I have to agree with you regarding the printing of manuals. I have actualy notebooks with the printout outs for each decoder manufacturer.
Broadway Limited Paragon actually does supply a list of all in the small booklet size manual so have to give them credit. Tsunami equipped Genesis includes a fairly detailed manual as well and does tell you how to program the ditch lights to flash with the horn button (F2).
I would suggest downloading all manufactures manuals, print out and put into clear page holders and into a notebook for future ease of use. And you can always include notes for wuick reference ie: light effect settings, function remapping, etc.
That’s a good idea. However the Tsunami manual is over 70 pages if I recall. So add 70 pages and a printer cartridge to the cost to print your own. [:-^]
One time purchase of a larger screen and never print this stuff, just read it on the computer. No need to waste trees. PDF files have a search, so you can even find what you need without paging through it all.
The Bachmann Sound Value decoders are made by SoundTraxx for Bachmann to Bachmann’s specifications. The Sound Value decoder is NOT a decoder in the Tsunami family of decoders. Accordingly it is a misnomer to refer to them as Tsunami decoder.
The Configuration Variable Defaults lists for Bachmann Sound Value decoders are not now completely accurate. How accurate a file is varies by model. Both Bachmann and SoundTraxx are aware of this. Perhaps one day the files will be updated.
All Sound Value decoders support CV 2, CV 5 and CV 6 as well as CV 66 through CV 95. What is being missed is CV 5 and CV 6 are not enabled for all Sound Value equipped models.
Example, they are not enabled for the F7A or F7B, the Speed Table (CV 67 – CV 94) is enabled.
Notice for the HO Bachmann Sound Value F7A and F7B models
Speed Table Register, CV 25 value is 16
Configuration Register, CV 29 value is 22
I think most of us are fairly good at searching. Finding info on the Bachman CV available values “for DCC Sound Value Equipment” is not as simple as you make it. I’ve tried programming using NMRA standards to my Bachmann 2-6-0 and they make no sense. The only thing that was programmable with ease was the road number. Which is pretty important. As one of your inquirer stated a little pamphlet along with the locomotive would really have helped. The problem is one does not know what can be changed, what CV values are legitimate.
I have a couple older Spectrum with onboard sound. Not sound value and those were stripped down but I knew that from watching the Bachmann forums and reading the CV list at the SoundTraxx site.
Yes stripped down versions of the Tsunami. Even Bachmann has said at times, Tsunami decoder. Been watching the site for some years,.
Bachmann sound value sound decoders are great ,but with no manual and Soundtraxx publishing incorrect cv lists showing functions on them that they do not even have should raise eyebrows if not corrected. Eventually they do somewhat.Now the newest listings are corrupted with the same thing showing brake squeal and auto sound configuration for fans and compressors when both Soundtraxx and Bachmann know that these sound decoders do not have fans,compressors or brake squealing sounds onboard. After apurchase when and if you research this beforehand you will be jilted politely when they tell you they are misprints.
Bachmann Sound Vaue decoders only share a couple of sound files for the bell horn and prime mover .Some have a dynamic brake sound with RPM change function that you can program. Some have a start up and shut down auto sound function,but otherwise nearly all the brake ,air releases,pop valves,compressors ,radiator fans,7 ban EQ’s and Reverb sound functions re missing. They are not Tsumanis at all ,but only refere to the Soundtraxx Tsumani manual to save a buck so they do not have to make a actual manual for them and actually claim what they are and what they have functionally.
This way they do not have to claim what it actually does support. They have a thing going with Soundtraxx who provides a nice list of configuration variables that shows the sound ,light and motor functions that can be adjusted by the user. Problem is they list things on the list published that they do not have to make it look like they have many more functions then they do if someone likes to do research right from the company that made the sound decoder. After a wile they correct them . Strange when they list new released models they do the same misprints. Aexample is the new Bachmann ho gp 30. The list shows cv 112 sound configuration 1 . If it were a Tsumani this adjustment controls fans and compressor sounds. Sound Value does not have it Bachmann claims,but blames Soundtraxx for the error. Soundtraxx customer service says it has it along with brake squeal.But it does not. Tag team scam aparently.
We all wish they were ,but they are a China copy with completely different firmware and electronics .Only thing is the same is th board itself. Aparently the reason neither Soundtraxx or Bachmann knows what is on them to get the documentation correct was lost in China and they did not give them even 1/4 of what a real Tsumani sound decoder has. They controll the motor good but just suport 8 prime mover notches 3 horns 1 bell ,dynamic brake on some and a couple lighting outputs with light effects.No brakes fans compressors,pop valves ,air releases,start up and shut down sequences ,12 more horns a 7 baND eq and a reverb eq. That is not missing some .It is missing practically everthing. Cheepest sound decoder made with the least functions. They sound good for what they have ,but after a wile they are as interesting as watching grass grow
Or like pretty much EVERY DCC decoder maker, they are smart enough not to print and ship a 50-100 page fully detailed with every last bit of information book with each and every decoder. Even if you only have a dozen locos, what are you going to do with 12 copies of the same giant manual?