SoundTraxx SoundCar Users Guide - Manual (Page 12)

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 8
Reading CVs
Certain command stations permit you to read the value of a CV and verify its
setting in Service Mode programming. If you have trouble reading or verifying
CVs, the problem may exist in the design of your command station and not in
the decoder itself. Decoders of all types and brands communicate back to the
command station using something called an acknowledgment pulse, which is
defined in NMRA S‑9.2.3 as “an increased load on the programming track of
at least 60mA for at least 6ms ±1ms.” Your SoundCar DSD allows you to read
back CVs on the programming track by showing the value on the screen of
your command station to indicate an acknowledgement.
If you experience difficulties while programming and/or reading CVs, try a
different programming mode. If your DCC system supports it, the best way to
program CVs is in Operations Mode, as it allows you to immediately see or
hear the results of your changes. It is important, however, to realize that not
all programming modes will work with all CVs. Ultimately, the programming
modes you will use depend on the type of DCC system you are using.
Many of the newer DCC systems can automatically select the appropriate
programming mode, so all you need to do is specify the CV number and
desired value. On the other hand, some DCC systems only support certain
programming modes and may restrict which CVs you can program. When
in doubt, refer to your DCC system’s manual or contact the manufacturer to
determine which programming modes they support.
Note: The SoundCar does not require a programming booster, such as the
PTB‑100.
Locking and Unlocking CVs
CV Lock/Unlock is a feature that allows you to program a decoder without
the danger of overwriting the programming in another decoder, which is
especially useful when you have multiple units in a consist equipped with
SoundCar decoders. This feature is controlled by the following CVs:
CV 15, CV Unlock Code
CV 16, CV Lock ID
CV 30, Error Information/Alternate Mode Selection
Note: Locking the decoder will not affect its ability to be added to a consist
using Intelligent Consisting, which is discussed in the “Consist Operations”
section of this document.
Before using the CV lock feature available in CVs 15 and 16, bit 0 of CV 30
(Error Information/Alternate Mode Selection) must be set to 1 (the default
value is 0). This ensures that you will not inadvertently lock the decoder when
the CV lock feature is not needed.
CVs 15 and 16 are used to lock and unlock your SoundCar DSD. CV 15
contains the unlock code and may be programmed with any value from 0
to 255, regardless of whether the decoder is locked or unlocked. CV 16
contains the lock code and may be set to any value from 0 to 7, but only
when the decoder is unlocked. Attempts to program CV 16 with a value
greater than 7 will be ignored.
Basics of Programming