SoundTraxx Accessory Decoder
User’s Guide For the Blackstone Models
Open Platform Passenger Coach and
Long Caboose Lighting Decoder
Software Release 1.00
4/16/13
Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
SoundTraxx (Throttle Up!) shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
This document contains information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without the
prior written consent of Throttle Up! Corp.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
SoundTraxx, SoundTraxx DCC, and Hyperlight are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.
Table of Contents
All Aboard! ...........................................................................1
Overview ................................................................................................1
Operation .............................................................................2
Using Your SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder ............................................. 2
Basics of Programming ......................................................3
Programming the CVs ........................................................................... 3
Basic Programming ............................................................9
Step 1: Conguring the Address ............................................................9
Step 2: Conguring the Decoder ......................................................... 11
Step 3: Conguring the Lighting Outputs.............................................12
Step 4: Conguring for Consist Operation ........................................... 16
Step 5: Function Mapping....................................................................17
Step 6: Analog Mode ...........................................................................20
Troubleshooting ................................................................ 22
Appendix A - Decimal-Hex-Binary Conversion ...............23
Appendix B - List of Conguration Variables .................24
Overview
All Aboard!
Congratulations on the purchase of your SoundTraxx lighting decoder
for Blackstone Models Long Caboose and Open Platform Coaches. This
user’s guide will walk you through the various aspects of programming your
decoder, as well as some tips for troubleshooting. For instructions on wiring
and a wiring diagram please refer to the decoder’s packaging.
Technical Bulletins and Application Notes covering various topics are also
published from time to time, and these may be downloaded free of charge
from our website at www.soundtraxx.com.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 1
Operation
Using Your SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder
Your SoundTraxx decoder has been shipped with all CVs pre-programmed
so you can begin using it in your model right out of the box without any
programming at all. Install your lighting decoder according to the installation
instructions that were included with the product. The default function
assignments are as follows:
Mobile Decoders
Function Key Effect
F0 Hyperlight Lighting Output
F5 Interior Lights
F6 Hyperlight Lighting Output
F7 Dimmer
While these are the default settings, you may wish to make changes to
the function mapping later. For now, simply set your model on the track,
select address 3, and press F5 to light the interior. As you can see, no
programming is necessary to enjoy your lighting decoder, but you will
probably wish to change the address to the number of the individual coach
or caboose. Alternatively you can assign a consist address that makes up
the train ID for a string of passenger coaches. The following section will
introduce you to CVs and how and why you may wish to change them.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 2
Basics of Programming
Programming the CVs
What is a CV?
CV stands for Conguration Variable, which is the industry-adopted term for a
decoder’s user-programmable memory locations. CVs allow you to customize
individual decoder properties such as the address, momentum, throttle
response, and much more. Once a CV has been programmed, the setting
will be permanently remembered even after the power has been turned off. A
CV can be modied as often as necessary by simply reprogramming it with a
new value.
With the large number of CVs available, rst inspection of the available
options may cause confusion and little panic! Relax. As you have already
seen the decoder has been shipped with all CVs pre-programmed so you can
begin using your locomotive immediately without having to worry about what
adjustments to make.
The following paragraphs break the decoder’s CVs into various subsystems
so it is only necessary to change a few CV’s at a time. As you become
comfortable with it’s operation, move onto a new section and begin exploring
the options and capabilities found there. For more technically inclined users,
detailed information on any CV can be found in the Coach and Caboose
Lighting Decoder Technical Reference.
Bits and Bytes
One of the most confusing aspects of programming a CV is guring out what
all the different bits, bytes and x’s found in the various decoder manuals
mean. The problem is compounded further by differences in each command
station manufacturer’s user interface. For users unfamiliar with such terms, a
short math lesson (ugh!) is in order before proceeding:
Each decoder CV stores a numeric value that can be represented in one of
three forms:
Decimal - This is the form everyone is familiar with and we use in our day-today lives. Numbers are represented as a sequence of digits composed of the
numerals 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9.
Hexadecimal - Also referred to as simply “hex”, this is a more specialized
number representation that, in addition to 0 through 9, also uses the
characters A-F. It has the advantage that a given decimal number can be
more compactly represented. For example, the decimal number 127 converts
to a simple 7F in hex (one less digit). This allows user interfaces with a
limited number of digits (i.e., the LCD on your cab) to display a wider range of
numbers.
Binary - Binary numbers get their name from the fact they use only two
digits 0 and 1 called ‘bits’ and is the fundamental number system used by all
computers including the ones found inside a digital decoder. Because there
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 3
Basics of Programming
are only two bit values, it takes more digits to represent a number using
binary. The decimal number 127, for example, is written as 01111111 in binary
notation. A ‘byte’ is a binary number made up of eight bits. And a ‘nibble’ is
half a byte or four bits. Really! We didn’t make that up.
Coincidentally, each CV is made up from one byte or eight bits and can store
any number between 0 and 255. Most of the CVs contain a single piece of
data that can be easily represented in any of the three forms, i.e., CV 3, the
acceleration rate, can be loaded with any value from 0 to 255 and it always
affects the same thing - the acceleration rate.
On the other hand, some CVs use individual bits to control different features.
