10
HEP MODE: CONSISTING
Every DCC system treats consisting a little bit differently. On some systems, you will
need to put your locomotives into Run before you consist them. On most systems, you
can decide which functions are controlled by consist address so you can switch all of
your units into Run simultaneously. This is the main reason why we simulated HEP in a
locomotive that doesn’t have HEP at all.
LOCOMOTIVE ADDRESS
Your Rapido NPCU comes from the factory with a decoder address of 3. We suggest if
you are using DCC control that you first test that the locomotive responds on address 3.
Once you have verified that the locomotive is responding you should assign it a unique
address (we suggest the road number of the locomotive) before going any further. This
can be done either on your programming track (recommended) or on the main if your
system supports programming on the main. Be aware however that if you do program
the locomotive on the main and you have any other locomotives on your layout assigned
to address 3 (the normal default address for new locomotives) that ALL of them will likely
also be changed to your new address! Also be aware that if you give your locomotive a
four-digit address it will not work at all if you try to run it on a friend’s DC layout.
Also please keep in mind that some DCC systems do not have sufficient power to
program sound-equipped locomotives on the mainline. If your sounds do not operate
correctly on a Digitrax DCC system, this likely means that you need to clear the memory
on your system, achieved by “clearing slot #36.” A basic summary of how to do this
can be found on the NPCU page in the Support section of our web site. More detailed
information can be found on the Digitrax web site.
If you have a really old DCC system, you may find that this locomotive won’t work at
all – nor will many other new models. Go update DCC your system to a newer version.
Your mobile phone is updated regularly. Your DCC system should be updated as well.
TURN ON THE SOUND
Unlike every other unit we’ve produced in the past, pressing F8 does not initiate the
startup sequence followed by the engine idling. That’s because we’re pretending there
is no prime mover in the NPCU, just like the real thing. The other sounds are still enabled
by default, but toggling F8 just turns turns the air conditioner on the cab roof on and off.
Note that if you are listening to the air conditioner running smoothly on your NPCU and
then you select another engine with your throttle, your locomotive still thinks F8 is pressed
so the air conditioner will keep humming along. However, if someone else selects your
locomotive’s number and F8 isn’t pressed on their controller, the air conditioner will
promptly shut down. They will need to press F8 again to keep their crew cool.
