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
Setting Duration of Operation with the CurrentKeeper
With analog (DC) mode disabled, CV 11 (DCC Packet Time-Out Value) can be used to
control the amount of hold-up time the CurrentKeeper provides. This feature can be useful if
your layout has un-powered sections of track protecting open swing gates or removable lift
out sections.
Entering a value from 0 to 255 into CV 11 will set the time-out period which corresponds to
the amount of time the decoder will operate normally with a CurrentKeeper installed. The
time-out period is calculated in seconds as follows:
Time-Out Period (seconds) = CV 11 Value × 0.25
For example, a reasonable value such as 12 corresponds to 3 seconds of full operation
(motor, sound and lighting) provided by the CurrentKeeper after a power loss has interrupted
the DCC packets being sent to the decoder. After such time has expired, the motor will be
stopped according to the value set in CV 4 (Baseline Deceleration Rate). This prevents the
model from potentially running off the end of the layout and onto the oor.
Programming and Resetting CVs
Conguring your decoder when a CurrentKeeper is installed can also present a couple
challenges. Fortunately, we can provide a few tips and tricks to make programming and
resetting CVs a much easier process when a CurrentKeeper has been added to your
installation.
Using Service Mode on the Programming Track
Reading and writing CVs using Service Mode programming on a dedicated programming
track alters the response of the decoder. The CurrentKeeper must be fully charged (2-3
minutes) before placing the model on the programming track. This will ensure that all
programming commands and CV read back commands are interpreted correctly throughout
the process. Failure to fully charge the CurrentKeeper before placing the model on the
programming track can result in errant CV values interpreted by the command station.
If the model is disassembled for programming and testing before nal reassembly, you
may want to consider conguring as many features as possible before installing the
CurrentKeeper.
In addition, if the CurrentKeeper is plugged into a decoder equipped with a 2-pin quick plug
socket, you can simply remove it during programming and testing.
Using Operations Mode on the Main Track
The CurrentKeeper will have no effect on the programming process when using Operations
Mode.
Resetting CVs
Because the CurrentKeeper is designed to keep the model operating during losses of power,
completion of the CV reset procedure includes and extra step when one is installed in your
model. You must ensure that power to the decoder has been completely removed before
reapplying power to complete the reset process. The process of draining the CurrentKeeper
takes between 3 and 4 minutes (depending on the model of decoder that it’s connected to).
To ensure that all power has been removed, observe that the pilot light on the decoder itself
has been completely extinguished. If you cannot physically see this light, wait an additional
3-4 minutes from the point at which the sound or lights on your model go out. You may then
re-apply power and look for 16 ashes of all lighting outputs to conrm a successful reset.
CurrentKeeper Reference 2
Contacting Support
Our service department is available Monday-Friday, from 9am to 5:30pm (Mountain Time).
SoundTraxx Customer Support Center
141 Burnett Drive
Durango, CO 81301, USA
Phone: (970) 259-0690
Email: support@soundtraxx.com
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; 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 may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
SoundTraxx is a registered trademark of Throttle Up! Corp.
SoundTraxx, DCC and CurrentKeeper are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.
CurrentKeeper Reference 3
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