Hello Everyone!
I have two NS Intermountain ES40DC locomotives that I am running on my layout and had a programming question for all of you DCC experts. I am running both of my units back to back and my layout is powered with a Lenz DCC system. My day job is a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern and I really enjoy running the real ES40DC units when I have one as a lead unit. I have played with the CVs on my models but just can't quite get the units to run like the prototype. I'm trying to simulate the momentum effect that the prototype has when starting from stop. Think about how much force it takes to move 400,000 lbs and that's just a light engine. Now imagine what it would take to move the engine plus a number of loaded 286,000 lb cars! Also, I am trying to figure out how to make that unmistakable deep growling sound from the prime mover louder like the prototype when it is under load. So here are my two questions...
How do you program these Intermountain units to simulate slow, smooth take offs (without jerking motion)? What CVs do I need to adjust and at what levels to simulate the engine under load overcoming inertia?
How do you make the engine under load sound louder? What CVs do I need to adjust and at what levels?
Thanks!
Tim
I don't know the CVs off hand. But I have several of these same locos, and I use JMRI for programming my locos. I have adjusted the momentum and prime mover sounds like you described.
Does your Lenz system have a programming track? If so, does it have a serial port? If so, your good to go and should be able to program with the free JMRI software using your PC/Laptop.
Or you could just call Intermountain and ask them the CVs you need to adjust. They are very friendly and always willing to help their customers.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Hi Motley,
Yes I have a programming track and I've recently purchased a SPROG II DCC programmer that I haven't used yet. When I do I will use the JMIR Decoder Pro Software. Right now I've just been re configuring the CVs with my handheld throttle.
I've printed off the Soundtraxx Tsunami instruction manual so if anything I guess I could keep experimenting with these variables until I get it just right. I was really hoping to find someone that has already done the legwork. LOL!
Ya that is definitely the way to go using the programming software.
If I can remember off the top of my head (not at home right now). For momentum settings. I believe I have the "start" set at 15, and the "stop" set at 13. So my locos start out really slow and smooth. And stopping is just a titch slower.
Maybe that will help ya a little.
The growl of the loco loading up, I'm afraid that's not goign to happen with a Tsunami unless you go to manual notchign and crank it up before moving. No amount of momentum in a Tsunami diesel decoder will get that unmistakeable sound of the units loading up when starting a heavy train - this is why I prefer QSI.
As for smooth starts, with the mechanism in good order and BEMF turned on, you should be able to crawl away a step at a time. Make sure you are using 128 speed steps, not 28, for much finer control. The Tsunamis do have very good motor control so a nice even speed increase from a stop is definitely doable. My Stewart/Bowser FT with Tsunami starts nice and smooth, no jerky starts and stops.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
Thanks for the info! I have a few QSI decoders in my Atlas units and they run fine. I really like the Loksound decoders the best though as I believe they produce the most realistic sounds.
I changed the throttle assignment that these units are assigned to from a rotary knob to a push button controller and they seem to run much better now. I believe I have the CVs adjusted to get them to produce the best effect that the decoders will allow. Maybe one day I'll change them out for Loksound decoders!
Tim, the easy way to program on Lenz is to use PoM. Set ACC to say 30 initially, and move up or down from there. On my road locos I then go straight to speed step 12 (of 28) know the train will accelerate smoothly to road speed.
Bill
Tim.
I found this on Tony's site. http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2012/033112.htm
This has been my complaint about the Tsunamis since the first one I installed a few years ago. That jerk when starting just annoyed me to no end and even with an abnormal amount of momentum it still did it. Since I am a steamer guy it just did not look right and any prototype would have pulled couplers out starting like that. As for the sound volumes I can not help you. The steamer decoders have sound of power with F6 while moving.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for!