KB128 Digitrax Mobile Decoders & DC Power

I am getting a DH165LO decoder and a SFX004 Soundbug. Will these function on standard DC power? Yes. The DH165 series has "analog mode conversion"; the default setting is for operation in both DC and DCC environments. There are some that do not want this feature, and it can be disabled by setting CV29. The SFX004 also operates in a DC environment, and the analog mode conversion can be turned off via CV29. If so, how? Early on, Digitrax recognized that locomotives are sometimes operated in DC environments, and the conversion feature was built into the firmware. In practice, those ...

KB900 DZ121 - Short Address Programming Notes

Short Address Programming Note When programming the short address (CV01) in your DZ121, the decoder will automatically set CV19 to 0, CV29 to 0, CV 55 to 80, CV56 to 30 & CV57 to 0. This is done to insure compatibility with DCC systems that only recognize short addressing (2 digit mode). When using long addressing (4 digit addressing) these CV's are not affected.After changing the short address (CV01), you will probably want to change CV29 to 06 or another appropriate value based on your operations. You can do this on the programming track or, if you forget, you can ...

KB517 Swapping front & rear headlights

Q: My front and rear lights on a steam locomotive (hard wired decoder installation) are connected in reverse. When the locomotive is going forward, the back up light comes on. When the locomotive is going in reverse, the forward light comes on. Can I reverse the lighting effects though programming the decoder or must I disassemble the locomoitve and physically swap the wiring to the lights from the decoder. A: Yes, you can do this with using function mapping in any Digitrax decoder Series 3 or later. If you have an earlier version decoder installed, you'll need to re-wire the ...

KB518 Locomotive Speed Matching

Q:  I am trying to setup 4 Kato locomotives 3 SD-70MACs and 1 C-44-9, all with DN 163K1B decoders.  I am using the loadable speed tables V in the programing manual that came with my Super Chief for a starting point. I have spent a few hours with limited success. Do have any suggestions that may help simplify this process? A:  Because the decoders and command control system are digital, the commands sent from the command station based on the CV settings in each locomotive are always the same. It is the locomotive mechanisms that are different. Even with three "identical" locomotives from ...

KB519 Decoder Lock CV15 & CV16

Decoder Lock lets you use more than one decoder in a locomotive and be able to program their CVs separately.  This is a manufacturer specific CV.  The instructions provided here work for Digitrax decoders.  If you are using decoders from another manufacturer, please consult your decoder instructions for how this feature works with the decoder you have installed. For example, if you use a mobile decoder and a sound decoder together in your locomotive, you can use the same mobile decoder address during operation and when programming you can unlock only the one you want to program. Since all decoders with the ...

KB906 Function Mapping

Digitrax uses CV33-CV46 to handle remapping according to published standards.The CV values that are permitted for function remapping are limited to 8 bits, a maximum value of 255. Therefore only 8 functions can be mapped to each function key.Function remapping is easy! Just follow these simple steps:1. Locate the row for the Throttle Function Key [chart below] that you want to use.2. Locate the column of the Function Lead Color (number) you want to control.3. Note the value at the intersection of the row and column.4. Program that value into the the CV listed next to the Throttle Function Key. ...

KB651 What is the Digitrax LocoMotion System?

Your locomotives look like the real thing, Digitrax LocoMotion™ System makes them run like the real thing, too!   128 speed step control.   Smooth deceleration to stop before changing direction when locomotive is reversed. No sudden, non-prototypical stops!   Torque compensation for the smoothest operation ever.   Momentum with acceleration and deceleration settings.   Set normal direction of travel for your loco.   Switching speed feature for quick access to slower switching speeds.   Simple 3 step speed tables are easy to set up.   Advanced 28 step speed tables with 256 level resolution.   Scaleable speed stabilization feature. ...

KB12 Programming CVs Other Than Addresses with DT402

There are 1024 different CVs that have been defined to handle many characteristics you might want to use for your locomotives. Your decoder manual has a complete listing of CVs that are available in specific decoders, what they do and suggested values for each CV. 1. Place the decoder equipped locomotive you want to program on the programming track. If you are using operations mode programming, the loco you want to program can be anywhere on the layout but it must have a decoder that is capable of ops mode programming installed. 2. Enter Program Mode by pressing the PROG ...

KB941 CV49, CV50, CV61 - Setting Up Configurable Strobes

Configurable strobes are set up using CV's 49, 50 and 61. Configurable strobe function leads can be programmed with a limited number of simulated lighting effects similar to FX effects but without as many options. Configurable strobes are offered in those few Digitrax decoders where there was not enough "code space" to provide full FX features.CV49 controls F0 Forward, the white function lead. CV50 controls F0 reverse, the yellow function lead.CV61 enables the configurable strobe operation.To set up configurable strobe lights:1. Program CV61 with the CV value "01" to enable configurable strobe operation.2. Program the CV value for CVs 49 ...