This allows up to eight individual features to be controlled by a single CV and
is done to conserve the number of CVs. As the bit variables can take on only
one of two values (0 and 1) they are usually used for simple variables that
are either On or Off, enabled or disabled or something similar. Unfortunately,
bit variables are difcult to represent in any form other than binary and still
preserve any meaning. Because most DCC system user interfaces don’t use
binary representation, these numbers are the most difcult to work with and
require a tedious series of additions to convert to the decimal or hex form
used by most systems.
We have tried to use the decimal number system in this manual when
describing the proper values to program into a given CV; however, you will
occasionally nd values listed in the Technical Reference in binary, hex and
decimal values. Hex numbers can be distinguished from a decimal number
by noting a 0x prex. Thus 0x10 is the hex version of sixteen and not ten as
one might guess. Binary numbers are represented using a ‘b’ sufx. 100b
is really the number four and not one hundred. To further assist the mathimpaired, we have provided a handy-dandy conversion table in Appendix A
that allows one to quickly convert between decimal, hex and binary.
When working with individual bits such as in CV 29, we suggest the following
procedure for determining the correct value to program. Referring to the CV
description, write down the value desired for each individual bit. Consider
for example, the case of CV 29. We would like to set this CV so that speed
tables are enabled and the 28 speed-step mode is in effect. Referring to the
Technical Reference, we see that bit 4 and bit 1 should be set to 1 and all
other bits are cleared to zero. Remembering that we are dealing with binary,
write down the individual bit values and we get:
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
We then look up the binary value 00010010b in Appendix A and see that it
corresponds to the decimal value 18 (0x12 in hex). This is the value to use
when programming the CV.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 4
Basics of Programming
If you don’t have the conversion chart available, you can also calculate
the value in the following manner. Reading from right to left, each bit has a
decimal value associated with it, beginning with a 1 and doubling this value
as you go from bit 0 to bit 7. This value is only counted when the bit is a ‘1’.
Looking at the gure below, you can see that using this method, bit 1 has a
value of 2 and bit 4 has a value of 16. Adding these two numbers together
gives the correct decimal value of 18.
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
When bit is
set to 1, value = 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Therefore: 0 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 0 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 18
Programming Methods
There are two methods for changing the decoder’s CVs:
Service Mode Programming - This programming mode usually requires the
locomotive to be placed on a special programming track or connected to a
dedicated programmer. Your decoder can support four types of service mode
instructions:
Address Mode - Can change CV 1 (Primary Address) only.
Register Mode - Can change CVs 1,2,3,4,7,8 and 29 only.
Paged Mode - Uses a page register to indirectly modify any CV.
Direct Mode - Can directly change any CV.
Operations Mode Programming - Sometimes called ‘Ops Mode’ or
‘Programming on the Main’, this programming mode allows the CVs to be
changed while the locomotive is operating on the layout even when other
locomotives are present. The neat thing about this mode is that the CVs can
be changed in the middle of operation allowing the engineer for example, to
increase the momentum rate of a locomotive after it couples to a train. The
main disadvantage of operations mode programming is that the CV data
cannot be read back to verify its value.
Programming and Reading CVs
Although your decoder will accept any changes you make on a programming
track the decoder will not successfully read back a CV value because there
is no motor load on to the decoder. Decoders generate a current pulse to the
motor to create an acknowledgement. Without the motor load the command
station has no way of receiving the acknowledgement from the decoder.
Furthermore, the Super Capacitor interferes with the read back process.
To verify that the decoder has accepted the programming watch the
interior lights for a ‘blip’ (a quick change in brightness). This is the lighting
decoder’s way of showing an acknowledgement pulse. It is also important to
understand that when you attempt to program on a programming track you
must rst wait for the capacitor to fully discharge or else it cannot program
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 5
Basics of Programming
the CVs in the decoder. Simply remove the model from the mainline and wait
for the lights to turn off. This will indicate the SuperCap has discharged. (This
usually takes between 35 and 120 seconds depending on the values you
have in CV 55 and 56 as well as how many bulbs you have on the outputs.)
Programming Procedure
As each DCC system is different, the procedure for programming a CV will
vary depending upon the system. Unfortunately, we cannot provide detailed
instructions to cover every command station and have to assume that you
have some level of understanding regarding it’s capabilities and operating
procedures. For specic programming procedures, please consult your DCC
system manual.
Locking and Unlocking CVs
The CV Lock/Unlock is a relatively new feature available in some DCC
decoders which allows you to program a decoder without the danger of
overwriting the programming in another. This especially useful in installations
where multiple decoders are used. For example, if you have installed a
function decoder in addition to the mobile decoder, you may wish to lock the
CVs after programming to prevent accidentally programming one or the other.
CV 15 and 16 are used for locking and unlocking the decoder. To use the CV
Lock feature implemented in CV 15 and 16, Bit 0 of CV 30 must rst be set
to 1 (the default value is 0). This is to avoid inadvertently locking the decoder
when the CV Lock feature is not needed.
CV 15 is the Unlock Code and may be programmed to any value between 0
and 255 regardless of whether the decoder is locked or unlocked. CV 16 is
the Lock Code and may be set to any value between 0 and 7 but only when
the decoder is unlocked. Attempts to program CV 16 with a value greater
than 7 will be ignored.
The decoder is unlocked when the value in CV 15 matches the value in CV
16. Otherwise the decoder is locked and can not be programmed in either
operations mode or service mode. Further, a locked decoder can not be reset
to its factory defaults until it is rst unlocked. These decoders are shipped
from the factory with all CVs unlocked, that is, CV 15 and 16 are both set
to 0.
