Introduction to DCC Operation and CV

Programming

Introduction

•Get familiar with a few DCC systems• Show similarities and differences

•Gain confidence to know how to use the DCC systems and set CVs

NMRA DCC

• The protocol is owned and mandated by the NMRA, not DCC companies

• Follows a standard signal in the rails

• DCS, RCS, etc. are NOT DCC

• 4 segments to DCC command

•Programming is adjusting features, selecting sounds or modifying behavior just like changing the volume on your TV

•Add model-specific sound details to your locomotives digitally

IntroductionWhat is Programming?

• Settings for the decoder’s address and other adjustments are CVs (Configuration Variables)

• Some CVs are industry standard

•Others are manufacturer specific• Not all decoders support every CV

Introduction What is a CV?

Introduction to CVs

• All CVs can contain a value from 0 to 255

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

•Operations Mode (“Ops Mode”)•Known as “programming on the main”•On-the-fly adjustments for easy sound tuning•Reliable•Must know decoder’s address•CV values cannot be read•Some systems do not allow changing the address when

programming on main

Tsunami2 Programming Modes

• Service Mode• Known as “the programming

track”

• Allows read-back of CV settings

• Can program any CV

• Does not need locomotive address

• Cannot test settings in Service Mode

Tsunami2 Programming Modes (cont.)

Diesel OperationsTsunami2 Function Assignments

• F0= Headlight/ Backup light• F1= Bell• F2= Airhorn• F3= Short airhorn• F4= Dynamic Brakes• F5= RPM+/Engine Startup• F6= RPM-/Engine Shutdown• F7= Dimmer• F8= Mute• F9= Grade-Crossing Signal• F10= Straight-to-eight• F11= Independent/Train Brakes• F12= Brake Select/Train Line Charge• F13= Couple/uncouple• F14= Switching Mode

• F15= Handbrake• F16= HEP Mode• F17= Fuel Loading• F18= General Servicing• F20= Steam Generator• F21= Sander Valve• F22= Cab Chatter• F23= “All Aboard!”/Coach Doors

MRC Prodigy

•Press Loco

• Enter Locomotive #

•Press enter

• Throttle Knob to run

• Enter to +1 speed Step

•Del to -1 Speed Step

Use of MRC ProdigySelect Locomotive and Run

Accessing F10-F28

To access functions above F12, press shift key two digits of the F#

Program CVs

• MRC, press PROG, to PROG PROG TRACK then Enter key 6x to enter CV#

• For Mainline Programming, press PROG, to PROG MAIN, enter if correct address, or enter it in then Enter key 6x to enter CV#

Digitrax Chief

• Select loco

• Enter Locomotive #

•Press enter

Use of Digitrax DCS100 and DT400Select Locomotive and Run

Accessing F10-F28

To access functions above F12, press FUNC key and the 1. display “XtdFn+10” turning the key pad key values into F10-F19. Press FUNC and the 2 key display “XtdFn+20” causing the key pad values into F20-F28.

Program CVs

• Digitrax, press PROG

• In Center of screen, see Pd, Pg, Phor Po. Press Prog to cycle through

• Left Knob is CV number

• Right Knob is CV value

• Press Enter when CV number and values are desired

• Can program multiple CVs with turning knobs

• Press Exit to, well, Exit!

NCE PowerCab/ProCab

• Select loco

• Enter Locomotive #

•Press enter

Use of NCE Power CabSelect Locomotive and Run

Accessing F10-F28

To access functions above F12, press shift key and the 0 key Pressing it once will display “F10-F19” turning the key pad key values into F10-F19. Pressing it a second time will display “F20-29” causing the key pad values into F20-F28.Note: Option key can be reassigned for this purpose

Accessing F10-F28

To determine which functions above F6 are turned on, press the “EXPN” key to change the display screen. Press the “EXPN” key again to return to normal cab operation.

NOTE: you cannot turn functions on or off when in the “EXPN” mode and displaying function states

• Let’s program a CV

•CV 128: Master Volume

• Set to 0% volume

•CV 128 = 0

• Follow step-by-step:

Use of NCE Power CabOps Mode Programming

Oddball System Quirks

• Digitrax sends out full DCC packets• 2 Throttles to same address causes conflicts

• NCE sends out function packets only when function state changes• Constant motor-only commands

• Each system has its quirks, knowing them helps overcome operational challenges

CV Reset

• Set CV 8 to 8

• Cycle the power to reboot the decoder and trigger reset

• Lights flash 16 times to indicate the reset has taken place

• CV 8 to 8 = Full CV reset • 9 = Reset only CVs 1-128

• 10 = Reset only CVs 129-256

• 11 = Reset only CVs 1.257-1.512

• 12 = Reset only CVs 2.257-2.512

• 13 = Reset only CVs 3.257-3.512

Conclusion

• Familiarity with the system allows more intuitive programming and operation

• Have confidence to use the features you have

• When you can use the DCC system, operating trains is more fun!

Floobydust

• YouTube channel filled with tips on SoundTraxx products

• Steam and Diesel User’s Guide very helpful

• Other tips at SoundTraxx.com

• Next Webinar- TBD• Subscribe to Newsletter for updates

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

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

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• Retailers contact smarketing@soundtraxx.com to sign up for our Retailer Newsletter

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

Questions?