The Complete Digital system Manual
Intellibox Basic Authors: Dr.-Ing. T. Vaupel, D. Richter, M. Berger Translated by Wolfram Steinke © Copyright Uhlenbrock Elektronik GmbH, Bottrop st 1 Edition November 2008 Starting from Software version 1.
Intellibox Basic Table of Contents 1. The Digital Center Intellibox Basic ....................................... 5 1.1 Description....................................................................................... 5 1.2 Configuration of the Intellibox at Power-on...................................... 7 1.3 Quick Guide ................................................................................... 10 1.4 Commands ....................................................................................
Intellibox Basic 8. Programming Mode.............................................................. 44 8.1 Programming track ........................................................................ 44 8.2 Selecting the programming mode.................................................. 44 8.3 Structure of the programming menu .............................................. 44 8.4 Programming DCC and Multi-protocol decoders ........................... 44 8.5 Programming of Motorola Decoders.....................
Intellibox Basic 1. The Digital Center Intellibox Basic The Intellibox can be used with layouts using the Motorola and DCC digital formats simultaneously, on the same track, and is therefore a genuine multi-protocol Digital system. It is extremely efficient and compact and brings many functions into a single box. 1.1 Description The entire system in one box The Intellibox has on board all the functions which formerly had to be laboriously installed into the layout.
Intellibox Basic 9999 decoder addresses and 128 drive positions The Intellibox supports all addresses and speed steps of the various decoder makes. Märklin Motorola 80 addresses, 14 speed steps Uhlenbrock Motorola 255 addresses, 14 speed steps Uhlenbrock DCC 9999 addresses, 128 speed steps DCC compatible 99-9999 addresses, 14, 28, 128 speed steps, according to type Informative LCD display The large LCD display with back-lighting has a clearly arranged user interface.
Intellibox Basic Non-Volatile memory All settings, which have been done with the Intellibox, remain nonvolatile, even if the equipment is switched off for months. Updatable system software Using the Intellibox’s internal interface the system software can be updated at any time. Compatible with many other devices On the back of the Intellibox Basic are sockets for transformer, track, programming track, DCC booster, Roco and LGB Lokmaus1, s88 feedback modules, Digitrax LocoNet and the USB computer interface.
Intellibox Basic Quick Basic Setting Normally the configuration of the Intellibox is changed during the operation using the "Basic Settings" menu. Start the Intellibox while holding the E key gives direct access to the most important menu options which can be selected and changed. The display always indicates the active mode, with new units at factory settings. The D-key can be used to scroll through the individual menu options. Pressing the E-key will confirm the entries shown on the display.
Intellibox Basic Menu option "language" The language that the Intellibox is to use for the display is selected here. See Chapter 4.6 for detailed information. • Press D-key to scroll to the desired entry • Press E-key to make the selection Menu option "locomotive data format" To select the locomotive data format that will be used for the majority of the locomotives. Detailed information is in chapter 4.7. • Press D-key to scroll to the desired entry • Press E-key to make the selection Menu option "Access.
Intellibox Basic Terminate configuration Press E-key to write the new configuration to the Intellibox and do a system reset. After this all factory defaults are active. Further options are possible in the Intellibox Basic Settings menu (chapter 4). 1.3 Quick Guide Important! Use this section only as quick reference guide. Please read the whole manual in detail in order to learn all functions and options of the equipment.
Intellibox Basic Controlling a locomotive A clockwise rotation of the control knob increases the speed, and an anti-clockwise turn reduces the speed. To change the driving direction press the control knob while the locomotive is stationary.
Intellibox Basic 1.4 Commands Very Important! Use this section only as quick reference guide. Please read the whole manual in detail in order to learn all functions and options of the equipment.
Intellibox Basic Setting data format of individual decoders Call up locomotive [lok#/f+] + address + E Adjust decoder format [lok#/f+] + m + with D scroll to the desired entry E+m Change Basic settings m+M with D and R go to the desired item E+m Reset Press g and s simultaneously for approx. two seconds and the Intellibox will return to power-up state.
Intellibox Basic 1.5 Technical Data Maximum supply voltage Maximum allowable AC input of 18 V. Maximum current load 3 A to the rails 0.2 A to LocoNet B output 0.5 A to LocoNet T output All outputs have short circuit protection. Maximum number of feedback modules A total of 2048 feedback contacts are possible.
Intellibox Basic 2. The Intellibox connectors This chapter describes the connectors of the Intellibox and shows what must be taken into account when different devices are to be connected to the Intellibox. 2.1 Definition of the Intellibox connectors The image below is the rear view of the Intellibox with all its connectors. Figure 2.11 The rear of the Intellibox Basic showing the connections 1. 6-way header: 2. RJ12 socket: 3. RJ12 socket: 4. 3-way header: 5.