Note that if the decoder is unlocked, changing the value in CV 16 will
instantly lock the decoder. You must then set CV 15 to the same value as
was just programmed into CV 16 to unlock the decoder again.
If you decide to use the CV Locking feature for a multi-decoder installation,
each decoder installed inside that locomotive must rst have its Lock Code
in CV 16 set prior to installation of any other decoders. Otherwise, all the
decoders will have the same Lock Code and the feature will not work. The
easiest way to go about this is to rst install one decoder and program its
Lock Code. Then install the next decoder and program its Lock Code. Since
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 6
Basics of Programming
the rst decoder is now locked it will be unaffected by the programming of
the second decoder (unless you accidentally set the Lock Code of the two
decoders to the same value. If this happens you will need to disconnect one
decoder and start over). Continue in this manner until all decoders have been
installed and their Lock Codes have been set.
It is a good idea to set up a standardized system so you don’t forget the Lock
Code settings. You might, for example, set all motor decoders to a CV Lock
Value of 1, sound decoders to a value of 2 and function decoders to a value
of 3. Keeping CV 15 set to 0 will guarantee the decoder stays locked until
you are ready to begin programming.
Example: Let’s say you will be installing a motor decoder, a sound decoder
and a function decoder in one locomotive. Using the previously described
system, you would rst install the motor decoder and set its Lock Code by
programming CV 16 to 1. Since CV 15 is currently set to 0 (the default
value), the decoder is immediately locked. Now install the sound decoder
and set its Lock Code by programming CV 16 to 2. Since CV 15 is still set to
0, this decoder is also immediately locked. Now install the function decoder
and set its Lock Code by programming CV 16 to 3. At this point, all three
decoders are installed and locked. Starting with the motor decoder, set CV 15
(the Unlock Code) to 1 to unlock and program the motor decoder. When you
are nished set CV 15 to 2 and program the sound decoder. Finally, set CV
15 to 3 and program the function decoder. When you are done, set CV 15
back to 0 to lock all the decoders.
If You Forget the Lock Code
As there are only eight possible combinations, you can easily determine a
forgotten Lock Code setting using trial and error with the following procedure:
Place the model on the programming track and set CV 15 to 0, then attempt
to set CV 16 to 0. If the decoder’s lights ash then it is unlocked. If it does
not ash its lights then it is locked. If the decoder is locked set CV 15 to 1
and then try setting CV 16 to 1. If the decoder’s lights ash it is unlocked. If
it remains locked continue the exercise with values 2-7 until CV 16 causes
the decoder to ash its lights. Once the lights have ashed the decoder is
unlocked and you can make any CV changes you desire.
Troubleshooting Tip
Be aware that even if you are not planning to use the CV Lock feature, it can
still be accidentally activated by inadvertently programming CV 15 or 16 with
a non-default value. If you have a decoder that is otherwise working (i.e.
responding to function commands) but has suddenly stopped accepting CV
changes, then rst run through the procedure under “If you Forget the Lock
Code” to determine if the decoder has been locked.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 7
Basics of Programming
Resetting the CVs or Starting Over
Occasionally, something goes wrong and the decoder will not respond as
expected. Usually, this is caused by one or more CVs being programmed to
the wrong value. The CVs can be quickly reset to their factory default values
using the following procedure.
1. Program CV 30 to 2 (or CV 8 to 8) using either Service Mode or
Operations Mode
2. Place the model on a powered section of track. If it is already on the
mainline, cycle power to the decoder by turning power to the track off and
then back on. (Remember you must allow the capacitor to discharge.)
3. After power is restored to the track there should be no indication of
activity.
4. After a six-second time period, the interior light will blink 16 times
indicating that the CVs were successfully reset.
5. The decoder should now respond to short address 3 just as it did when it
was rst unpacked.
6. If you cannot get the decoder to reset, check to see that it has not been
inadvertently locked (see “If You Forget the Lock Code” in the previous
section).
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 8
Basic Programming
Step 1: Configuring the Address
The rst group of CVs you will want to change are those that set your
Lighting decoder’s address:
CV 1, Primary Address
CV 17:18, Extended Address
The decoder may be set up to recognize either the primary address (also
called the short address), which provides a range of 1 to 127 or the extended
(long) address, which has a range of 0001 to 9999! Whether you use the
primary or extended address will rst depend on whether or not your DCC
system uses extended addressing (not all of them do - if in doubt, see
your command station owner’s manual.) Second, it will depend on your
preferences and the numbering scheme you use for setting your decoder
addresses. The extended address has the advantage that you can use all
four digits of a caboose or coach’s road number for the decoder address
making it easy to remember. Be aware that some DCC systems do not
support the full range of available addresses.
Primary Address
To use the primary address, simply set CV 1 to the desired address between
1 and 127.
Programming Notes: Both the primary and extended address may be
changed at any time using service mode.
Some DCC systems will also allow the decoder address to be modied using
operations mode programming (consult your system manual for details).
Please note that when programming in operations mode, the following
restrictions apply:
If the decoder’s primary address is enabled (i.e., CV 29, bit 5 is 0),
only the extended address may be changed using operations mode
programming.
If the decoder’s extended address is enabled (i.e., CV 29, bit 5 is 1),
only the primary address may be changed using operations mode
programming.
