Adjusting CV115 on new Athearn Genesis SD70I

[prralco]

You were correct. This was in fact a Tsunami 2 which required horn programming in CV120. Thanks.

[prralco]

I am quite familiar with programming on the main and on the programming track and use JMRI with an NCE Wireless System. The decoder accepted each and every value I entered for CV 115 but with no affect on the audible result.  The post was originated to ascertain if anyone else had encountered the same issue that I had.

[PennCentral99]

OP - which DCC system are you using to program CV's? Also, I noticed in your post "Despite multiple attempts and a re-set I have been unsuccessful". You shouldn't be re-setting, you should be "entering" and verifying the decoder accepted the change. Please clarify your terminology.

A few years ago, I purchased an Athearn SD70ACe heritage unit with Soundtraxx Tsunami. Since then, they could have changed the decoder that they now put in locos, but I have every function and CV available to change, including all 15 selectable horns. I can even change the horn using the Ops mode while it's moving, without "power cycling".

I believe the tsunami decoders you purchase for after market installs are 6-function. Yes, some pre-installations might be the 4-function, but I believe you should still have more than one horn selection.

Terry

[maxman]

Jacktal

Athearn's OEM decoders,as Bachmann's Sound Value decoders,are Soundtraxx batch produced decoders to these specific manufacturer's specs,most likely for much lower prices.They all miss some CVs and more,some of the present CVs have fewer selectable options.

There may be a change to that.  From the Soundtraxx website: "In 2017 Athearn will be installing our new line of Tsunami2 premium Digital Sound Decoders in its Genesis models".  See: http://soundtraxx.com/factory/athearn.php?s=gen

That may not apply to the model in question.

[Jacktal]

Athearn's OEM decoders,as Bachmann's Sound Value decoders,are Soundtraxx batch produced decoders to these specific manufacturer's specs,most likely for much lower prices.They all miss some CVs and more,some of the present CVs have fewer selectable options.

Bachmann have made it clear that they aren't Tsunamis (Sound Value) while Athearn let modellers believe they are.I wouldn't worry about reliability though,they simply don't perform like true Tsunami decoders.

[Lee 1234]

Quick Start Guide

[richhotrain]

Jacktal

Athearn's sound equipped locos usually carry reduced versions of Tsunami decoders.They're made by Soundtraxx to Athearn's specs.I wouldn't be surprised if it was the only horn it has available.

They aren't true Tsunamis. 

prralco

I spoke with their technical support personnel who assured me that there were multiple horn options and,  I am aware of the lack of all Tsunami features.  Generally factory installed Tsunamis have between 4 and 5 options for horn sounds whereas after-market Tsunamis have 14 to 16 options.  This particular decoder however has the one option. Thanks. 

My understanding is that Soundtraxx has a contract with Athearn to supply Tsunami decoders to Athearn and that Athearn employees are trained to diagnose problems with Tsunami decoders. So, Soundtraxx refers all questions about the Tsunami to Athearn Technical Support for resolution.

OK, so the Athearn Tsunami has some differences from the Soundtraxx Tsunami, but is the Athearn Tsunami something less than a full featured Soundtraxx Tsunami?  How so?

I cannot say for certain, but it sure seems that CV115 would provide a full set of diesel horn options, whether it be an Athearn or a Soundtraxx decoder.

Rich

[RR Baron]

 

I don’t have the locomotive in question and of course SoundTraxx website is not up to date.

Nevertheless

 

The Athearn Genesis EMD D70I locomotive CN FEATURES advertised on Athearn  website  as being  equipped with K-3 airhorn and Tsunami 2 decoder.  Check the CV listing that should be in the box.  

 

CV 120: Airhorn Select on the Tsunami2.

 

RR Baron

              

 

[Mark R.]

Do a power cycle after you change the CV. Just tilt the engine off the track for a couple seconds, then place it back down. It needs the power cycle for the change to take place.

Mark.

[prralco]

I spoke with their technical support personnel who assured me that there were multiple horn options and,  I am aware of the lack of all Tsunami features.  Generally factory installed Tsunamis have between 4 and 5 options for horn sounds whereas after-market Tsunamis have 14 to 16 options.  This particular decoder however has the one option. Thanks.

[Jacktal]

Athearn's sound equipped locos usually carry reduced versions of Tsunami decoders.They're made by Soundtraxx to Athearn's specs.I wouldn't be surprised if it was the only horn it has available.

They aren't true Tsunamis.

[prralco]

I just purchased a new SD70I with factory installed Soundtraxx Tsunami Sound. It is a CN unit so I wanted to adjust the horn to something closer to a K3. Despite multiple attempts and a re-set I have been unsuccessful. Each value I write to CV 115 yields the same Nathan P3 horn.  Any thoughts?