CV Programming, DCC Myths and More

• CV programming

• DCC myths

• Troubleshooting Tips

• Overcoming these to help enhance your enjoyment

Configuration Variables

• The settings for the decoder address and other adjustments are Configuration Variables, or CVs• Industry standard CVs• Manufacturer specific CVs• Not all decoders support all CVs• Not all CVs can be programmed by all DCC systems• Each CV is comprised of eight bits

Introduction to CVs

• Each bit is on (1) or off (0)

• All CVs can contain a value from 0 to 255

• Some CVs can be adjusted as a percentage, e.g., volume settings

FUEL0/FUEL1 = Fuel Type

INJ = Injector

RVS = Johnson Bar/Power Reverser

3CYL = 3-Cylinder Exhaust

WSLP0/WSLP1 = Articulated Wheel-Slip

ARTEX = Articulated Exhaust

CV StructureCV 112 Sound Configuration 1

Changing CVs• When setting a CV you’re actually making an

adjustment to the performance

• SoundTraxx decoders don’t allow you to break them by setting a CV to the wrong value

• Values set by using the DCC system or throttle

Changing CVs

There are two methods for changing CV settings:

• Service Mode (programming track)

• Operations Mode (on-the-fly, programming on the main)

Service Mode Programming

• Known as “the programming track”

• Requires isolated section of track

• Can read CV settings

• Locomotive address NOTrequired

• Cannot test settings in Service Mode

Operations Mode Programming

• Known as “Ops Mode” or “programming on the main”

• No need to place loco on special track or shut down layout

• Immediate results

• CV settings cannot be read

• Must know locomotive’s address!

Common Myths

• “Ops Mode” or “programming on the main” will re-program everything

• Need a programming track booster

• All sound decoders are the same

• All DCC systems are the same• Know your DCC system

Differences in DCC Systems

• Different Cabs• Operator Throttle vs Full-

featured Throttle

• How the DCC Signal is sent• Digitrax sends out full DCC

packet

• NCE constantly sends out motor commands. Adding in functions only when a function state changes

Common Troubleshooting

• Blue Pilot Light indicates track power

• Lights flash to indicate error detected• Number of flashes corresponds to specific issues

• LEDs do not illuminate

• Loco runs opposite direction from the lights

• Sound plays but no control

JMRI or Decoder Pro

• Not a substitute for the manual• User’s Guide details the

operation

• Needs a computer connected to your DCC system

• Each DCC system has its own protocol, JMRI settings

Floobydust

• YouTube channel filled with tips on SoundTraxx products

• Steam and Diesel User’s Guide very helpful

• Other tips at SoundTraxx.com

• Next Webinar- Introduction to Decoder Installations• April Date TBD. • Subscribe to Newsletter for updates

Want to learn More? Explore these Links:• Tsunami2 Manuals

• Manuals Page: http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals.php

• SoundTraxx Customer Newsletter Sign Up • http://www.soundtraxx.com/newsletter.php

• Dealers contact smarketing@soundtraxx.com to sign up for our dealer newsletter

• SoundTraxx Social Media • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundTraxxDCC/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SoundTraxxVideos

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoundtraxxCO

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundtraxxdcc/

• Clinic Presentation• https://www.soundtraxx.com/webinar.php