Extended Address
The extended address is actually made up of two CVs, 17 and 18. Unless
you are an experienced user, you should not try to program these CVs
individually as a specic protocol is required in order for the decoder to
accept the new data (See the Technical Reference for details). Since most
command stations that support extended addressing will automatically
generate the correct protocol, simply follow their instructions for setting the
extended address.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 9
Basic Programming
Once the extended address is stored in CV 17 and 18, bit 5 of CV 29 must
be set to 1 so the decoder will recognize the extended address format.
Otherwise, the decoder will continue to respond only to its primary address.
See the next section, Conguring the Decoder.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 10
Basic Programming
Bit 7 Bit 0
Step 2: Configuring the Decoder
The next CV you will want to change is CV 29, Decoder Conguration
Byte. CV 29 is one of those complicated bit variables mentioned earlier
and is used in conjunction with other CVs to set a multitude of decoder
characteristics including Direction, Speed Step Mode Selection, and Alternate
Power Mode Enable.
0 0 EAM RES ACK APS F0 DIR
Direction - Causes the decoder to invert direction commands so that the
coach’s lights run in reverse when it receives a command to move forward
and vice-versa. This is only if you are using the F0(f) and/or F0(r) outputs on
the decoder. It will not affect the FX5 or FX6 outputs.
Speed Step Mode Selection - As it is a digital system, your decoder splits
the throttle voltage over its minimum and maximum range into discrete speed
steps. The decoder can be congured so there are 14, 28 or 128 individual
speed steps. Since not all DCC systems have the ability to control 28 or 128
speed steps, your choice will depend upon the technical capabilities of your
command station. Running your decoder in the wrong speed step mode will
make the F0 lighting outputs ash on and off.
Primary or Extended Address - Sets the decoder to recognize its primary
address in CV 1 or extended address in CV 17:18 (see “Conguring the
Address”, page 13).
Alternate (Analog) Power Mode - Enables the decoder to work with an
alternate power mode (such as DC operation) as set by CV 12 when a DCC
signal is not present.
To assist the novice user, we have created Table A on page 16 that lists the
correct value for CV 29 to get the desired operating modes.
To use the table, simply nd the row that has the modes you want and
program CV 29 with the listed value.
The advanced user should refer to the Technical Reference for more details.
Remember, table values are in decimal. If your command station uses Hex
(Hexadecimal), you will need to convert the value shown using Appendix A.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 11
Basic Programming
Bit 7 Bit 0
Step 3: Configuring the Lighting Outputs
SoundTraxx Lighting decoders have up to four function outputs used for
controlling the car lights.
Each can be set for a variety of effects or as simple on/off lights. In addition,
you can use the Grade Crossing Logic to automatically activate the selected
lighting effect when you activate function 2.
There are eight CVs for customizing the lighting effects:
CV 49, Headlight Conguration
CV 50, Backup Light Conguration
CV 51, FX5 Light Conguration
CV 52, FX6 Light Conguration
CV 55, F0 (f and r) LED Brightness
CV 56, FX5 and FX6 LED Brightness
CV 60, Grade Crossing Effect Hold Time.
Setting the Hyperlight Effects
Each lighting output has a corresponding CV that determines its operating
characteristics:
LED R17 XING PHSE HYPERLIGHT SELECTION
Hyperlight Select - Each output can be programmed to one of several
Hyperlight™ Lighting Effects as listed in Table A (pg 15). Most effects are
self-descriptive and primarily warning beacons used for diesel locomotives.
Some effects, such as the Mars Light, were used in some steam engines as
well.
Dimmable Headlight - The function output is normally an on/off output.
If the output is on, the output level will be reduced about 60% whenever
the dimmer function is on.
Mars Light - This effect simulates the sweeping gure-8 pattern of this
popular warning beacon.
Pyle National Gyralite - The Gyralite is similar to the Mars Light, but
generates a slow, wide, oval headlight sweep pattern.
Dual Oscillating Headlights - Similar in appearance to the common twinsealed-beam headlight, the oscillating headlight uses a moving reector
to sweep the headlight beam in a tight circular motion.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 12
Basic Programming
Single and Dual Strobes - The Strobe effects simulate the white-hot burst
of light associated with the Xenon Strobe.
Western-Cullen D312 Rotary Beacon - This effect provides a spectacular
rendition of the revolving reector and bulb assembly of the prototype
warning beacon found atop many diesels of the 60’s and 70’s.
Prime Stratolite - The Stratolite was a newer version of the rotary
beacon, with the prototype consisting of a revolving reector with four
individual lamps arranged in a circular pattern which are electronically
ashed in a clockwise sequence. The Stratolite ashes in a rather
mechanical ‘stepped’ fashion, as opposed to the smooth motion of the
Rotary Beacon.
Type I and Type II Ditch Lights - These are identical when operating.
However, if the grade crossing logic is enabled, the Type I ditch light will
revert to a steady on state when it is not ashing whereas the Type II
lights will turn off.
Exhaust Flicker - This effect produces a random icker whose intensity
increases with locomotive speed. This effect is best used by placing a
red/orange LED in the rebox or in the smokestack. As the locomotive
increases speed, it will glow brighter, imitating an increase in sparks and
exhaust gases.
Firebox Flicker (coal potbelly stove icker) - This effect produces a
random icker whose intensity resembles a burning re and can be used
with a lamp placed in the coal stove area of your coach. The effect is
improved when two lights are used, one yellow and one red or orange
and each connected to a separate function output.
