PTB-100

Programming:

SoundTraxx: PTB-100

Summary: SoundTraxx's programming track booster is used to program sound decoders when the programming outputs of the command station alone cannot.

See more Misc DCC Items

General information
DCC Category Programming
Manufacturer	SoundTraxx
MSRP	69.95 USD71.21 EUR <br />62.30 GBP <br />105.72 AUD <br />94.37 CAD <br />
Compare Prices	Latest Prices
Manufacturer Part Number	829002
Common Name
UPC Number	812165021239
Release information
Product URL	Product Link
Manual URL	Manual Link
Has computer interface	None
Firmware Upgrade Possible
Year Released
Year EOL
Predecessor
Successor
Misc Details
Height
Length
Width

PTB-100 Programming Track Booster

How to connect a PTB-100 to your programming track.

The PTB-100 is a small PCB with 6 leads (three pairs.)

They are connected as follows:

Black pair, one to each of the power supply connections for your booster.
- An external power supply will also work. If the voltage is too low the PTB-100 may not work well.
Orange pair, one to each rail of your programming track
Yellow pair, one to each programming terminal on your booster

Note: recommended power supply is a maximum of 18VAC or 22VDC. Minimum input voltage for reliable operation is 12VAC or 14VDC. A dedicated 15VDC 500mA power supply will also work.

The PTB-100 can be permanently installed. See Programming Track for more information.

Important: The PTB-100 or any programming track booster is connected to the program track output of the booster. Never connect it to the Track outputs!; The programming track outputs must never be connected to the main track power!

Operation

The PTB-100 will automatically connect to the programming track whenever you start programming operations. A small, surface mounted green LED indicates the status. Slow flashing means it is safe to place a locomotive on the track (no power). Once you change to programming mode, the LED may be lit constantly. Depending on your command station, it may stay on, or only come on during a programming operation, and return to a flashing state when the operation is complete.

If the programming track is part of the layout, the PTB-100 must be physically disconnected from the track before normal track power is restored. See Programming Track.

Only remove the locomotive when the green LED is flashing.
The yellow LED blinks when DCC commands are being sent. If it doesn't there is something wrong. The decoder must be connected to a load (motor) for it to work.
The red LED indicates a fault, such as a short, when blinking slowly. Remove the locomotive and wait 30 seconds for the reset cycle to complete. Rapid blinking indicates power supply voltage is too low.

PTB-100 Video

Avoid problems programming your decoders by understanding the differences between a programming track and your main line. In this video, George explains the difference between adjusting your decoder CVs on a programming track and on the mainline, discusses the PTB-100 programming track booster, and dispels a common programming on the main myth. Watch now to learn more!

Notes

According to SoundTraxx, a programming track booster is not needed with a Lenz LZV100 or Zimo's MX1 (no longer available).
When programming a QSI decoder using JMRI DecoderPro, turn off the verbal response, as the commands are sent so quickly that the verbal response will cause problems.
Do not use a programming track booster with NCE's Power Cab.
A programming track booster may not be needed for the Soundtraxx Tsunami-2 (TSU-2) or Econami series DCC Decoders.

Connections

PTB-100 FAQs

No FAQs link to this page.

PTB-100

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