Intellibox Basic 2.3 Connecting transformer, track and programming track The 6-pins plug 1 is used to connect the transformer, the track and the programming track. 1 Programming track 2 Programming track 3 Digital voltage to the track 4 Digital ground to the track 5 Ground 16 V AC from Transformer 6 16 V AC from Transformer Figure 2.31 Connections of the 6-way connector Note Connection to the normal track should be made by as large a cross section cable as possible in several places of the layout.
Intellibox Basic Figure 2.34 Connections of the Programming Track Note Tip The Programming track can only be used for programming and reading of decoders. It cannot be used for running trains. If the connections to the programming track are exchanged the Intellibox switches off with the error message "short-circuit", as soon as a vehicle drives over the isolation to the programming track. 2.4 Connecting a DCC booster DCC Booster can be connected to socket 4. Motorola and DCC data formats.
Intellibox Basic 2.6 Connecting LocoNet All presently known LocoNet devices can be connected to the Intellibox. The LocoNet Booster must be connected to the LocoNet connector B (Socket 3). LocoNet control panels. LocoNet throttles and other LocoNet control devices should be connected to the LocoNet connector T (Socket 2) which delivers no digital track signal. 2.7 Connecting Computer Interface The computer interface is a USB Computer socket. This interface is found on IBM-compatible PCs or laptops.
Intellibox Basic 3. Controls 3.1 Overview of the Controls stop/go Operational status indicator and keys for stopping and restarting of driving menu Context sensitive options. mode Selection between keyboard, feedback monitor, Loco programmer and LISSY mode.
Intellibox Basic 3.2 The display The large LCD display with backlighting shows a clearly arranged user interface. The clear, three sectioned display provides an exact overview of the present driving conditions for you at all times. At the sides the display shows the used data format, locomotive address, vehicle speed and driving direction of the currently controlled vehicle. The center shows information relevant to currently selected operating mode, e.g.
Intellibox Basic • If the Intellibox is in the "STOP" state (the red LED above the stop key is lit), the STOP key must be held pressed and simultaneously the GO key must be pressed and released again. Now the track power is switched on and all locomotives stop. • If the Intellibox is in the "GO" state (the green LED above the GO key is lit), the GO key must be kept pressed and simultaneously the STOP key must be pressed and released again. Now the track power remains switched on and all locomotives stop.
Intellibox Basic Figure 3.42 How an DC style knob works Note Pushing the speed knob during driving will stop the loco first (emergency stop). Then the direction will be changed. DC style knob The DC Style mode works like a DC speed control device for DC two rail systems. Using the DC style, turning clockwise the speed knob starting from a zero speed level will increase the speed of the loco in forward direction.
Intellibox Basic 3.5 The Numeric Key Panel Figure 3.
Intellibox Basic 4. Basic Settings Menu The basic settings of the Intellibox can be changed using this user friendly menu. All settings will be permanently saved in the nonvolatile memory of the Intellibox. Press the m and the M buttons one after the other in order to enter the “Basic Settings” menu. 4.1 Structure and Navigation Figure 4.
Intellibox Basic 4.4 Menu Structure The overview of the structure of the Basic Setting Menu. Default value is marked by a star (*).
Intellibox Basic 4.5 Menu “User Interface” 4.5.1 Loco Speed display The speed of the loco can be displayed in two different ways. Absolute Speed (default factory setting) The speed level will directly be displayed using the current operating level. According to the chosen data format the display will show numbers in the range 0-14, 0-28, or 0-126. Percentage of maximum speed The speed level will be displayed in percentage of the maximum speed independently of the current data format.
Intellibox Basic DC style knob The DC Style mode works like a DC speed control device for DC two rail systems. Using the DC style, turning clockwise the speed Figure 4.52 knob starting from a zero speed level will How an DC increase the speed of the loco in forward style knob works direction. Turning the speed knob counterclockwise will decrease the speed until zero is reached. A further turn of the knob will reverse the direction of the loco and will increase the speed in the reverse direction. If the max.
Intellibox Basic The default factory setting is the DCC format. Possible settings are: DCC 14-28-128 DCC format with 14, 28 or 128 speed steps Motorola - old Old Motorola data format Loco decoder without special functions Function decoder controlled by [f1] [f2] [f3] [f4] Motorola - new Also called Gauge 1 Format, with locomotive special functions f1-f4. Note The digital format of each locomotive can be modified independently of all other locomotives.