Dyno-Light - This effect for steam locomotives synchronizes the lamp
brightness to the “output” of the dynamo such that the lamp brightness
gradually increases as the dynamo builds up speed.
Phase Select - Alters the timing of the effect so that it is 180 degrees out of
phase with the other effects. This allows you to have two light effects that
blink back and forth if desired. Set one effect to phase A and the other to
phase B.
Grade Crossing Logic - Causes the lighting effect to become active only
when function 2 has been activated (and the corresponding lighting function
key is also on). A typical use would be to cause the ditch lights to ash at
a grade crossing. The grade crossing logic can be used with almost all
the Hyperlight effects. The on/off, dimmable headlight, Dyno-Light, FRED,
exhaust icker, and rebox icker effects will not be affected. The other
effects will either turn off (strobes and beacons) or revert to a steady on state
(mars light, ditch lights, etc.) as appropriate to prototype practice.
Rule 17 Headlight Operation - Converts the headlight and backup light
to independent, non-directional functions. When enabled, the headlight is
controlled as if it were FX5, Function 5 and the backup light as FX6,
Function 6.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 13
Basic Programming
LED Compensation Mode - SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder’s Hyperlight
effects can be used with either incandescent bulbs or LEDs. However,
because of their differences in brightness characteristics, some lighting
effects will appear less life-like when initially set up with an LED. To correct
this, the LED compensation mode should be enabled which will improve the
contrast of the lighting effect by automatically adjusting the function output
level to correct for the different brightness characteristics of an LED.
To set the Hyperlight conguration CVs, proceed as follows:
1. First nd the CV value in Table G on the next page for the desired
lighting effect and operating mode.
2. If you wish to enable Rule 17 Mode, add 64 to the table value shown,
otherwise, proceed to Step 3.
3. If you’re using incandescent bulbs, skip to Step 4. If you are using
LEDs, enable the LED Compensation Mode by adding 128 to the sum
computed in Step 2.
4. Program the sum computed in Step 3 into the CV corresponding to the
appropriate function output. Use CV 49 to set the headlight, CV 50 for
the backup light.
Setting the LED Brightness
CVs 55 and 56 set the overall brightness of the lighting outputs. This can be
helpful to decide how bright you want your marker lamps, coal stove ickering
re, or rear end marker lights for your car. It can also be helpful to make
the charge on the capacitor last longer. The capacitor will stay charged for
around 30 seconds when you have the decoder set to the default of 100%
brightness, but if you lower this to 50% the capacitor will stay charged for
over 90 seconds. This can be helpful for analog operation where you may
have short station stops, and want the lights to stay lit while stopped at the
station.
CV 55 adjusts the F0 (f and r) outputs while CV 56 adjusts the FX5 and FX6
outputs. The number entered into CV 55 or 56 will be the overall percentage
of brightness. For example a value of 50 would make the lights half as bright
as the default, which is 100. A value of 100-255 will set the output to 100%
brightness while a value of 0 will disable the output.
Setting the Flash Rate and Hold Time
CV 59 is used to adjust the ash rate of the Hyperlight effect and has a range
of 0-15 with 15 being the slowest ash rate. When the Grade Crossing Logic
feature is enabled, CV 60 is used to adjust the length of time (in seconds)
an effect will remain active after the whistle key is released. CV 60 can be
programmed with any value between 0 and 15.
Example, Mars Light with Grade Crossing Logic
In this example, we will congure the headlight output for use with an
incandescent bulb as a Mars Light with Grade Crossing Logic enabled.
Following the steps outlined above, we proceed as follows:
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 14
Basic Programming
1. We rst look up the initial CV value in Table A for a Mars Light under the
column labeled ‘Crossing Logic On’ and nd it is 34 for Phase A and 50
for Phase B. Since we are only setting up one light, we do not care about
the Phase and choose the value for Phase A, 34.
2. Since we are not using Rule 17, we skip to Step 3.
3. Since we are not using LEDs, we skip to Step 4.
4. CV 49 (Headlight Conguration) is programmed with the value found in
Step 1 or 34.
Lastly, we need to set the grade crossing hold time to about six seconds by
programming CV 60 to 6.
Table A. Hyperlight Control Mode Settings
CV Value
Effect Type
Crossing Logic Off Crossing Logic On
On-off
Dimmable
Mars Light
Gyralite
Oscillating Headlight
Single Flash Strobe
Double Flash Strobe
D312 Rotary Beacon
Prime Stratolite
Type I Ditch Light
Type II Ditch Light
FRED
Exhaust Flicker
Firebox Flicker
Reserved
Phase A Phase B
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Phase A Phase B
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
Dyno-Light
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 15
15
31
47
63
Basic Programming
Step 4: Configuring for Consist Operation
The decoder supports advanced consist operations, which use three related
CVs:
CV 19, Consist Address
CV 21, Consist Function Control 1
CV 22, Consist Function Control 2
Consists Explained
In a traditional sense a consist is a group of locomotives that are set up to
respond to throttle command as a single unit. For the purpose of lighting
decoders however, setting up a consist can also be helpful. This can allow
you to light an entire eet of passenger cars that you can have set to one
single consist address, for example the train’s ID. The consist CV (19) allows
the decoders to recognize a new address assigned to the consist without
changing its primary or extended address. Additionally, they allow each car
to operate under the same address, but limit certain function properties to
only some cars in the consist. For example, if you had a passenger train of
ve cars you would want the interior lights to turn on in all ve, but you may
want only the rear car to have its marker lights lit designating the end of the
train.
