Does the Sound Value On Board decoder have a CV for automatically sounding the short whistle blasts when a loco begins to move and when it stops? On the Bachmann list CV 198 might have something to do with that but the default value 0 does not do it.
Maybe not. Those are stripped down decoders to cut down on prices.
With SoundTraxx decoders I installed myself I could.
Rich
Quote from: edpb on May 29, 2019, 11:12:02 PM
Does the Sound Value On Board decoder have a CV for automatically sounding the short whistle blasts when a loco begins to move and when it stops? On the Bachmann list CV 198 might have something to do with that but the default value 0 does not do it.
Sound Value decoder - program CV 198 = 2 to enable Automatic Whistle when using DCC
Whenever the locomotive is stopped or started, the Sound Value will produce the correct whistle signal appropriate for the direction of travel:
Stop - One short toot
Forward - Two Medium Toots
Reverse - Three Short Toots
I don't understand why automatic whistles are needed.
Quote from: Hunt on May 30, 2019, 03:08:53 PM
Quote from: edpb on May 29, 2019, 11:12:02 PM
Does the Sound Value On Board decoder have a CV for automatically sounding the short whistle blasts when a loco begins to move and when it stops? On the Bachmann list CV 198 might have something to do with that but the default value 0 does not do it.
Sound Value decoder - program CV 198 = 2 to enable Automatic Whistle when using DCC
Whenever the locomotive is stopped or started, the Sound Value will produce the correct whistle signal appropriate for the direction of travel:
Stop - One short toot
Forward - Two Medium Toots
Reverse - Three Short Toots
That is good to kinow. I just never took time to go through the CV list. Not easy on an iPhone, at least for me.
I am on the PC now.
Rich
I don't understand why DCC is needed but some people like it because it does thing automatically. :)
Thank you to everyone who replied to my post.
To Hunt, my CP Jupiter now has automatic start/stop toots and my UP 119 will soon also. Special thanks to you.
To Trainman203, I suppose the automatic toots are not needed usually -- I could do them manually each time -- but I just wanted them to be automatic so I could run the Jupiter and 119 in an operating diorama of the Golden Spike National Historic Park without having to remember to do it every time.
The diorama does not exist yet, but I do plan to get it built.
There are other things that would be nice to have for the diorama, like the low speed bell. After reading Hunt's post, I searched Bachmann and Soundtraxx for a users' guide for the new 4-4-0 with no success. I will keep trying.
Thanks again to everyone.
Quote from: edpb on May 31, 2019, 11:25:08 AM
. . .
There are other things that would be nice to have for the diorama, like the low speed bell.
. . .
To have both automatic whistle and bell program CV 198 to 6 plus program CV 193 and CV 194 to control Bell on off points you want.
Automatic Bell Set Points - CV 193 and 194 determine the speed steps (or equivalent throttle voltages when operating in analog mode) at which the automatic bell turns on and off respectively and may be set anywhere between 1 and 126 corresponding to the speed step of the same value. CV 194, the bell off set point, must be set to a value greater than CV 193 or else the bell will not turn on.
Example: Set CV 193 to 5 and CV 194 to 10. With these settings the bell will initially be off when the engine is stopped. As the locomotive speed is increased, the bell will turn on once the throttle setting reaches speed step 5. The bell will remain on so long as the engine is operated between speed steps 5 and 10. Increasing the throttle beyond speed step 10 or below speed step 5 will turn the bell back off. Once the bell has been turned off, it can be turned back on by lowering the speed to the same setting as in CV 193
Factory decoder default value
CV 198, Digital Mode Automatic Sound Configuration = 0
CV 193, Automatic Bell On Set Point = 5
CV 194, Automatic Bell Off Set Point = 10 (documentation for HO 4-4-0 list default value as 12)
an aside
edpb,
1) Read CV 193 and CV 194 - what is the factory default value of each in the decoder installed in the 4-4-0 locomotive you have?
2) What DCC system did you use to read the CVs?
Hi Hunt -- thank you for all that information.
I'm using a Model Rectifier Corp Tech 6 DC/DCC control. It does not have a screen for showing CV values. When I program a CV the loco tells me what value I put in, and sometimes I can understand what it says, but that's all this system can do. If I had the walk-around plugin control for the Tech 6, it has a screen that I think can show the current value in a CV, but I loaned mine to my son-in-law who is 250 miles away.
Just now I tried to get the value in 193 by going through the programming routine without putting in a value for CV 193 to see if the loco would tell me what is in there. That did not work. In programming with the Tech 6, after I press P and enter a CV number one of the panel LEDs should stay on until I have entered a CV value but instead all LEDs flickered faintly, and I think that may mean that I can't program 193-4 with this loco.
