SoundTraxx LC Series Owner's Manual
TM
LC Series
SOUNDTRAXX DCC
DIGITAL SOUND DECODER
LC SERIES
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software Release 2.00
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 mate
rial.
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.
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Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
SoundTraxx, SoundTraxx DCC, Digital Sound Decoder, Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Auto-Exhaust and
Hyperlight are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL
Table of Contents
All Aboard .................................................................................................................................... 4
DSD-LC Features and Specifications ........................................................................................
Pre-Installation Checklist ............................................................................................................
Installation .................................................................................................................................... 7
Step 1. Select Your Locomotive ............................................................................................
Step 2. Test the Motor Stall Current ......................................................................................
Step 3. Plan the Installation .................................................................................................. 8
Step 4. Isolate the Motor ....................................................................................................
Step 5. Modify the Tender Body or Locomotive Shell .........................................................
Step 6. Fit the Speaker .......................................................................................................
Step 7. Secure the Speaker in Place ..................................................................................
Step 8. Install and Wire the Decoder .................................................................................. 12
Step 9. Test the Installation .................................................................................................
Quick Start .................................................................................................................................
Programming the CVs ...............................................................................................................
Programming Methods .............................................................................................................
Step 1: Configuring the Address ..........................................................................................
Step 2: Configuring the Decoder .........................................................................................
Step 3: Configuring the Throttle ...........................................................................................
Step 4: Configuring for Consist Operation ........................................................................... 22
Step 5: Function Mapping ....................................................................................................
Step 6: Configuring the Lighting Outputs .............................................................................
Step 7: Configuring the Sound Effects ................................................................................
Step 8: Miscellaneous Settings ...........................................................................................
Step 9: Resetting the CVs or Starting Over ......................................................................... 31
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................
Obtaining Technical Support ....................................................................................................
10
11
11
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
24
25
27
30
32
33
5
6
7
7
Appendix A - Decimal-Hex-Binary Conversion Table .............................................................
Appendix B - CV Usage Summary Table .................................................................................
Service and Warranty Policy .....................................................................................................
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 3
34
35
36
ALL ABOARD!
CAUTION: The DSD-LC Series of decoders are designed to work at
track voltages between 7.5 and 16 volts maximum. On most command
stations, this corresponds to a track setting of N or HO. Do NOT use
the O or G scale settings!
Operating your DSD-LC at voltages greater than 16 volts will void your
warranty, produce excessive heat and possible permanent damage to
the DSD.
Congratulations on the purchase of your SoundTraxx™ LC Series Digital Sound Decoder™
(DSD-LC). Properly installed, the DSD-LC will provide all the pleasures of high quality, digital
onboard sound and the benefits of today’s DCC (Digital Command Control) technology. With the
proper tools, basic modeling skills and common sense, equipping a locomotive with sound is not
difficult. It may, however, be a new experience for you, and you will find that successive installations
will go more quickly than the first. Please note that while each decoder is tested thoroughly before
it is shipped, we cannot control the correctness or quality of the installation. It is imperative that you
follow the directions, and never remove the protective heat shrink from the decoder (if applicable);
there are no adjustments or user serviceable parts and this will void your warranty.
This Owner’s Manual covers the features, installation, and operation of the following Digital
Sound Decoder models with Version 2.0 software:
· DSD-100LC
· DSD-B280LC
· DSD-AT100LC
· DSD-KT100LC
· DSD-LL100LC
· DSD-C628LC
If this is your first decoder installation, this Owner’s Manual will provide you with all the information
you need to get started. Also available for purchase is the LC Series Decoder Technical Reference
(PN 140069) written for the experienced user who wishes to have a complete reference for advanced
programming techniques.
Technical bulletins covering various topics are also published from time to time, and these, along
with the Technical Reference may be downloaded free of charge from our website at
www.soundtraxx.com.
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 4
DSD-LC FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Digital Sound Decoder is designed to be installed onboard a locomotive in conjunction with
a miniature speaker to provide the ultimate in realism and control. The DSD-LC integrates a fullfeatured digital sound system, a Hyperlight™ and a DCC decoder into a single miniature electronic
module. The modeler is thus freed of the expense and frustration of trying to fit multiple pieces of
equipment into an often space limited locomotive.
Decoder Features
· Compatible with NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices as defined by
S-9.1, S-9.2, RP-9.1.1, RP-9.2.1, RP-9.2.2, RP-9.2.3 and RP-9.2.4.
· Supports short address mode for compatibility with ‘simple’ systems.
· Supports extended address mode for assigning any locomotive number up to 9,999.