Consist Address
Each car in the consist is assigned the same consist address by
programming CV 19 with the consist address between 1 and 127.
To deactivate the consist address and restore normal operation, CV 19 must
be reprogrammed to 0.
Note that when the consist address is set, the decoder will continue to
respond to instructions sent to its primary or extended address except for
speed and direction data.
The decoder will not respond to operations mode programming commands
sent to its consist address. These commands must always be used with the
primary or extended address.
Consist Function Enable
CV 21 and 22 allow you to dene how each car individually responds
to function commands sent to the consist address. When the consist is
enabled, CV 21 controls which of functions 1-8 are active and CV 22 controls
the F0 function for forward (F0(f)) and reverse (F0(r)), as well as functions
9-12.
CV 21 and 22 take effect only when the consist address is set. When function
commands are used with the decoder’s primary or extended address, all
functions will continue to work regardless of the settings of CV 21 and 22.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 16
Basic Programming
Use Table B to calculate the correct value for CV 21, and Table C to calculate
the correct value for CV 22. Begin by looking at Table B and determining
which functions you want active in the consist and circle the number below it.
When you are done, add up all the circled numbers in the row and program
the total into CV 21.
Table B. Consist Function Control 1
F1 1 F2 2 F3 4 F4 8 F5
CV#
21
16
F6
32
F8
F7
64 128
Now look at Table C and do the same: add up all the circled numbers in the
row and program CV 22 with the sum.
Table C. Consist Function Control 2
CV#
22
F0(f) F0(r)
1 2
F9
4
F10
8
F11
16
Note that each decoder in the consist will require a different set of values for
CV 21 and 22 depending upon your requirements.
F12
32
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 17
Basic Programming
Step 5: Function Mapping
Function Mapping Explained
Function mapping allows the decoder to be recongured so that function
outputs can respond to a different function key input. This is especially useful
for users who have throttles with less than six function keys as now they can
pick and choose what effects they can control instead of being restricted to
an arbitrary assignment.
There are 14 function mapping CVs - twelve CVs, 35-46 are used to assign
output control to function keys 1 through 12 respectively.
The other two CVs, 33 and 34 are both for the F0 function. CV 33 controls
which outputs are on when F0 is on and the car is moving forward. CV 34
controls which outputs are on when F0 is on and the car is moving in reverse.
If the same output is selected in both CV 33 and CV 34, that function will turn
on when the F0 function is on regardless of the cars direction.
Not all keys can control all outputs or effects. The table below shows which
functions can be mapped to which outputs. Note that a function key can be
set up to control more than one output.
Function Mapping Table
Control CV
Function Key
33
F0 (f)
34
F0 (r)
35
F1
36
F2
37
F3
38
F4
39
F5
40
F6
41
F7
42
F8
43
F9
44
F10
45
F11
46
F12
Bold Numbers indicate default settings.
1
1
1
1
FX 0F
FX 0R
2
2
2
2
Xing Logic
4
4
4
4
8
8
8
8
1
1
1
1
X
RESERVED
16
16
16
16
2
2
2
2
X
FX5
32
32
32
32
RESERVED
FX6
64
64
64
64
8
4
8
4
8
4
4
8
1
X
1
1
128
128
128
128
16
16
16
16
2
2
2
1
1
1
RESERVED
32
32
32
32
4
4
4
2
2
2
RESERVED
RESERVED
64
64
64
64
8
8
8
4
4
4
128
128
128
128
16
16
16
8
8
8
Dimmer
X
X
X
32
32
32
16
16
16
RESERVED
64
64
64
32
32
32
RESERVED
128
128
128
64
64
64
RESERVED
RESERVED
128
128
128
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 18
Basic Programming
An output can be also be controlled by more than one function key. In the
second case, if an output is mapped to two function keys, either key will turn
that output on, however, the output will not turn off until both function keys
have been turned off.
To determine the correct CV value,
1. Find the column in the Function-Mapping Table corresponding to the
function or sound effect output you wish to control.
2. Next locate the row corresponding to the function key you wish to use for
controlling the selected output.
3. Note the number located in the box at the intersection of the row and
column you have selected.
4. Program the CV listed in the row chosen in step 2 with the value found in
step 3.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 19
Basic Programming
Step 6: Analog Mode
Analog Mode
Your SoundTraxx lighting decoder is designed to be used in both Analog (DC)
and DCC Modes. The decoder has been defaulted to have analog mode
operation enabled, but it is a good idea to understand how these features are
enabled should any CVs be changed. First, CV 12 must be set to a value of
1 or the decoder will not recognize DC voltage. Next bit 2 in CV 29 must be
enabled. Finally the lighting outputs that you wish to have light up in analog
must be turned on through CVs 13 and 14. Again, all these CVs have been
defaulted to operate in analog mode..
Analog Mode Operation
When analog mode is enabled, you may control your decoder using an
ordinary power-pack.
The throttle must be turned up to around 4 volts to provide sufcient voltage
to power up the decoder’s capacitor and internal circuitry. At this point, you
will begin to see the lights turn on.
