DCD improved

Author: Asbelos

docs/products/ex-commandstation/dc-running.md

@@ -3,50 +3,54 @@
 Using a DCC-EX Command Station to run a DC layout provides a number of advantages over conventional DC systems.
 
 - All Wifi and connected throttles will operate the same for DC and DCC
-- Momentum can be defined for acceleration and braking.
-- Multiple DC blocks can be independently controlled and reconfigured to allow crossing between blocks and polarity reversal.
-- EXRAIL automation can be used to run trains, create routes, switch block relays, control signals, manage reversing loops etcetera.
-- PWM Frequency can be adjusted to suit your locos and/or reduce noise.
+- Momentum can be defined for acceleration and braking
+- Multiple DC blocks can be independently controlled and reconfigured to allow crossing between blocks and polarity reversal
+- EXRAIL automation can be used to run trains, create routes, switch block relays, control signals, manage reversing loops etcetera
+- PWM Frequency can be adjusted to suit your locos and/or reduce noise with a touch of the F29-F31 keys
+- It is possible to run parts of the layout with DC and other parts with DCC at the same time (But do not leave a DC loco on a track configured for DCC)
 
 ## Basic funtionality
 
-The command station has Track Manager commands that can change each track output to DC with appropriate polarity.  By associating a numeric locoid with each track output the command station accepts incoming DCC throttle commands (Or EXRAIL automation commands) for that locoid and converts it to a DC output on every track output with the same locoid. 
+The command station has Track Manager commands that can change each track output to DC with appropriate polarity.  By associating a numeric locoid (1..10239 the same range as DCC) with each track output the command station accepts incoming DCC throttle commands (Or EXRAIL automation commands) for that locoid and converts it to a DC output on every track output with the same locoid.
 
-The throttles or EXRAIL are unaware that they are driving a DC track and so any DCC Throttle such as Engine Driver that can talk to DCC-EX will work for DC.
+The throttles or EXRAIL are unaware that they are driving a DC track and so any DCC Throttle such as Engine Driver that can talk to DCC-EX will work for DC. In effect, in DC mode, the throttle drives the track compared with DCC mode where the throttle drives the loco.
 
 Although the CSB-1 can be switched to DC operation by commands from the throttle (Engine Driver has a Track Manager panel to help do this) it is generally easier, for a fully DC layout, to configure it so that it starts up in the desired mode.
 
+Warning: The sometimes-suggested technique of using a DCC decoder to output to a DC track instead of a motor is NOT RECOMMENDED as most decoders are not tolerant of a short between the motor outputs. This means a common track short could destroy an expensive decoder.
+
 ## Configuring Default Outputs
 
-The same configuration method for DCC-EX Command Station is to use EXRAIL to define things like: 
+The normal configuration method for DCC-EX Command Station is to use EXRAIL to define things like:
 
 - What turnouts or signals you have and how they are electronically driven
 - What happens at startup
 - What routes can a throttle set
 - What automations can a throttle send a loco along
 - Buttons and lights on a mimic panel
 
-all of which apply equally to DC operation, plus: 
+all of which apply equally to DC operation, plus:
 
 - How track blocks are set for DC and which locoid thay are mapped to
 
-To start this you need to follow the [Installer process described here](/docs/installer/overview.md) and create an AUTOSTART section in your myAutomation.h file to set the track manager options suitable for your layout:
+To start this you need to follow the [Installer process described here](/installer/overview.md) and create an AUTOSTART section in your myAutomation.h file to set the track manager options suitable for your layout:
 
 ```cpp
 AUTOSTART 
    SETLOCO(1)
    SET_TRACK(A,DC)
+   SET_POWER(A,ON)
    SETLOCO(2)
    SET_TRACK(B,DC)
-   POWERON
+   SET_POWER(C,ON)
    DONE
 ```
 
-This sequence will run as the command station starts up it will 
+This sequence will run as the command station starts up it will
 
 - associate locoid 1 with track A and switch it to DC.
 - associate locoid 2 with track B and switch it to DC.
-- turn track power on. No power will be seen on the track until a throttle is used, but unless you POWERON the track will never receive power.
+- turn track power on. No power will be seen on the track until a throttle is used, but unless you SET_POWER ON the track will never receive power.
 