Intellibox Basic • • • • Enter the menu with the R key Scroll with the D key until you reach your desired entry Select this setting by pressing the E key Go back to the main display with the m key Switching decoders in Motorola Format: Uhlenbrock, Märklin, Viessmann, Modeltreno Switching decoders in DCC Format: Uhlenbrock, Roco, Arnold, LGB, Lenz, Märklin=, Digitrax, etc. 4.
Intellibox Basic On the upper line the module’s part number and its valid address are displayed. On the lower line the LocoNet CV number (here "0" for the module address) and the present valid value are shown (here 1). The cursor flashes on the lower line under the "0". The upper line of the display remains unchanged during entire programming. If the module has a control LED, this flashes if the module was addressed correctly. 4.9.2 Programming LocoNet CV's • Connect the module to the LocoNet correctly.
Intellibox Basic • The adjustment can be done using the D and the + keys • Select this setting by pressing the E key • Go back to the main display with the m key Note If you leave the menu without using the E key, the old settings will be restored. If the display is unreadable because of a wrong setting of the brightness and/or contrast, you could recall the default factory settings by switching the main power on while pressing down the + key at the same time. 4.
Intellibox Basic • The upper line shows the system software version number and the lower line shows the serial number of the Intellibox • Press m-key to return to running operation The [C] key can be used to delete incorrect character entries. If the complete input is cleared with [C] key so that no digit appears in the display, a further push of [C] key will set the value back to factory default. 4.13 Menu “Reset” With this menu option the Intellibox can be returned to factory settings. 4.13.
Intellibox Basic 4.13.2 Locomotive data format The entries, which were made for individual locomotive decoders under the option "Data Format of Individual Locomotive Decoders" (chapter 5.3) are deleted. The basic data format selected for locomotive decoders is used for the relevant decoder addresses (chapter 4.7).
Intellibox Basic 5. Driving Each locomotive in a digital system can be controlled by means of an “address” (a combination of digits that uniquely identifies the locomotive’s decoder). Each decoder has its own address. An address should identify one, and only one, locomotive. 5.1 Locomotive Address Selection In order to control a locomotive with the Intellibox you must select its address. To select a locomotive address, first press [lok#/f+] key.
Intellibox Basic 5.1.3 DirectDrive Take control of the locomotive, which last passed over a certain LISSY receiver, by the push of a button on the controller without having to enter its address. 5.1.4 Using the address memory The Intellibox stores the address of the last locomotive controlled by each of the control panels in its memory. • Press [lok#/f+] • Press D The last valid address is displayed and is ready to be used. 5.1.
Intellibox Basic The following key combinations apply: - [lok#/f+] + [off/f+4] + [f1] switches special function [f5] - [lok#/f+] + [off/f+4] + [f2] switches special function [f6] - [lok#/f+] + [off/f+4] + [f3] switches special function [f7] - [lok#/f+] + [off/f+4] + [f4] switches special function [f8] - [lok#/f+] + [f0/f+8] + [f1] switches special function [f9] - [lok#/f+] + [f0/f+8] + [f2] switches special function [f10] - [lok#/f+] + [f0/f+8] + [f3] switches special function [f11] - [lok#/f+] + [f0/f+8] +
Intellibox Basic 5.3.1 Data formats The following data formats (protocols) are available: Motorola - old Old Motorola format with 14 speed steps Locomotive decoders without extended functions Control of earlier function decoders with the : ; < = keys Motorola - new New Motorola (Gauge 1) format with special functions f1 to f4. DCC 14/28/128 DCC protocol with 14/28/128 speed steps Special configuration This menu entry allows one to modify some special settings for each particular decoder.
Intellibox Basic • Input the value of the desired configuration (here a "0"). • Use the D or + keys to scroll through the different formats. • Press the E key to accept the displayed format. The selected format will be marked with an asterisk. • Go back to the main display with the m key. 5.4 Controlling function decoders Function decoders are for controlling working models or are built into vehicles to give the locomotive decoder more functions to be switch, than are available in the locomotive decoder.
Intellibox Basic 6. The Keyboard In a digital system turnouts and signals can be controlled by decoders. Just like with locomotives, these are assigned individual addresses to identify them. 6.1 Description The Intellibox can operate Solenoid and switching decoders in different formats, the Motorola data format and the DCC data format. Decoders of both formats can be operated next to each other.
Intellibox Basic appears raised above, as with the pairs of keys, with which the lower (green) key was pressed last. 6.4 Selection of the Keyboard address After a system reset, the red/green pairs numbered 1 to 8 in Figure 6.31 are assigned to devices with addresses from 1 to 8. The key assignment can be changed by assigning a new address to first key pair of the Keyboard. Method: • Press the M key repeatedly Until the display reads “Keyboard Mode”.