Hi HUnt,
Well, for my last post I relied on my memory. Bad move. I think everything was normal when I tried to read the CV contents for 193, it just didn't work. I will try programming 193-4 as you suggested, and if that works and the factory values are lost, I still have my other 4-4-0 and sometime may be able to read the factory values on that loco.
Later --
Well, I tried that. For CV 193-4 I put in 5 and 10 and got no bell. Then I put in 10 and 50 and got no bell. Funny thing: at the end of each entry of a CV value, the loco always lurches forward, including the times that I did not enter a value to 193 or 194. This time with 5-10 and 10-50. there was no lurch. Also the loco did not tell me anything.
Did you first program CV 198 = 6 then program CV 193 and CV 194?
Suggest you use a real DCC system, which Model Rectifier Corp Tech 6 is not.
Hi Hunt,
When I tried to program CV 193-4, I kept CV 198 programmed to 2 for the start/stop whistle toots.
Oops -- I just read your instructions which said for both effects that I want I must put 198 at 6. I'm sorry to make it hard for you to help me. I will change 198 and let you know how it goes.
I agree that if I'm going to keep on with DCC I need a real DCC control.
Hey Terry, I just read through this thread again and I think that in your post you got it right! You supplied the perfect answer!
;D
For Hunt —
I went to my favorite hobby shop and bought a NCE Power Cab and I'm using that to read CV values.
In my Jupiter 4-4-0 I found CV 193 = 005, CV 194 = 010, CV 198 = 006. I think that I put those values in. When I get the 119 on the track I can read the factory values.
Now the Jupiter toots on startup at speed step 1 and also when it stops. The bell turns on at speed step 2 and turns off at speed step 3. I have not gone through the loco setup procedure yet. I just got the cab out of the box a little while ago and read the CVs first thing. I think that the cab may be set for 28 speed steps.
Sounds just so great!:)
One nice thing about the Power Cab is you can use it to see how much current your layout overall, or a specific locomotive, is drawing. To termporarily replace the clock with an amp readout:
a) In the lower left corner of the Power Cab keypad press the Program / Escape (PROG/ESC) key 6 times.
Note: You are looking for "SET CAB PARAMS"
b) Press "ENTER" key.
c) Display will now say: "SHOW TRK CURRENT 1=Y".
d) Press "1" key.
e) Press PROG/ESC key 2 times to get back to the main screen.
To check the current draw of a specific loco, remove all other locos and lighted cars from the layout. Run the loco being tested around the layout, taking note of the current draw. Particularly on grades, if any. You might want to record the info for each loco in a notebook for future troubleshooting reference.
Powering the Cab down will restore the clock the next time it's powered up.
Len
Thanks, Len -- I will try that.
I have been experimenting with the NCE Power Cab and my Bachmann new tooling 4-4-0 Jupiter. The Jupiter now turns on the bell at startup (speed step 1) and it goes off at speed step 6 (step 5 gives about 7 scale mph).
Some unexpected things have turned up while I have been experimenting. The Power cab can't set a speed step higher than 28. The Power Cab manual says that "128 speed mode is always enabled in decoders that support 128 speed step operation." So I have learned something disappointing about the Sound Value decoder. The other thing is that after some of my experimenting, turning on the headlight always brings out one short toot from the whistle. Turning the headlight off goes quietly.
Overall, the Jupiter now can go about one scale mph at speed step one, it accelerates a litlle bit jerkily but steadily from slower speed to faster speed, and decelerates fairly nicely also. The automatic whistle toots are always produced at the right time. And I told you the good news about the bell.
When I get the 4-4-0 119 on the track I will look into the factory defaults for the CV values that Hunt helped me with.
An aside >
Quote from: edpb on June 07, 2019, 11:59:13 PM
. . .
The Power cab can't set a speed step higher than 28.
. . .
The Power Cab can send either 28 or 128 speed steps to the decoder.
What Power Cab version do you have?
Version 1.65 - Pressing the 128/28 button displays in the Cab LCD speed step mode in use with the active locomotive's decoder.
Use the 128/28 button to toggle between 128 and 28. Press the Enter button to use speed step in display.
Suggest using 128.
Well, Hunt, I would be lost without you reading my posts and replying. The Power Cab manual told me that I don't have to program anything to have 128 speed steps. It just didn't tell me about that button at the bottom of the cab, the one that was right under my nose and the one that I might never have seen if you hadn't told me that there is one. It will be fun tomorrow to see what difference that makes in operation. I'm up too late to find out now.
My cab is version 1.65.
Edit: And I should apologize to the decoder. It wasn't its fault.
I also apologize to the Power Cab manual. The button is explained on Page 18.
