I was reading the post and had a question for Tom. I also hook up an LGB 4 wire motor block to the board just to put a motor load on the Decoder. I also hook up a speaker if it's a sound decoder. Is that still necessary when using the board?
Hi R.Wolfe - You need to direct your question to others here that have expertise with using the Massoth Service Board.......but I don't think you need to connect a motor block to test and program a decoder connected to the Service Board. Otherwise, to program a Massoth decoder it must be connected to a locomotive motor block, or, you can use a Massoth PC Programming Module, again, connected to a motor block and should be on a separate programming track. Or, you can use your DCC Command Station in Service Mode connected to a separate programming track. If your DCC Command Station doesn't have Service Mode programming, such as my test stand's Piko unit, then you use a separate track and program in Operations (POM) Mode. In Opeations Mode, I can also test the operation of the CV settings with my locomotive or test motor block by having it on a set of Roller Wheels on the test track.
For ESU decoders using the ESU LokProgrammer Module has the Cab Driver Test feature, where you can test the adjustments to the decoder immediately after making them on your programming track. Unfortunately, the Massoth PC Programming Module does not have that type of operational testing feature, so you have to move the motor block or locomotive from the programming track to a Operations Mode test track to test it.
