Soundtraxx Decoder & Bachmann Shay

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have a Bachmann On30 Shay with a Soundtraxx DSD-B2TSLC decoder running with a Digitrax Zepher. Everything works fine except I can’t change the volume on the exhaust or Air pump. I’m no steam expert so I don’t know which is which. I change the CV 122 and it still is very loud. The chuffing rate and volume is ok as I installed the cam. Can anyone help?

2

Download the SoundTraxx manual from their Web site and read through it with Acrobat Reader or print out a copy. Some sounds can be changed individually and some are grouped into “foreground” or “background” sounds that have to be changed as a group.

Sorry I can’t be more specific because my SoundTraxx manual is at a club.

3

I just downloaded and scrolled through the SoundTraxx LC Decoder manual, and found the following information on volume:

CV120 – Whistle volume.
CV122 – Exhaust Chuff Volume.
CV123 – Air Pump Volume.

All 3 of these CVs accept values from 0 to 255, with 255 being full volume. Since there’s such a wide range of values, I would suggest that you go down in increments of 20 until you get what you want. As an experiment, put 0 into the CV first and see if that turns the sound completely off.

Also make sure your Digitrax Zephyr can change CVs in this higher range. Some DCC systems can’t address CVs above 99. Page 33 of the SoundTraxx LC Manual tells you how to program CVs 112 through 123 if the Digitrax system doesn’t support these higher numbers.

4

I don’t own a Digitrax Zephyr, but just as a matter of personal curiosity I downloaded their operating manual and read through it. Nowhere does it mention the range of CVs that can be programmed, so I suspect that the Zephyr is one of the system that cannot program CVs above 99. If I were you, I’d go to the SoundTraxx LC Manual and use the procedure outlined on page 33 to program the sounds.

5

cacole

Thanks for the great info. My printer is printing the SoundTraxx LC Manual now. I may have to wait untill this next weekend to investigate. I have been pulling out my hair.

GS

6

I suspect that the Zephyr is one of the system that cannot program CVs above 99. If I were you, I’d go to the SoundTraxx LC Manual and use the procedure outlined on page 33 to program the sounds.

Your correct!!! The Zephyr could not program CV’s above 100. I had to change CV 30 to -1. This way 100 CV’s were programable. The Shay is now steaming away pulling some great looking ore cars. Now all I need is a layout.

Thank you for your help and your commentment to the hobby.

Gary