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Train Trek Layout Simulation™ Communications Setup |
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| Serial Port Communication Setup | |
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Before running your digital layout, you need to setup the communication protocol between Train Trek Layout Simulation™ (LS)™ and the Märklin interface (6051). Train Trek Layout Simulation™ (LS)™ is equipped with an automatic communication setup utility that is already pre-set for Märklin Digital Interface unit (6051). All you need to do is to setup the PORT.
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| Activating the Auto Communication Setup Utility | |
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To activate the Auto Communication setup utility, simply click on the 'System' pull-down menu and select: 'Properties'.
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| Communication PORT setup | |
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The Communication Auto Setup utility is already pre-set with the Märklin Interface setup (8 data bits, 2400 Baud Rate, 2 Stop bits, No Handshaking). Simply select the PORT that is connected to the Märklin Interface. Typically, your computer will have at least two (2) PORTS. One port is for Modem use. The second PORT is an available communication PORT (9 PIN DB).
it is recommended to leave all other parameters as default since it was tested successfully with Marklin Digital system.
Other Communication Parameters: 1. Character - This is the delay of characters. Each time that the computer is sending a character a minimum delay is needed so the Interface (6051) can understand the command. It is recommended to leave it on 0. 2. Command - This is the delay between the computer commands. The default is 300 mS. It is recommended to leave this value (300) since it was successfully tested with the interface (6051) 3. Power On - This is the delay to turn the system Power ON/OFF. It is recommended to leave this value (400) since it was successfully tested with the interface (6051) 4. Clicking on the Turnouts tab reviles the next setup:
Solenoid - This delay is needed to send commands to any solenoid based device. It can be turnouts or any accessory using a solenoid. It is recommended to leave this value (100) since it was successfully tested with the interface (6051). Recharge - This delay is for de-activating the solenoid. To complete the communication setup simply click on the 'Close' button. That's It! You are ready to test the connection between Train Trek Layout Simulation™ (LS)™ and the Märklin Interface unit (6051). Warning! Without the correct communication setup Train Trek Layout Simulation™ will not be able to control your layout!
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| Testing for 'Active' Communication | |
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The simplest and quickest way to do so is to turn the system's POWER ON/OFF. In the 'Information Panel', click on the 'Toggle Connection' button (see figure below). This button is aimed to switch between the simulator and the controller. In order to control the trains, you must switch to Controller mode. In this mode only, you can turn the system's power ON/OFF and control digital components.
After switching to Controller Mode (Observe the window caption [Controller]), you may click on the Power Button to turn the system's power ON/OFF. Click on the power button few times and observe the Märklin Interface Power Indicator (Red LED Light). It should turn ON when the POWER button is turned ON and OFF when the POWER button is in the OFF position.
If you are able to turn the system's power ON/OFF then... That's It!
Your communication has successfully been established and you are ready to run your layout! If you are NOT able to turn the system's power ON/OFF, re-open the Communication Auto Setup window and change the PORT settings. For example: If your setup was on PORT #1 change it to PORT #2. Then try to turn the system's POWER ON/OFF again. Typically a computer is equipped with at least two (2) communication PORTS. If your computer is equipped with more than two (2) PORTS then try each one of them to establish communication successfully. Tayden Design Technical Publications |
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