Check your cab version carefully. If it is 1.65, there is a firmware issue that if you ever do a cab reset, you will lose permanently some of the benefits of 1.65 and it will revert to 1.28 parameters for some functionality. - ( like maximum number of cabs and a few other things, but it will still operate teains). But it will still report as 1.65. If it is 1.65b, then no worries and you are on the latest firmware. You can purchase a firmware chip upgrade from NCE direct on their website or from some dealers. Its about $35 or maybe less.
Just passing that on....
Thank you, Gearedenginefreak, for that information. The title page of my manual says V 1.65 and Copyright 2012 and I think that means my Power Cab is not the b upgrade.
A year ago in May my son, who lives in San Jose, my grandson and his Dad, and I took a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad near Santa Cruz. Before and after our ride into the redwoods, I walked alongside the shay as it returned from the trip before ours and then as it left on the next trip. I couldn't get enough of watching the drive system.
Oops — Copyright 2010.
Oops again — the online manual says 2010. My manual says 2012.
No oops this time, just good news. Just now I plugged in my cab and for the first time I watched the screen as it powered up. The second screen displayed said V 1.65B.
Yup, those shays and climax and heisler engines are a wonder to watch and listen to.
The manuals and documentation for the power cab make no distinction (or very little) between 1.65 and 1.65b.
Glad your power up showed the 1.65b firmware. You are good to go.
I would not have known about the difference except that I joined the nce group on groups.io and I read everything that comes through there.
Enjoy!
Quote from: edpb on June 08, 2019, 01:34:05 AM
. . .
Well, Hunt, I would be lost without you reading my posts and replying.
. . .
edpd,
You cannot depend on me read your posts as I no longer visit here very often. In fact, this thread was called to my attention.
FYI - Reset Sound Value Decoder,
do not use RECOVERYPROGRAMMING (OPTION 7) on page 54 of the Power Cab System Reference Manual but use the following.
Resetting a Bachmann locomotive factory equipped with Sound Decoder CVs to their factory default value using NCE Power Cab is a two-step procedure.
1) CV 8, enter 8 (can use either PROGRAM TRACK or PRORAM ON MAIN procedure )
2) Cycle power to the decoder by turning power to the track off, wait 10 seconds then turn power back on
After about six-seconds upon restoring power the headlight and backup light will blink simultaneously 16 times indicating that the CVs were successfully reset. However, if sound or lights come on immediately upon restoring power, the decoder did not successfully reset. Repeat the two-step procedure.
Alternate method to turning power off and back on to track.Carefully tilt locomotive and tender to the side until all wheels loose contact with one rail. Hold the tilted position for at least 10 seconds. Now lower locomotive and tender back to normal position on rail.
Hunt, I'm grateful that you decided to take a look. You have helped me a lot. Now I am seriously trying to get away from my attitude of, "forget the manual, let's see what this thing can do." Now I am committed to reading the manual from the beginning, a little at a time, and learning to use what I am learning, just skipping parts that I know I will not use very soon, like accessories.
Thanks for that reset procedure. I will print that and put it into the manual.
Quote from: Hunt on June 08, 2019, 04:49:08 PM
edpd,
You cannot depend on me read your posts as I no longer visit here very often. In fact, this thread was called to my attention.
Clarification --- in above quote, "this thread" is referring to your post, which started
DCC Sound Value On Board Golden Spike 4-4-0 automatic start stop whistle blasts is what was called to my attention, not to the information I gave about resetting the Sound Value decoder.
ok, Hunt, got it. Actually, that's what I thought.
Follow-up
Quote from: Hunt on May 31, 2019, 12:31:50 PM
. . .
Factory decoder default value
CV 198, Digital Mode Automatic Sound Configuration = 0
CV 193, Automatic Bell On Set Point = 5
CV 194, Automatic Bell Off Set Point = 10 (documentation for HO 4-4-0 list default value as 12)
edph,
CV 194, Automatic Bell Off Set Point = 10 (documentation for HO 4-4-0 list default value as 12)
Should you do a decoder reset using CV8 enter 8 - read CV 194, Automatic Bell Off Set Point. I expect you to find CV 194 = 12 not 10.
However, this decoder's supported CV documentation is one awaiting update as it does have a few discrepancies between what is in the decoder and its documentation. Example,
CV 213 Motor Control Sample Period in documentation value is listed as 8
Read the decoder - default value is 1
Click Here (https://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/images/bachmann/pdf/bachmann_ho_440_sv.pdf) for Bachmann HO 4-4-0 Sound Value Equipped documentation
BTW should this document be corrected after today 6/13/2013 hopefully all discrepancies will be corrected.
Thanks Hunt for the info. Programmed my USRA 4-6-2 with the parameters you mentioned 198=6, 193=5,194=10 and it works great. Bell on till 10 and when engine stops one short toot on the horn. If you come up with more suggestions for the Sound value engines I'd be happy to try them. Thanks again, Paul