Intellibox Basic The "special options" menu in the Basic Settings can be used to assign any turnout address to each key pair (see chapter 4.11 of the manual and the list of special options in the appendix).
Intellibox Basic 7. The Feedback Monitor If model railway layouts are to be controlled automatically (e.g. by IB-Switches or computer control), then the control system needs status signals, which communicate which track section is occupied by a train. Only then can turnouts or signals be suitably switched and affect trains. Feedback modules monitor the track sections and convey the state "a train is here" or "no train is here" to the central processing unit.
Intellibox Basic 7.5 Selecting Inputs to be Monitored When switching on the Intellibox, the first block with inputs 1-16 is always shown. To show other inputs, the display can be changed in blocks of 16 inputs. This corresponds to the module addresses of feedback modules with 16 inputs. Pressing the [menu] key the display changes to: Using the numeric keyboard another module address can then be entered. The valid addresses are 1 to 128.
Intellibox Basic 8. Programming Mode For problem-free programming of Uhlenbrock and DCC compatible decoders. 8.1 Programming track Programming is carried out on a “Programming Track”. This is either a normal track section which is set up for this purpose or a siding track which is available in most layouts. It is connected to the Intellibox via a change-over switch to select either track power or programming power. The programming track is connected to pins 1 and 2 of connector 1 for the Intellibox.
Intellibox Basic 8.4.1 Register programming DCC decoders can be programmed under the "Register Prog." menu which accepts programming with 8 registers. This is the case particularly with older decoders but a few newer decoders also support this method of programming. The programming menu shows the following display: Input the register number in the left column. The column on the right will display the register value to be transmitted to the decoder.
Intellibox Basic 8.4.2 CV programming (byte) Use the “CV-Prog bytew” menu to program DCC decoders with 1024 configuration variables (CV). This type of programming is also known as “Direct Programming”. The process takes up to 5 seconds. The programming menu will show the following display: Input the number of the desired CV (1-1024) in the left-hand column and its value (0-255) in the right-hand column. Programming and reading procedure: follow what was described in section 8.4.
Intellibox Basic The programming menu will show the following display: Input the number of the desired CV (1-1024) in the left-hand column and its value (0-255) in the right-hand column. Programming and reading procedures: follow what was described in section 8.4.1 about register programming. 8.4.5 Mainline Programming DCC decoders can be programmed on the mainline with the menu “Mainline-Prog.“.
Intellibox Basic Use the “Read” sub-menu to read and display long addresses. The read procedure is initiated by pressing the E key. Caution Take note that even during a read operation bit 5 of CV 29 is set to 1. From that moment on, it will no longer be possible to control the locomotive with its CV 1 “short” address, unless you reset bit 5 of CV 29 to zero. Use the “Program” sub-menu for programming addresses greater than 127. The programming operation is initiated by pressing the E key.
Intellibox Basic 9. LISSY Mode In a digital system each locomotive has an address and can receive control commands via this address. When considering full automatic control of the trains on a digital layout, the question frequently asked is: "Where on the layout is which locomotive at a particular time". This can be solved by a system that reads addresses of running locomotives, nothing prevents automatic control of a layout. 9.
Intellibox Basic If the LISSY receiver reports a locomotive and indicated this in the middle part of the display, then control of this locomotive can be taken over on one of the two controllers of the Intellibox. For this you press L-key in order to take over the locomotive on the left controller and R-key in order to take over the locomotive on the right controller. 9.4 Calling up a LISSY Receiver In the LISSY mode of the Intellibox all of the 4096 possible LISSY receivers can be monitored.
Intellibox Basic 10. The Computer Interface With the computer interface is a USB Computer interface. This interface is on IBM-compatible PCS or laptops. To connect the Intellibox (socket 5) with the USB interface of the computer use the Uhlenbrock USB cable Part No. 61 070. That is a USB cable with A and B type of plug as is also used for connecting the computer to a USB printer. The computer interface is adjusted to a data transmission rate of 115200 Baud.
Intellibox Basic 10.3 Using the Interface Attention Before connecting the Intellibox basic with the PC the driver for the interface must be installed. Otherwise your PC will not perform correctly. For the installation of the driver insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. After a short time the program will start and guide you through the installation procedure for the software.
Intellibox Basic 10.5 LocoNet Direct Mode If the LocoNet direct mode is selected (LNCV 4 = 1), then each byte is sent directly to the LocoNet without any control by the interface. This mode should only be used with the Baud rate of 19200. Note The settings for the interface remain even if the Intellibox Basic configuration is put back to factory default.