When operating in analog mode, be careful not exceed the decoder’s input
voltage rating of 27 volts. When your track voltage exceeds 21 volts, the
decoder will automatically shut down and begin ashing Error Code 10 on all
of its lighting outputs. When you see this condition, back down on the throttle
immediately.
Important: Your decoder will work best in analog mode when using a
high quality, electronically regulated power pack, preferably one that supplies
smooth, ltered DC power. Older rheostat style power packs and pulse power
packs will result in erratic and unreliable operation and should not be used
with the decoder. If your power pack provides a Pulse power switch, leave it
in the ‘Off’ position.
Analog Mode Options
As discussed earlier CVs 13 and 14 must be set up to activate the functions
to turn on in analog mode.
Analog Function Enables
CV 13, Analog Function Enable 1
CV 14, Analog Function Enable 2
These CVs allow you to force a function input to the ON state whenever your
decoder switches over to analog mode. This is most useful for turning on
lighting effects when running on a DC powered layout.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 20
Basic Programming
To enable any of Functions F1 thru F8, refer to Table D below and circle the
numbers corresponding to the function inputs you want to enable. Then add
up the circled numbers and program this value into CV 13.
Table D. Analog Function Enable 1
F1 1 F2 2 F3 4 F4 8 F5
CV#
13
16
F6
32
F8
F7
64 128
Similarly, to enable Function F9 thru F12 or F0, refer to Table E below and
circle the numbers corresponding to the function inputs you want turned on.
Then add up the circled numbers and program this value into CV 14.
Table E. Analog Function Enable 2
CV#
14
F0(f) F0(r)
1 2
F9
4
F10
8
F11
16
F12
32
Note that when you enable a particular function input for analog mode
operation, it has the same effect as pressing the equivalent function key
on your DCC cab. The Mobile Decoder’s function mapping settings will
ultimately determine which output or sound effect is activated by the enabled
function. Assuming you have not changed the default function mapping, then
enabling the F0(f) function in analog mode will turn on the F0(f) output.
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 21
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you should have any difculties with the operation of your SoundTraxx
Lighting Decoder, rst check this section for hints on trouble shooting. We
have found that most problems are caused by an errant CV value and are
easily corrected. When all else fails, try resetting the CV values back to their
defaults (see the section ‘Basic Programming’) and try again.
Lights icker on and off
Decoder is in 14 speed step mode and command station is set to 28
speed steps.
Lights do not work
Decoder is in 28/128 speed step mode and command station is set
to 14 speed steps.
Function mapping is improperly set.
Burned out light bulbs.
If using 1.5 volt micro-bulbs, resistor value is too large.
Broken lamp wires.
If you are still having difculties, contact our customer service department for
guidance.
SoundTraxx Service Department
210 Rock Point Drive
Durango, CO 81301
Telephone (970) 259-0690
Fax (970) 259-0691
Email: support@soundtraxx.com
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 22
Appendix A
Decimal-Hex-Binary Conversion Table
DECIMAL HEX BINARY
(76543210)
0 00 00000000
1 01 00000001
2 02 00000010
3 03 00000011
4 04 00000100
5 05 00000101
6 06 00000110
7 07 00000111
8 08 00001000
9 09 00001001
10 0A 00001010
11 0B 00001011
12 0C 00001100
13 0D 00001101
14 0E 00001110
15 0F 00001111
16 10 00010000
17 11 00010001
18 12 00010010
19 13 00010011
20 14 00010100
21 15 00010101
22 16 00010110
23 17 00010111
24 18 00011000
25 19 00011001
26 1A 00011010
27 1B 00011011
28 1C 00011100
29 1D 00011101
30 1E 00011110
31 1F 00011111
32 20 00100000
33 21 00100001
34 22 00100010
35 23 00100011
36 24 00100100
37 25 00100101
38 26 00100110
39 27 00100111
40 28 00101000
41 29 00101001
42 2A 00101010
43 2B 00101011
44 2C 00101100
45 2D 00101101
46 2E 00101110
47 2F 00101111
48 30 00110000
49 31 00110001
50 32 00110010
51 33 00110011
52 34 00110100
53 35 00110101
54 36 00110110
55 37 00110111
56 38 00111000
57 39 00111001
58 3A 00111010
59 3B 00111011
60 3C 00111100
61 3D 00111101
62 3E 00111110
63 3F 00111111
DECIMAL HEX BINARY
(76543210)
64 40 01000000
65 41 01000001
66 42 01000010
67 43 01000011
68 44 01000100
69 45 01000101
70 46 01000110
71 47 01000111
72 48 01001000
73 49 01001001
74 4A 01001010
75 4B 01001011
76 4C 01001100