· Supports advanced consist addressing.
· Supports ‘Operation Mode Programming’, allowing CVs to be changed on the mainline
without using a programming track.
Throttle Features
· Supports 14, 28 and 128 speed step modes.
· Programmable acceleration, deceleration and starting voltage for prototypical starting
and stopping.
· Use of standard and alternate speed tables
· The LC-Series Digital Sound Decoders are suitable for engines whose stall current
does not exceed 1-Amp.
Lighting Features
· Two function outputs for headlight and backup light. (Certain models may have up to
two additional outputs.)
· Supports ”Rule 17” operation.
· 100mA Current Sink Capacity
· Each output may be programmed with one of 15 selectable Hyperlight effects to
simulate ditch lights, mars lights, beacons and more (NOTE: DSD-100LC supports
on/off and dimmable light effects only).
Steam Sound Features
· Steam Exhaust Chuff
· Three Selectable Whistles, representing Light, Medium and Heavy Steam
· Bell
· Air-pump
· Separate Volume Controls for each sound effect.
· 1-Watt Audio Amplifier
· Auto-Exhaust™ allows chuff to be synchronized to the locomotive speed without the
complexity of a synchronizing cam.
· Dynamic Digital Exhaust™ modifies exhaust volume and cutoff as locomotive load
changes.
Diesel Sound Features
· Engine Exhaust and Turbo Whine (if appropriate)
· Three Selectable Airhorns, representing popular single-chime, three-chime and 5chime airhorns
· Bell
· Dynamic Brakes
· Separate Volume Controls for each sound effect
· 1-Watt Audio Amplifier
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 5
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECK LIST
810083
810089
810053
810054
810055
810056
810087
810057
810112
810113
810103
810078
810086
N-Scale
HO-Scale
S-Scale
O-Scale
G-Scale
SUITABLE SCALES
SPEAKER SIZEP.N.
� �
� �
� �
� � �
� � �
� �
� � �
� � �
� � � �
� � �
� � �
� � �
� � �
3/8" Speaker
1/2" Speaker
3/4" Speaker
1" Speaker
1-1/2" Speaker
2" Speaker
2-1/2" Speaker
3" Speaker
1.0” X 0.56” Oval
1.38” X 0.63” Oval
1.56” X 0.78” Oval
1.1" X 1.57" Oval
1" X 1" X .38" Edgeport
It will be a great temptation to begin connecting wires immediately. Before you install your
DSD-LC, there are some simple precautions you should take.
First, read the instruction sheet that came with your decoder carefully! Models do vary
and you should not assume the installation of one DSD-LC is identical to another. Then
finish reading this Owner’s Manual!
· The DSD-LC should be handled carefully in a static-free environment. To discharge
static electricity, touch a water pipe or grounded, metal surface before handling the
decoder.
· Never remove the decoder’s protective shrink tubing. First, you will void your warranty
and second, you will compromise the decoder’s built in thermal management system.
· Never make connections to the decoder while it is powered, Doing so makes for an
accident waiting to happen,
· Make sure all electrical connections are insulated. Avoid using electrical tape as it
tends to unravel over time. We recommend using heat shrinkable tubing instead.
· Never allow the decoder leads to come in contact with any DCC track wiring except
those specifically designed for that purpose.
· Never allow speaker outputs to become shorted together,
· Never allow motor outputs to become shorted together.
· Do not exceed the output ratings for which the decoder is designed.
· Take your time and have fun!
Tools and Materials You Will Need
In addition to the common hand tools found on most modeler’s workbenches, you should have at
your disposal:
· Low wattage (under 25 watts) solder iron
· Rosin Core Solder
· Hobby Knife
· High Speed Motor Tool (such as a Dremel)
· Miniature Screwdriver Set
· Diagonal Cutters
· Multi-meter
· Double Sided Tape
· Silicone RTV
· Heat gun
· Assorted sizes of heat-shrink tubing (SoundTraxx PN 810037)
· Insulative Tubing (SoundTraxx PN 810036)
We also recommend the following items
to aid your installation
Microconnectors facilitate easy separa
tion of items like speakers from the locomotive. SoundTraxx offers an economical
2 pin connector (PN 810012) and a 10
pack of mini-micro connector pins and
sockets (PN 810058).
SoundTraxx offers two sizes of 1.5 Volt
micro-bulbs for use with the DSD-LC’s
lighting effects. PN 810022 is a 1.3mm
diameter bulb and PN 810024 is a 2.5mm
diameter bulb. Bulbs are also available in
economical six-packs.
