SoundTraxx currentkeeper Reference Manual
TM
New Dimensions in Digital Sound Technology
Guide to
CurrentKeeper Reference
using CV Read-Back
Rev. A 1017
All Aboard!
The SoundTraxx CurrentKeeper™ is designed to add additional power capacity to any
decoder installation. It can be used to overcome dirty track, limited electrical pickup or dead
frogs to ensure reliable operation of any locomotive in your eet.
In this reference document, you will nd information about operating your model equipped
with a CurrentKeeper, as well as information pertaining to programming and resetting CVs.
For information about installing the CurrentKeeper with a SoundTraxx decoder, refer to the
decoder’s packaging for wiring diagrams as well as the included instruction sheet. A full list of
wiring diagrams can also be found on our website. If you cannot locate a wiring diagram for
your decoder or are installing it with a factory equipped (OEM) SoundTraxx product, contact
our Customer Support Center for assistance.
Operating With a CurrentKeeper Installed
While the CurrentKeeper has been designed for use without the need to program any CVs,
there are some operating scenarios and features of our sound decoders that can be affected
by the CurrentKeeper installation.
Disabling Analog (DC) Mode for Proper Operation
Because the CurrentKeeper is a passive energy storage device providing power directly to
the decoder during a power interruption, enabling analog mode (DC operation) can have an
impact on how the model responds even on a digital (DCC) layout.
During an interruption of power from the track, DCC packets (information sent to the decoder
from the command station) are also not present. If bit 2 (APS) in CV 29 (Conguration
Data 1) is on to enable analog mode operations, the decoder will interpret a loss of DCC
commands as that the model is operating in an analog environment. This will cause an
immediate reduction in volume and will also cease all DCC motor commands received by the
decoder (stop the motor). The decoder will begin to look for changes in track voltage typically
associated with analog powerpacks as the means of controlling the motor, sound and lighting
effects.
For optimal performance in a DCC environment, we recommend that you disable analog
mode operation for your models equipped with a CurrentKeeper. This will ensure that voltage
is properly provided to the decoder during a momentary power loss. Refer to the “Conguring
the Decoder” section of your decoder’s User’s Guide for more information about how to
disable analog mode using CV 29 (Conguration Data 1).
Operating in a Dual Mode (DCC/DC) Environment
Model railroad club layouts that employ both digital and analog modes of operation often
require that members enable analog mode. This is to ensure that the model does not
immediately stop should it encounter a DC power source. While we always recommend that
you disable analog mode when operating with a CurrentKeeper, there are some steps that
can be taken to aid in operations if you must leave analog mode enable.
Momentum can be added to help provide some amount of hold-up time for CurrentKeeper
equipped models that operate on both digital and analog layouts. Programming CV 4
(Baseline Deceleration Rate) to a value between 10 and 25 will allow the model to decelerate
slowly during a power loss or when it encounters a DC block. Programming CV 3 (Baseline
Acceleration Rate) to the same value ensures that the model accelerates smoothly after
power is restored. For more information about these CVs refer to the “Conguring Throttle
and Braking” section of your decoder’s User’s Guide.
CurrentKeeper Reference 1
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