 Where the command station has 4 or more track outputs, you can also setup tracks C to H as appropriate.
 
@@ -62,24 +66,41 @@ EXRAIL ROUTEs (they go in the same file as the configuration setup above) are id
 ROUTE(12,"Drive from outer to inner loop")
   SETLOCO(1)
   SET_TRACK(B,DCX)  // reverse polarity on track B and treat as loco 1
+  SET_POWER(B,ON)
   THROW(100) THROW(101) // throw the turnouts that join the tracks
   DONE
   
 ROUTE(21,"Drive from inner to outer loop")
   SETLOCO(2)
   SET_TRACK(A,DCX)  // reverse polarity on track B and treat as loco 1
+  SET_POWER(A,ON)
   THROW(100) THROW(101) // throw the turnouts that join the tracks
   DONE
   
 ROUTE(99,"Restore tracks to normal")
   CLOSE(100) CLOSE(101)  // close the turnouts  
   SETLOCO(1)
-  SET_TRACK(A,DC)  
+  SET_TRACK(A,DC)
+  SET_POWER(A,ON)
+
   SETLOCO(2)
   SET_TRACK(B,DC)
+  SET_POWER(B,ON)
   DONE
 ```
 
 Notice that when you apply ROUTE(12), you are now driving on both tracks with the same loco id 1. Throttles attempting to drive loco id 2 will be ignored.
 
 As you get more advanced, the routes can be programmed to happen automatically or contain additional items such as signals, sounds, mimic panel control and so on.
+
+## Reversing Loops
+
+In contrast to DCC, a DC reversing loop must have the polarity to correctly represent the direction of the loco. Thus the loop part will require the polarity to control the direction of the train around the loop.
+while the train is in the loop, the main track leading into the loop must be switched to allow the train to exit the loop and continue back along the track without reversing the locomotive.
+There is no automatic polarity reversing for DC layouts, this must be programmed using EXRAIL to suit the topology of your layout.
+
+## More blocks
+
+The separate track outouts supplied by the Command Station represent the number of separate throttle ids that may be operating. Like any large DC layout, the switching of throttle outputs to multiple other blocks can still take place using mechanical switches or relays which can be controlled by suitable EXRAIL sequences. Power routing turnouts operate as normal but may be awkward if you are building a new layout with tyhe intention of running DCC later.
+
+If you have several throttles operating the same locoid, they will automatically synchronise with each other.

docs/products/ex-commandstation/exrail/cookbooks/dc-tracks.md

@@ -1,36 +1,3 @@
-# Set a track to DC
+# DC Track Control
 
-The command
-
-- ``SET_TRACK(t,mode)`` is used to change the way a track is used.  
-``SET_POWER(t, ON)``  - track is OFF following mode change.
-
-Using a ROUTE or other sequence, you can set a track to the correct DC polarity and specify the loco address that the throttle will use to drive the loco on that track.
-
-(The throttle doesn't need to know that you are using DC.)
-
-```cpp
- ROUTE(77,"Set track A to DC for loco 123")
-   SETLOCO(123)
-   SET_TRACK(A,DC)
-   SET_POWER(A,ON)
-   DONE
-```
-
-Modes DC or DCX are only different in that the polarity is reversed. This will be important if you have, for example, a double track mainline which is normally wired in opposite polarity so that 'forward' is clockwise on one track and anticlockwise on the other.
-To drive over a junction between the two, the 'to' track must be switched in polarity to match the 'from' track.
-
-For example:
-
-```cpp
-ROUTE(78,"Cross from outer to inner")
-  SETLOCO(123)
-  SET_TRACK(A,DC)
-  SET_TRACK(B,DCX)
-  SET_POWER(A,ON)
-  SET_POWER(B,ON)
-  THROW(6) // throw the crossover turnout(s)
-  DONE
-```
-
-See also the [facing turnouts](/products/ex-commandstation/exrail/cookbooks/turnouts/facing-turnouts.md) cookbook.
+Refer to [Running a DC layout](/products/ex-commandstation/dc-running.md)