SoundTraxx offers a variety of high quality,
miniature speakers suitable for use with
the DSD-LC. Choose the largest speaker
that can be fit into the locomotive.
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 6
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INSTALLATION
Ammeter
DC Power Pack set to 14V
(12V for N-Scale)
Step 1. Select your Locomotive
If this is the first time you have installed sound in a locomotive, then we suggest you choose your
locomotive carefully. A few simple precautions will ensure that your first effort produces a great
sounding locomotive instead of an intimidating ball of wires:
- Don’t pick a locomotive whose stall current draw exceeds the rating of the decoder.
- Do pick a smooth running locomotive that runs well on straight DC power. A smooth
running mechanism is vital for good throttle control and enhances the realism of the
sound. Dirty, worn out or binding mechanisms not only overload the decoder, but also
will have trouble starting smoothly and will destroy the illusion created by the AutoExhaust feature if they barely lurch along at half throttle.
- Do start with an engine that is ‘sound-ready’ if possible, such as an engine with
predrilled speaker holes, for example, or diesel with a roomy ‘B’ unit. The simpler you
can make your first installation, the better.
- Don’t pick a noisy engine, or one, which experiences some arcing or sparking when in
operation. The best sound will come from locomotives powered with can motors. Older,
open-frame motors may produce an offensive, interference sound.
Step 2. Test the Motor Stall Current
Test the locomotive’s stall current to ensure that it is compatible with the DSD-LC you are
planning to install.
1. Place the locomotive on a section of track powered by a conventional DC power pack
set to 12 volts for N scale, and 14 volts for HO and S scales.
2. Connect a DC ammeter in series with one of the track feeders as shown in Figure 1. If
your power pack has built in meters, they may be used for this purpose.
3. While grasping the locomotive to prevent it from taking off, turn the power pack on.
4. Stop the motor from turning by firmly pushing it down into the track or grabbing hold of
the flywheel or drive shaft.
Figure 1 - Current Draw Test
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 7
5. To ensure the most accurate measurement, be sure that the power pack voltage
Backup Light
Right Rail Pickup
usually connects
to locomotive frame
Headlight
Digital
Sound
Decoder
Speaker
Left Rail Pickup
usually connects
to tender frame
Blue
White
Motor (+) Lead
Motor (-) Lea
d
Red
Gray
Orang
e
Black
Yellow
Blue
Black
Headlight
Blue
Blue
Ye
llow
White
Motor (+) Lead
Motor (-) Lead
Red
Gray
Orange
Ta
n or Purple
Ta
n or
Purple
Speaker (under fan
grill or in cab)
JUMPER WIRE BETWEEN TRUCKS
Digital Sound Decoder
Backup
light
remains at the voltage set in Step 1 of this test.
6. Measure the current the locomotive is drawing while the motor is stalled. This is the
stall current and must be less than the decoder’s rated capacity.
Step 3. Plan the Installation
You should give some thought to where the installation of the various DSD-LC components will
be within the locomotive before you get started. Figure 2 shows typical installations for a steam
and diesel locomotive.
Figure 2 - Typical Sound Installations
Speaker Considerations
You will want to use the largest speaker possible to get the best volume and bass response.
The decision most critical to the success of your installation will be where to put the speaker.
Obviously, the ‘where’ of speaker installation will depend on the size and type of the locomotive.
But when considering the speaker’s location, remember that the volume of the speaker will be
greatly enhanced when the speaker is fitted into a small airtight enclosure with the front of the
speaker open to surrounding air. The reason for this is simple: in order to generate any apprecia
ble sound, the speaker must develop air pressure. Without an enclosure, an opposite pressure
behind the speaker cancels any pressure developed by the front of the speaker. The enclosure
isolates the front and back surfaces of the speaker, thereby increasing the sound pressure and
hence, the volume.
Additionally, the enclosure must be sized proportionally to the speaker such that the volume of
air enclosed is several times larger than the speaker diameter. If an enclosure is too small, it will
interfere with the speaker operation and although it cannot be made too large, there is a point of
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 8
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diminishing return. As a rule of thumb, for small speakers, the minimum for the length, width and
height should be equal to the speaker diameter. Thus the smallest enclosure for a 1" speaker
would be 1" X 1" X 1", while 2" X 2" X 2" would be the smallest size enclosure for a 2" speaker.
As this is only a general guideline, exceptions can and must be made in many circumstances.
HOWEVER, the use of a proper speaker enclosure cannot be over emphasized and
failure to use one is almost always the cause for poor sound quality.