Intellibox Basic 11. Operation as Auxiliary Device Intellibox Basic can be attached at another LocoNet center (Intellibox IR, Intellibox Basic or Twin-Center) as an auxiliary device. 11.
Intellibox Basic 11.3 Connect as Auxiliary Device The rails of the isolated track section are connected to terminals 3 and 4 of socket 1. The auxiliary device has its own transformer, which is attached to terminals 5 and 6 of socket 1. The LocoNet B socket of the accessory equipment is connected with the LocoNet B socket of the center. For connection with the center a non-crossed LocoNet cable must be used. For this Uhlenbrock LocoNet cables 62015, 62025, 62045 and 62065 are available.
Intellibox Basic 12. Software Updates The Intellibox system software can be updated to a newer version, by downloading the new software from the computers, through the serial interfaces. There is no need to open up the Intellibox! Hardware requirement • You need to power the Intellibox with a transformer. • You will also need a serial cable to connect the Intellibox to a Personal Computer. • Disconnect the Intellibox from the layout LocoNet.
Intellibox Basic 13. Error Messages In case of an error during normal Intellibox operation, its power supply is immediately interrupted, the red LED above the [stop] key starts blinking and the display shows an error message. Short circuit on the main track. Short-circuit on a section controlled by a Booster. The [go] key can be used turn the power back on after the cause of the short circuit has been eliminated.
Intellibox Basic Appendix 58
Intellibox Basic List of Special options Special Option No. 25 In factory setting the Intellibox only sends a data format if a decoder with the appropriate format is addressed and is still in the refresh cycle. Alternatively the Intellibox can be setup so that this data format is constantly being output even if no address with this data format was called before.
Intellibox Basic Special Option No. 818 Pause at the zero position for DC controller in steps of (factory setting) 10ms. Factory setting = 50 (0.5 s) Special Option No. 844 The Intellibox Basic can be attached to another LocoNet center (Intellibox IR, Intellibox basic or Twin-Center) as an auxiliary device. 0 = operates as center (factory setting) 1 = operates as auxiliary device Special Option No.
Intellibox Basic Converting bits to bytes Some DCC decoders do not accept the “bit-wise” programming mode. When programming a single bit of a configuration variable it could be necessary to convert the 8 bits of a CV to a complete byte.
Intellibox Basic CV Address 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 Bit 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 Bit 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 Bit 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 Bit Bit Bit Bit 3 4 5 6 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
Intellibox Basic Module address table for feedback channels The Intellibox displays the individual feedback channels in blocks of 16. This corresponds to the module addresses of s88-Modules. After switching the Intellibox on the first block, the channels 1-16 are always displayed. If other channels are to be displayed, the appropriate module address must be entered from s88-Mode after manipulation of the m key.
Intellibox Basic Coding table for solenoid decoder The address of decoders conforming to the Motorola format (from the companies Märklin, Viessmann and Modeltreno) is defined using 8 micro switches. Since every decoder controls 4 solenoid devices, the decoder address is different from the solenoid device address. The following table shows the position of the 8 micro switches of these decoders. The correlation with solenoid device addresses and Märklin Keyboard is also included. Keyboard Keyboard Sol. dev.
Intellibox Basic Tips and Tricks Some Märklin locomotive can’t be controlled Older Märklin decoders (6080 and Delta decoders) can only be controlled with the Intellibox if the red wire from the centre pick up is connected to the rail. Old and new Märklin function decoders The Panorama car and the Märklin Digital remote control rotary crane (7051+7652), are controlled with the old Motorola protocol, using f1-f4 functions. They are not able to operate with the new Märklin-Motorola protocol.
Intellibox Basic We recommend installing a switch in the yellow and red wires to the turntable decoder. The switch remains open until the Intellibox has completed its boot up. Then it is closed and the programming process can begin, as in the operating instructions of the turntable described.
Intellibox Basic Troubleshooting Problem Cause Solution The Intellibox does not turn The Intellibox does not have Check the plug on the on. AC input power. transformer and the clamps in socket 1 of the Intellibox. Examine the connection between Intellibox and transformer and the mains supply to the transformer. The Intellibox is in the wrong The wrong language has been Switch the Intellibox off. language. set under Basic Settings menu.
Intellibox Basic Problem Cause Individual locomotives do not The locomotive decoders are run. not addressed with the correct data format. Solution Since decoders cannot give feedback to the Intellibox, the Intellibox cannot determine by simply selecting the locomotive address, which data format is required to control the decoder. Check the data format needed for each of the locomotive decoders and set it to the correct data format (chapter 5.3.3).
