Command Station Macros

Command Station macros

Overview

The purpose of Command Station Macros is to allow users to easily perform multiple operations by a single action, such as lining up routes across yard ladders. It can also be used for creating simple automation scenarios, such as a shuttle service using a DCC locomotive (trolley). Both the TCS CS-105 and the TCS LT-50 support Command Station Macros, albeit with different capacity.

Macros can be triggered using TCS throttles, LCC connected buttons, or other LCC input devices such as a block detector.

Introduction

What is a macro?
A macro is a list of steps. Each step can be configured by the user to do a specific layout operation. A macro can have up to 10 steps. When the macro is triggered, the steps start executing in quick succession from the beginning. Each macro is identified by a macro number in the command station. The CS-105 supports up to 300 macros, they are numbered 1 to 300.

What is a step?
Each step in the macro can be configured by the user to perform a specific action on the layout. A typical action would be for example to set Turnout #175 to Normal/Closed. When configuring the step, you have to select the action as “DCC Turnout Normal” and type in 175 to the parameter. See below for the detailed documentation of the possible steps.

What if more than 10 steps are needed?
A step in a macro can be configured to trigger another macro. Select the action “Link Macro” and type the macro number in the parameter box. Linked macros execute after the referencing macro completes all steps, or pauses due to a Delay step.

Where are macros stored?
Macros are stored in the internal storage of the command station, together with the locomotive roster and consists. This storage is persistent across power cycles. All changes to macros are saved immediately as you write the setting and are in effect as soon as the macro is next triggered. A factory reset of the command station erases all internal storage, including all macros. You can see the available internal storage in the DCC System Settings > Status > Free Storage. Macros are saved into the backup file when you create a Roster Backup from the Command Station.

How is a macro triggered?

• On the TCS throttles, starting with software release 3.0 you can trigger a macro by using Select Accessory, then entering 0, then the macro number, and pressing enter. For example to trigger macro 82, type [Accy][0][8][2][ENTER].
• Each macro has a well-known LCC Event ID that triggers it. This Event ID is 09.00.99.FE.FF.FF.00.00 plus the macro number (use hex for the macro number), and it is the same across all TCS command stations and throttles. In the JMRI Configuration Dialog you can see this Event ID for the macro you are editing, which allows you to copy-paste it to other LCC Event Producers to trigger the macro.
• In addition, you can also configure for each macro a custom LCC Event as a trigger. Whenever that Event gets produced on the LCC Bus, the macro will execute.

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