In the case of a steam loco tender or a dummy
diesel unit, the body shell can serve as the
speaker enclosure. In this case, mount the
speaker facing down through an opening in the
floor or up through an opening in the coal load
or perhaps a fan grill.
Figure 3 - (Above) A typical speaker
installation using the tender as the
speaker enclosure.
Figure 4 - (Right) A typical speaker
installation in a powered diesel
locomotive. Note the use of
The speaker enclosure need not be fancy and can be fabricated from sheet styrene, bass wood,
and even cardboard in a pinch! A 35mm film canister usually produces excellent results, as
does a pill bottle or the cardboard tube center of a roll of paper towels. SoundTraxx also offers a
self-enclosed speaker (PN 810086) that is useful in extremely tight quarters. The figures below
show several types of speaker enclosures.
two speakers.
Figure 5 - Speaker Enclosures
Decoder Considerations
It is normal for the DSD-LC to get warm after periods of extended operation and its thermal
overload protection will shut down the audio amplifier if it gets too warm. Therefore, it is
important to install the DSD-LC in a location where it can dissipate the most heat. Avoid placing
the DSD-LC near heat sources such as the motor or lights.
Lighting Considerations
Each DSD-LC is equipped with two to four function outputs that are intended to drive headlight,
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 9
backup light and special effect lights. The outputs
1.3mm
Microbulbs
2.5mm
Microbulbs
can be independently programmed for a multitude
of Hyperlight effects and may be used in a variety
of ways. See page 25 for more information. Each
output is rated for 100mA.
Do not exceed this rating!
combined current of all lights as well as the
motor stall current measured in Step 2 does
not exceed the decoder’s current rating.
The DSD-LC lighting outputs may be used with
12-16 volt incandescent lamps or 1.5-volt microbulbs. The DSD-LC is not designed for use with
LEDs as they may glow faintly even when the function is turned off.
Figure 7 - Mini-connectors can make installation easier
decoder by reversing the connector during reassembly. Hardwiring the decoder will prevent this
possibility at the expense of making separation more difficult.
After you have fully read the installation instructions that came with your decoder, we suggest
you draw yourself a schematic showing all connections between the DSD-LC and various subcomponents. This will help you determine which type of connector is best suited for your needs.
Step 4. Isolate the Motor
The two motor brush connections must be electrically isolated so they are driven exclusively by
the DSD-LC motor outputs. We’re not kidding about this!
Be sure that the
Figure 6 - Microbulbs for use with
Hyperlight effects
Other Considerations
Finally, you will need to
decide whether or not to
hardwire the electrical
connections or use a
plug-able connector. A
connector will allow you
to easily separate the
components for storage,
painting and service
easier but also opens
the possibility of accidentally damaging the
Failure to properly isolate the motor will damage your decoder and turn it into an
effective, but short-lived smoke generator!
In the event you do damage your decoder, simply return it to SoundTraxx along with the service
fee (please call for current amount) and we will repair and return it promptly. See our Service
and Warranty Policy, page 36.
Begin motor isolation by removing the body shell from the locomotive and in the case of a steam
locomotive, the tender shell as well.
Before you proceed further, it is important to carefully examine the locomotive wiring and determine where each wire goes and what it does. The manufacturer’s assembly drawings may be
useful here or you may elect to create your own wiring diagram. In particular, you will need to
identify the connections to the left and right power pickups as well as the (+) and (-) motor connections. Note: for N, HO, and S scale locos, the positive motor connection is the one connected
to the right rail (engineer side) power pickup.
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 10
Disconnect all wires leading to both motor terminals. Note that some motor brush connections
Cut equal amounts
from each side.
are made using a spring contact to the chassis. In such cases, it will be necessary to remove or
modify the spring contact as well. Be aware that some locomotives may make contact between
the motor and frame only when the body is reinstalled.
Next, verify that each motor terminal is electrically isolated from the left and right rail pickups
using an ohm-meter or continuity tester. With your meter set to the ohms scale, touch both meter
probes together and note that the meter indicates 0 ohms (short circuit). You don’t want to see
this indication again! Touch one of the probes to one of the motor brush terminals. Touch the
other probe to the locomotive frame, then the left rail power pickup wire, and finally to the right
rail power pickup wire. Move the first probe to the other motor brush terminal and repeat the
tests. If all tests indicate an open circuit, the motor is properly isolated. Do not proceed further
until this is done.
You will also need to disconnect the wires leading to any lights you wish to use. Using an ohm
meter, check that each lamp lead is electrically isolated from the frame as well as the left and
right rail pickups.
