Hey guys,
I am doing a Tsunami install in my Cotton Belt SD40T-2. Wondered if anyone knows the CVs for having F5 activate the MARS lights? I have the headlight set for the twin nose lights and wanted F5 to turn on the cab roof mounted MARS lights. Thanks for any info!
Casey
Try CV51=162.According to Decoder Pro,this should get it done.
Thanks for the tip. CV51 is the right CV for F5, but the number that worked for me was 130 (maybe a Tsunami thing?). I have a GP38 that only had the nose headlight, so I programmed CV49 to 130 for that MARS light and it worked great using an LED.
One lesson I just learned was that LEDs make way better MARS lights. They charge up and are always “on” even as they flash. This SD40 has 1.5v bulbs and with the MARS light effect it looks more like a flashing light than I’d like, but it will do. Maybe when these bulbs burn out I’ll bite the bullet and go LED.
Thanks again for the help!
Casey
According to Decoder Pro,CV51=162 activates Mars light feature for F5.then I tried 130 and it is also Mars light feature…???Why both numbers give same results is strange.I’ll have to figure that one out.May be it’s the flickering speed that’s different???Soundtraxx’s instructions are somewhat confusing in the light effects section.Anyway,glad I’ve been of “some” help…
I have figured it out…CV51=162 is when you want “grade crossing logic” activated…the Mars light is on when blowing the horn…
That makes sense. I didn’t push the horn button with the CV set to 162. The light was just steady on.
I guess you learn something new everyday! ; > Thanks again.
Casey
According to Soundtraxx’s instructions,CV51=130 means that Bit 7 (LED compensation) is activated.If I understand the instructions right,CV51 should be set to 2 for incandescent bulb Mars light effect.Do take into account that I’m still learning about programming Tsunami’s too…
I’ll have to give that a try. The Soundtraxx Technical Reference manual is very confusing. I wonder if that setting will keep the bulb on then make it flash. So much to learn!
Nice job! CV51=2 is the setting for incandescent MARS light. The light stays “on” but also flashes. Not as bright as an LED, but it works for me.
Thanks again,
Casey
Glad I could help.If you ever have other questions by all means ask away.
Casey,if you want the same feature made “automatic”,then add 32 to the setting (CV51=34)…the Mars light effect will turn on when you activate the horn.Then you can select the flash rate with CV59=0 to 15 (0 for max) and then the crossing hold time with CV60=0 to 15 sec.
While at it,I allow myself to let you know about another great Tsunami feature called manual notching…highly prototypical and even more fun.I won’t duplicate the post though…just stay in “Electronics and DCC”,go back to page 4 and read the post titled “TSU AT1000 Engine shut down”.I believe you’re someone who should enjoy this feature…one of the so many Tsunami offers…