Sequences, Fast Keys and Magic Routing
The Big Bear DCC Controller is capable of storing preset Routing sequences allowing
you to rapidly configure your layout to a host of possible operating scenarios.
Each sequence is assigned a short easy to remember code that you enter on the Operate
Tab to set the route. Five FastKeys are provided for even quicker access to the
most commonly used routes.
Configuring Routes
Under the Configuration Tab navigate to the Routes and Sequences sub section. Enter
a short easy to remember name (for example D5) and a routing sequence in a format
described at the end of this page then press + Add or Update Route
Your new sequence will appear in the list. To edit an existing route click the Name
with your mouse or select from the Name dropdown list to load it into the edit box.
Press + Add or Update Route after you have finished making your changes.

Running Routes
To initiate a route enter the Name in the route box shown below then strike the
Enter key or press the arrow button with your mouse pointer.

IMPORTANT: While running a sequence or FastKey you
will be unable to perform other operations. Most route sequences will take no longer
than a few seconds so will unlikely cause an issue. If you intend creating longer
sequences it may be better to create a Recording instead.
FastKeys
Sequences can be assigned to the FastKeys that grace the bottom left of the Operate
Tab. This is useful for the most frequently deployed sequences. Navigate to the
Fastkey Setup tab, give each fast key a label and assign a sequence name
from the dropdown list. The button label can be more descriptive than the original
Route Sequence name but check that the chosen text fits on the button in the Operate
Tab.

HANDY HINT: You
can assign raw Route Sequences to a FastKeys instead of a pre existing Sequence
Name. The format for route sequences is described at the end of this page.
Magic Routing
Magic Routing works like an automatic route finder and for complex layouts offers
a fast way of creating routes on the fly.
(a) To define the start point of the route you need to drag a locomotive from the
Picture list to the track in the required place.

(b) With the right mouse button (left button for left handed mice) click over the
locomotive marker you placed on the track and while keeping the mouse button depressed,
move the mouse over the to the end point. You will notice the computer drawing a
yellow route marker wherever you go. To select the route let go of the mouse button
to set the points ready for a locomotive or train to follow the selected route.
To abort simply move your mouse over a blank area of the layout and let go.

HANDY HINT: To
get rid of a locomotive marker simply drag it to an empty area on your layout. The
selected route will honour any one-way track sections (tracks with arrows).
The format of a Route Sequence
A Route Sequence is a series of commands comprising letters and numbers and separated
by hyphens. For example 12/1-#-13/2 will set accessory with address 12 to position
1, wait half a second (denoted by the #) then set accessory 13 to position 2. The
positions representing 1 and 2 will depend on how you have wired your DCC decoder.
The delay is useful in situations where your power supply may have insufficient
power to activate multiple points at the same time.
A full list of commands is described below:
Simple accessory control Activated and Deactivated
<address>/<value>
where address is the accessory address and value 1 (activate) and 2 (deactivate)
For example 12/1 will deactivate accessory 12. As a rule this is used to switch
points. The actual response to the values 1 and 2 will depend on how you have programmed
your layout.
Multi aspect signals (NCE)
<address>/<value>
where address is the DCC signal address and the value is 1,2,3 or 4 depending on
the number of aspects supported by the signal.
Note that this operation is currently supported for NCE controllers only.
Adding a delay
# or #<seconds>
for example #
= .5 second delay, ##
is a one second delay and
#10 is a 10 second delay
Loco Functions ON and OFF
<address>F<function>/<YES|NO>
where address is the DCC locomotive address, function is the function number (1..13
[or higher where supported]) and the last element is YES for NO to enable and disable
the function.
For example 0205F2/YES
will enable function 2 for loco 205 (long address)
IMPORTANT: When controlling locomotives directly
by using commands in this manner note that the changes will not be reflected in
the loco's state when viewed on the throttle controller.
Loco Speed Control
<address>LS<speed>/<F|R>/<A|B>
where address is the DCC loco address, speed is the speed value between 0 and 27
or 0 and 127, F & R denote Forward and Reverse and A & B denoted 28 and
128 speed mode respectively
Example, 0223LS100/F/B
will accelerate loco 223 (long address) to speed 100, forward and using 128 speed
step mode.
IMPORTANT: When controlling locomotives directly
by using commands in this manner note that the changes will not be reflected in
the loco's state when viewed on the throttle controller.
Sound a loco Horn
<address>H
where address is the DCC loco address. For example
0123H will sound the horn on loco address 123.
Set Momentum (NCE)
<address>M<value>
where address is the DCC loco address and value is the momentum value between 0
and 9
Example, 01020M3
sets the momentum on loco 1020 to value 3
IMPORTANT: This command is supported on NCE PowerPro
and PowerCab only. XpressNet users should program the momentum into the locos using
the handheld controller supplied with the controller or by means of third party
programming software
Sending RAW Hex
If you understand the low level codes that drive your DCC controller you can do
pretty much anything by sending raw HEX including commands that are not otherwise
supported by Big Bear. Hex codes can be entered in sequences or run on the fly from
the route box on the Control pane.
HANDY HINT: Remember that routes and sequences can
incorporate other named sequences therefore any special HEX commands you create
can be added to any route, for example 12/2-10/1-MYCOMMAND-13/1
HEX/<hex1>:<hex2>:<hex3>:....
where hex1,2 etc are one or two digit (8 BIT) hex codes.
For example HEX/A1:FF:0E:03 will send A1 FF 0E 03
IMPORTANT: When sending HEX to XpressNet devices
note that the hex will get preceded with FF FE and automatically terminated with
the required X-OR Byte.