Thank you for your assisstance, I will follow your instructions.
Robert Sylvester
Robert,
If CV29 is set to a value of "7" then DC operation [4], 28/128 speed steps [2], and reverse direction [1] are activated. Subtract "4" (DC operation) from the total and enter "3" as a value for CV29. That ensures your locomotive only operates on DCC.
Here's a CV29 calculator to help you visualize how the various values affect the locomotive.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thanks for your input, I still have a lot to learn, especially about CV's.
I sent an E unit to to a decoder installer, Tony's, at the time I only had DC so it was configured to run on DC, engine sounds only. Recently I installed a Prodigy Express system, but the E unit with the Tsunami 2 sound decoder when placed on the track to run with DCC only has the engine sound but the engine won't move. They addressed it 3027 and installed CV programs including CV 29 with a value of 7 to enable DC operations.
Is there something I can do to allow the engine to run on DCC, runs fine on DC but I would like to get more out of the decoder that cost $125.00.
Just a step by step way to run this engine with DCC.
Thanks,
Newberry-Columbia, SC
...because we configure the decoder to perform in a way we desire. Makes each of them customizable. Hey.....configure....customize.....customizing variables!!
wjstix Sounds good (pun intended). Keep in mind the characteristics of the decoders - starting and stopping momentum, horn / bell choice and volume, etc. can be set by using CVs (control values) in the decoders. Horn choices can vary from 4 horn sounds to choose from to dozens, depending on the decoder.
Sounds good (pun intended).
Keep in mind the characteristics of the decoders - starting and stopping momentum, horn / bell choice and volume, etc. can be set by using CVs (control values) in the decoders. Horn choices can vary from 4 horn sounds to choose from to dozens, depending on the decoder.
CVs - Configuration Variables
RR Baron
I now have twelve engines with decoders and three decoder brands make up the list in the engine units. Recently I installed a Prodigy Express system on my layout which is 10X12, the system is more than adequate for this size.
For over fifty year I have run trains with analog, DC transformers by MRC and they have served me well. When the dual decoders began to appear in DCC locomotives and you could also run them on my DC layout, I decided to give it ago.
With DC at least I had some sound, motor running, bell and horn when the engines first start up, or the chuffing sound with my MTH steam engine, no whistle or bell. When standing still all of the engines continued with some limited sound affects, shoveling coal, steam release, even audible voices can be heard with the Tsunami 2 decoders.
I have been running sound on DC since last year when I purhased my first engine, a Bachman, with a Sound Trax dual decoder. I really like the effects I heard even on DC when I first turned it on. The horn activated as well as the bell, but they finally were silent and all you heard was the engine sound but nothing else, but this was the beginning of a new world for me. Remember, I had never experienced sound on any of my railroads. My Athearn Seaboard RS unit is about the same but the horn is stronger, engine sounds are good, but the bell goes on forever in DC.
I then purchased the MTH steamer and wow what a difference. Nice start, very slow with the chuffing sound, no whistle or bell. I also noticed sometimes the engine sound dropped in and out and control of speed was somewhat erratic. Not a smooth ride.
Two more Bachmans were added to the stable of motive power, with the same limited operations. Then one day I saw and purchased a Walthers 2000, (Life Like Proto version) F unit. It was in kit form, more or less, highly detailed but assembly required. I even hand painted it in Southern colors. It's sound was produced by a QSI decoder, good deep horn with bell and nice motor sounds, even in DC. By switching direction you could even honk the horn. Nice take off with slow advance in speed, very realistic.
The variety of the QSI sounds really stand out even with DC but when DCC was added that really brought out the engines ability. Even the Bachman's have pretty good tone, the horn is a little weak, almost tinny. The motor sounds are adequate but nothing to shout home about.
The real surprise was when I placed the MTH steam unit on the tracks and ran it with DCC. The smooth take off was unbelievable, the whistle strong, with nice sound affects, shoveling coal, steam adjustments, clanking of couplers, and a smooth ride, no drop out sounds with a nice smooth increase in speed with matching chuffs.
Can't say enough about the QSI system in the Walter/Proto 2000 undecorated unit. The quality of sound is optimum, with all of the accessory sounds that adds to the realism. The quality of the sound is excellent, the movement of the F unit is very realistic with the slow start then advancing the speed.
The Tsunami II decoders are good in their response to slow take offs with good realistic sounds. The horn is imprssive, good strong tone with variations that sound real. The engine and accessory sounds compliment the overall performance, I like it.
The surprise is the MTH Steamer, slow start with matching chuffs. The whistle sound authentic and almost moans as you come through town. With DCC it is smooth, no dropped sounds and no hesitation of movement-nice quality very realistic.
Lastly, the Bachman Sound Trax is good, nice engine sounds but the horn needs work. The engines start low and as the motor reves up the engine begins to hit the high road. All of my Bachman units run smooth, look good and are a nice addition to the Bachman line.
That's what I have experienced so far with DCC and my engines with dual sound decoders.