-1L. It won't just run on it's own.

Any Suggestions?

Also, what is the voltage output of LC1? I have 18 volts going in to the Mini EX but I have about 8 v AC output on LC1.

12/3/248:29 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

First off, lose the stupid Soft Set option and just use a program jumper or switch. You'll retain a lot more hair that way.

I found the MC-EX to be somewhat problematic for this use, that's why I came up with a simple PCB to use a standard R2LC for the dummy locomotives. The R2LC has well known programming and behavior, and the little motherboard allows you to connect all the necessary stuff to it. It supports lights, smoke, couplers, antenna, and a PGM switch.

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12/3/2411:27 AM

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Jayhawk500OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Email coming at you John!

Yes I was trying to do the Soft Set and use the pgm switch. But I still dont have a working smoke unit.

Thanks I'll be send an email directly.

12/3/244:26 PM

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Jayhawk500OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I think the LC2 output is turned off. I just downloaded the the Mini Commander Manual. I'm going to try and reconfigure the EX.

12/3/245:10 PM

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Jayhawk500OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Reconfiguring didn't work. Apparently that's only for the Mini Commander HC. Now I need to figure out how to turn on the LC-2 output.
Like I stated above holding BUTTON 9 the smoke unit runs and works. Let it go and it stops.

12/4/248:45 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Well, you can't run a smoke unit off the LC1 or LC2 outputs, they won't handle the current. Those are only little TO92 package triacs rated for a maximum of 400ma, and pushing 400ma through those gets them as hot as a pistol! Hooking any reasonable smoke unit to those will not last that long. The TO126 package for the high current outputs are barely enough for smoke units.

12/4/2411:54 AM

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