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• Insulated Rail Joiners: HO - Item #55; N scale - Item #2538
• Mini flathead screwdriver
GETTING STARTED
Decoder Preparation
Before you can use your Commander, you must have a decoder installed in
any locomotive you wish to run in DCC mode. Please note
that Atlas Dual-
Mode Decoders factory-installed in HO scale Atlas locomotives come set-up in
Analog mode. To switch from Analog to Digital mode, please refer to the
instructions that came with your locomotive.
Setting Up Your Layout to Run DCC
Any analog layout that is run using a standard DC power pack can be con-
verted to run as a digital layout controlled by a DCC system. Here are the steps
to convert your layout to run DCC using the Atlas Commander:
(See Fig. 2 on page 4 for location of terminals on the Commander.)
1. Connect the Generator to the Commander. Connect terminals U & V
on the Commander to the output terminals of the Generator, using stranded
18-20 gauge wire. Please note
that you may use any 14 to 16VAC, 14 to
18VDC, 45va to 55va transformer in place of an Atlas Generator.
2. Connect the Commander to your track leads. Connect the wires from
your terminal joiners, or other track leads, to screw terminals J & K on the
Commander. Use 18-20 gauge stranded wire to extend your leads, if neces-
sary. IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE www.atlasrr.com
(in DCC section).
3. Create a Programming Track Section. The programming track section
allows you to program your decoder-equipped locomotive. First, you must iso-
late a section of track from your mainline (such as a siding), using plastic insu-
lated rail joiners. Second, connect the non-insulated end of your programming
track section (using terminal joiners or other track leads) to screw terminals P
& Q on the Commander. If you prefer, you can use an Atlas Selector (Item
#215) toggle switch to apply mainline track power or programming track
power to the insulated track section.
4. Plug the Power Cord of the Generator into a 120VAC power
outlet (US standard).
Please note that terminals C & D may be used to add additional Power
Stations. Please see page 18 for an explanation of Power Station usage.
FIGURE 2
3
4
*CAUTION: If you use
an Atlas Selector and your
layout is using common
rail wiring, as in all Atlas
layout plans, P & J must
go to common rail.
Terminal Q & K must go to
the A & B input of the
Selector. Otherwise an ER1
message will be displayed.