Roco z21 XL programming track behaviour

[Andrew_au]

The z21 has distinct Main and Programming (service mode) outputs, which for the most part work as expected.

However, using DecoderPro's throttle, I can operate lights and even get the loco to move while on the programming track. Is this expected service mode behaviour, or does it indicate that the Programming track is a hybrid service mode / main track capable of sending both service mode and run commands?

 

[phils2um]

I suspect it is normal behavior, or what you are calling hybrid. The "programming track" output of my Märklin CS3 functions similarly. I can and have in the past used it to operate trains. The CS3 programming track output is current limited to only 1.5 amps though.