I thought that some of you may want to know a little more about my progress with the Tsunami instead of, “it sounds great”.
System Controller: Digitrax Super Chief, Throttle: DT400, Track Voltage: 14.5
A few glitches hit me while trying to program the new Tsunami.
The decoder would not take any service mode programming…only Ops mode.
The solution to this was to purchase and install a programming track booster. I purchased one from Tony’s at $49.00. The installation of this booster now allows me to program in the service mode without any problems.
The decoder would not recognize extended addressing using a Digitrax DT400 throttle.
The immediate solution is to program using CV17 and 18. Beware! You must follow the sequence below exactly to make this work.
First convert your address number by using this calculator at: http://ruppweb.dyndns.org/xray/comp/decoder.htm Use only the calculator and not the CV instructions on that site.
In OPS mode Programming
Set CV29 to 2 (default)
Set CV17 to the quotient value from calculator
Set CV18 as the remainder value from calculator
Set CV29 to 34 (this value will depend on if you use the speed tables (50) and etc.)
A big difference in this sequence vs. others is when you set CV29 to its final value. Make sure it is done last just as your DT400 would do it.
Both my Bachman’s had an oscillating/jerkiness that was very apparent at the lower speed settings.
The solution was to use the advanced motor CV’s Kp and Ki. By following the ‘Steam Users Guide’ instructions and experimenting with these, I was able to have a smooth start all the way through to maximum speed.
Great news with the sound. By using the preset (or custom) settings of the Equalizer CV, you can compensate for a lot of the short comings of a small speaker. Just choose one for the size of your speaker and try it… try another…until you find one you like. It gives you a m
Very informative, rexhea. Thanks for the report. I have one being installed this week, and I will certainly look to this thread for help if I run into problems.
You are more than welcome, fellows. This decoder has had so much hype that I believe it important we keep each other informed as new discoveries or problems come to light. The Soundtraxx web site now has the “Steam User’s Manual” for downloading. If you are curious, this 77page manual explains all the CV’s very well in what they are for, how to use them, and how to program them.
One note to add is if you are only using primary addressing of 2 digits, then the standard procedure works just fine. However, you will still need a programming track booster.
My amazement with the decoder is not just from the sound quality, but from the versatility that is installed within the decoder. You may choose not to use many of these variables, but they are there for that very contrary locomotive that never wants to run smooth or for the connoisseur that requires a very realistic performance from his motive power.
James: I know it sounds like a big pain in the …, but the decoder is well worth the effort. Besides, I know you could program a VCR for timed recording…right?[(-D]
ereimer: Tony’s and Loy’s are suppose to get another batch of them in this week.
I am sure the decoder is well worth the effort. But here is the other problem I have been having. Lately my mothly model railroad budget has been about $15.00 At that rate it will take me 10 months to get a Soundtraxx Decoder. And I have a 110 locomotives to convert over.
But thanks for sharing you tips, I will keep this page bookmarked for when I need to use it eventually.
James, why convert all those locomotives if you feel that DC still has its advantages? Why not keep dual circuits to your layout, isolated with a hard-to-reach SPDT? When you want to bring out the nostalgia, do it. Keep your budget limited to six or seven locos that you carefully pick for conversion.