77 4D 01001101
78 4E 01001110
79 4F 01001111
80 50 01010000
81 51 01010001
82 52 01010010
83 53 01010011
84 54 01010100
85 55 01010101
86 56 01010110
87 57 01010111
88 58 01011000
89 59 01011001
90 5A 01011010
91 5B 01011011
92 5C 01011100
93 5D 01011101
94 5E 01011110
95 5F 01011111
96 60 01100000
97 61 01100001
98 62 01100010
99 63 01100011
100 64 01100100
101 65 01100101
102 66 01100110
103 67 01100111
104 68 01101000
105 69 01101001
106 6A 01101010
107 6B 01101011
108 6C 01101100
109 6D 01101101
110 6E 01101110
111 6F 01101111
112 70 01110000
113 71 01110001
114 72 01110010
115 73 01110011
116 74 01110100
117 75 01110101
118 76 01110110
119 77 01110111
120 78 01111000
121 79 01111001
122 7A 01111010
123 7B 01111011
124 7C 01111100
125 7D 01111101
126 7E 01111110
127 7F 01111111
DECIMAL HEX BINARY
(76543210)
128 80 10000000
129 81 10000001
130 82 10000010
131 83 10000011
132 84 10000100
133 85 10000101
134 86 10000110
135 87 10000111
136 88 10001000
137 89 10001001
138 8A 10001010
139 8B 10001011
140 8C 10001100
141 8D 10001101
142 8E 10001110
143 8F 10001111
144 90 10010000
145 91 10010001
146 92 10010010
147 93 10010011
148 94 10010100
149 95 10010101
150 96 10010110
151 97 10010111
152 98 10011000
153 99 10011001
154 9A 10011010
155 9B 10011011
156 9C 10011100
157 9D 10011101
158 9E 10011110
159 9F 10011111
160 A0 10100000
161 A1 10100001
162 A2 10100010
163 A3 10100011
164 A4 10100100
165 A5 10100101
166 A6 10100110
167 A7 10100111
168 A8 10101000
169 A9 10101001
170 AA 10101010
171 AB 10101011
172 AC 10101100
173 AD 10101101
174 AE 10101110
175 AF 10101111
176 B0 10110000
177 B1 10110001
178 B2 10110010
179 B3 10110011
180 B4 10110100
181 B5 10110101
182 B6 10110110
183 B7 10110111
184 B8 10111000
185 B9 10111001
186 BA 10111010
187 BB 10111011
188 BC 10111100
189 BD 10111101
190 BE 10111110
191 BF 10111111
DECIMAL HEX BINARY
(76543210)
192 C0 11000000
193 C1 11000001
194 C2 11000010
195 C3 11000011
196 C4 11000100
197 C5 11000101
198 C6 11000110
199 C7 11000111
200 C8 11001000
201 C9 11001001
202 CA 11001010
203 CB 11001011
204 CC 11001100
205 CD 11001101
206 CE 11001110
207 CF 11001111
208 D0 11010000
209 D1 11010001
210 D2 11010010
211 D3 11010011
212 D4 11010100
213 D5 11010101
214 D6 11010110
215 D7 11010111
216 D8 11011000
217 D9 11011001
218 DA 11011010
219 DB 11011011
220 DC 11011100
221 DD 11011101
222 DE 11011110
223 DF 11011111
224 E0 11100000
225 E1 11100001
226 E2 11100010
227 E3 11100011
228 E4 11100100
229 E5 11100101
230 E6 11100110
231 E7 11100111
232 E8 11101000
233 E9 11101001
234 EA 11101010
235 EB 11101011
236 EC 11101100
237 ED 11101101
238 EE 11101110
239 EF 11101111
240 F0 11110000
241 F1 11110001
242 F2 11110010
243 F3 11110011
244 F4 11110100
245 F5 11110101
246 F6 11110110
247 F7 11110111
248 F8 11111000
249 F9 11111001
250 FA 11111010
251 FB 11111011
252 FC 11111100
253 FD 11111101
254 FE 11111110
255 FF 11111111
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 23
Appendix B
List of Configuration Variables (CVs)
The following is a quick reference list of CVs used by Tsunami. See the Tsunami
Technical Reference for detailed information about their uses.
CV 1 Primary Address Control
CV 7 Manufacturer Version ID (Read Only)
CV 8 Manufacturer ID
CV 11 Packet Time Out Value
CV 12 Power Source Conversion
CV 13 Analog Function Enable 1
CV 14 Analog Function Enable 2
CV 15 CV Unlock Register
CV 16 CV Lock ID Code
CV 17,18 Extended Address
CV 19 Consist Address
CV 21 Consist Function Group 1
CV 22 Consist Function Group 2
CV 29 Conguration Register 1
CV 30 Error Information/Alternate
Mode Selection
CV 33 FL(f) Output Location
CV 34 FL(r) Output Location
CV 35 F1 Output Location
CV 36 F2 Output Location
CV 37 F3 Output Location
CV 38 F4 Output Location
CV 39 F5 Output Location
CV 40 F6 Output Location
CV 41 F7 Output Location
CV 42 F8 Output Location
CV 43 F9 Output Location
CV 44 F10 Output Location
CV 45 F11 Output Location
CV 46 F12 Output Location
CV 49-52 Hyperlight Effect Select
(for FL(f), FL(r), Function 5, 6)
CV 55 F0 (f and r) LED Brightness
CV 56 FX5 and FX6 LED Brightness
CV 59 Flash Rate
CV 60 Crossing Hold Time
CV 62 Transponding Control
CV 64 Analog Mode Max Motor Voltage
CV 105 User Identier #1
CV 106 User Identier #2
SoundTraxx Lighting Decoder User’s Guide Page 24
©2011 Throttle Up! Corp.
DCC
TM
New Dimensions in Digital Sound Technology
210 Rock Point Drive Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-0690 Fax: (970) 259-0691 Email: Sales@soundtraxx.com
All Rights Reserved.
COMPATIBLE WITH
THE NMRA DCC STANDARDS
AND RECOMMENDED
PRACTICES
Loading...