Step 5. Modify the Tender Body or Locomotive Shell
In the case of a steam locomotive, you will probably be mounting the speaker facing down on the
tender floor or facing up in the coalbunker. On a diesel model, the speaker is likely to be mount
ed facing down inside the fuel tank, under the fan grilles or inside the cab. In any event, a certain
amount of “body work” may be necessary to accommodate the speaker and decoder. This may
include removing weights, mounting brackets, internal bracing and other structural features.
You will probably need to cut an opening in the body shell for the speaker. A series of small holes
can be easily drilled and will work as well as one large hole provided the open area is at least
one half the area of the speaker cone. In either case, there should be no openings outside or
larger than the speaker cone itself.
Step 6. Fit the Speaker
If the speaker is wider than the space
in which you intend to install it, it will be
necessary to reduce the speaker width to
get a proper fit. Determine how much the
speaker must be cut down and remove
half of that amount from each side of the
speaker. If the speaker width must be
substantially reduced (i.e., requires cutting
into the speaker diaphragm), you may
find it easier to simply purchase a smaller
speaker – SoundTraxx has a variety of
speakers available to suit your needs.
Figure 8 - Trimming Speaker Cones
Otherwise, speakers with plastic frames may be trimmed down using a sharp flat file. Speakers
with metal frames can be quickly trimmed down using a Dremel or similar tool with an abrasive
cut-off wheel. Be sure to wear safety glasses.
-
As you file or cut down the speaker sides, work slowly and alternate from side to side until the
speaker just fits within the body shell. Be careful to remove only the speaker frame and avoid
cutting into the diaphragm itself.
Step 7. Secure the Speaker in Place
Once bodywork is complete and the speaker has been fitted in place, it must be secured tightly
to the enclosure. For the best sound, an airtight seal is needed around the speaker edge. We
have found the best way to hold the speaker in place is to use silicone RTV - it provides the
airtight seal needed and unlike epoxy or other hard glues, allows the speaker to be readily
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 11
removed in the future. Be careful that you don’t get any RTV onto the speaker diaphragm as this
Gray
Red
Blac
k
Orange
Speaker +
Speaker -
-
+
Value varies
with Model
Tan or
Purple
Tan or
Purple
Headlight
Backup Light
12-16V Lamps
Yellow
White
Blue
2
8
19
37
4
5
6
Motor -
Motor +
Left-hand Rail Pickup
Right-hand Rail Pickup
Forward
Lamp
Reverse
Lamp
560 ohm
Resistor
560 ohm
Resistor
WHITE
YELLOW
FUNCTION COMMON
BLUE
1.5V Microbulbs
will severely distort the sound quality!
Step 8. Install and Wire the Decoder
Note: the following instructions are provided as a general guideline. Refer to the installation and
wiring instructions that came with your decoder for specific information.
Begin by securing the decoder in place using double-sided foam tape. Temporarily refit the body
shell to ensure that adequate clearance still exists.
When wiring the decoder, trim all wires to reduce unnecessary lead length. This will not only
give your installation a neater appearance but also prevent wires from interfering with the drive
mechanism and getting pinched between the frame and body shell.
To ensure long-term reli
ability, solder all connec
-
tions and insulate with
heat shrinkable tubing
such as SoundTraxx P.N.
810036.
Track Connections
Connect the RED wire to
the right(engineer’s side)
track power pickup and
the BLACK wire to the left
track power pickup
Motor Connections
Connect the ORANGE
Figure 9 - Wiring Diagram
wire to the motor’s (+) terminal and the GRAY wire to the motor’s (-) terminal.
Speaker Connections
Important: Some DSD-LCs require a capacitor to be wired
in series with the speaker. Refer to the instruction sheet for
details.
Connect one of the PURPLE wires to the speaker’s (-) ter
minal. Connect the other PURPLE wire to the speaker’s (+)
Figure 10 - Soldering to
Speaker pads (SoundTraxx
3/4” speaker shown)
terminal. NOTE: Some DSD-LC models may be supplied
with tan-colored speaker leads. Refer to the wiring instructions provided with your decoder for more information.
On smaller speakers, solder the wires to the outside edges of the solder pads as shown in
Figure 10.
Lighting Connections
12-16V lamps can be directly wired to the function
outputs as shown in Figure 9.
If you are using the DSD-LC to drive 1.5V micro
bulbs, it will be necessary to wire a small currentlimiting resistor in series with each of the lamps to
prevent them from burning out (see Figure 11). A
separate resistor must be used for each bulb even
if they are connected to the same output. A 560-ohm,
-
Figure 11 - 1.5 Volt Microbulb Lighting
Connections
LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 12
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