KB942 CV61 - Non-directional Headlights, Transponding, & Split Phase Motor Drive

Characteristics Controlled by CV61:Some Digitrax Decoders use CV61 (one of the manufacturer specific configuration variables) to give you the following options:  Non-Directional Headlight Operation, Transponding Enabled or Disabled, & Split Phase Motor Drive for Märklin AC and Lionel Type motors.The look up table below shows the effects of different CV values that you can program into CV61.  CV values are shown in hex & decimal are the same in this case.TABLE 61: CV61 Values CV 61 Value Non-directional headlights Transponding Split Field Motor/AC 00 No No No 01 Yes No No 02 No Yes No 03 Yes Yes No 04 ...

KB670 Configuration Variables and Factory Default Values Used By Digitrax Decoders

This is a list of all configuration variables (CVs) and their factory default values in decimal and hexadecimal notation used by Digitrax mobile decoders.  Simpler decoders access only a few of these CVs, while advanced decoders access many, if not all, of these CVs.  

KB280 Matching Speeds inside a consist

How do I get all the engines of a consist to run at the same speed? I have 3 engines with DH163A0 decoders and one with a MRC sound decoder. All units have the same top speed, but the unit with the MRC decoder starts and accelerates more quickly. Getting a group of locomotives to operate at the same speed can be a challenge. Experience has proven that it is best to work with the slowest locomotive and bring the other locomotives into agreement with that engine. Since the others appear to be in general agreement, it would be the ...

KB537 DN142 - Turning on Back EMF

The DN142 comes from the factory with BACK EMF SPEED STABILIZATION (BEMF) turned off. Follow this procedure to turn it on and to adjust it. Later generations of Digitrax mobile decoders do not require this procedure. Activation: To activate the BEMF feature, change CV57 to a value of 06. This will give good performance with most brands of locomotives. If the locomotive surges while using BEMF use a lower value for CV56. It may also be necessary to adjust CV's 55, 56, & 57 to get the motor performance desired for your particular locomotive. Adjustment: 1. Program CV57 (Droop control) ...

KB922 CV08 - Factory Reset CVs

CV08 is the factory reset CV for all FX3 decoders and also the Manufacturer ID CV for all decoders.When you read the value of CV08, Digitrax decoders report back "129".To reset all CV values to their factory default, program CV08 to a value of 008  while the locomotive is on the programming track.To reset all CV values except for 28 step speed tables to their factory values set CV08 to a value of 009.Note:  Performing a factory reset will not affect the manufacturer ID and will reset the decoder's address to the factory default of 03, a 2 digit address.

KB923 CV19, CV21, CV22 - Advanced Consist Address/Function Controls

Most customers that use Digitrax command stations use Universal Consisting instead of Advanced Consisting as described here.  With Universal consisting, the consist information is handled by the command station instead of by the decoder.CV19 is the advanced consist address. CV19 also contains data for the direction in which the consist will operate. See the table below to determine what value to program into CV19 CV19 Value Effect on Adv Consist Address Normal Direction of Travel of Advanced Consist 000 Advanced Consist Addressing Disabled N/A 001 - 127 Advanced Consist Addressing Enabled Forward 129 - 255 Advanced Consist Addressing Enabled Reverse When ...

KB540 How do I turn off speed stabilization (Back EMF)?

Q:  Since the back emf torque compensation feature make consisting a real headache, I would like to know how to switch that feature off. Prototype loco's don't have such a thing so that slowing on a grade isn't really a bad thing in a model, either. A:  You can turn turn the speed stabilization on or off with CV57.  The CV value range for CV57 is 0-15.  If CV57 = 0, speed stabilization is OFF.  If CV57 = 15, speed stabilization is fully on.  All values in between let you scale how much speed stabilization you will use with each ...

KB925 CV54 - Torque Compensation & Switching Speed

In FX3 decoders, CV54 is used to control the decoder's torque compensation and switching speed features. CV53 is not used in FX3 decoders.Torque Compensation improves loco performance by internally adjusting for the loss of torque caused by SuperSonicTM operation.  This feature is turned on at the factory.Switching speed gives you fast access to lower speeds used in switching operations. This feature effectively reduces the throttle's target speed by about 50% and reduces the effects of acceleration (CV03) and deceleration (CV04) programmed into the decoder by 1/4 when the user activates this mode by turning on F6.FX3 CV54 Values For Controlling ...

KB926 CV55, CV56 & CV57 - Scaleable Speed Stabilization (Back EMF)

Some Digitrax decoders offer scalable speed stabilization (also called back EMF) control to help smooth out operation in the low end of the speed range.  This feature can be beneficial especially in N scale switching situations especially when the decoder can select how much of this effect to implement (scalable speed stabilization).  Speed stabilization is a decoder feature that can be used with any DCC system.  Most Digitrax decoders that support this feature are shipped with scalable speed stabilization turned off so, to use it you will need to set program them to use this feature.  Other Digitrax decoders are ...

KB927 CV65-CV95 - 28 Step Loadable Speed Table

When you are using a throttle to control a locomotive, you will notice that as you increase and decrease the speed, the loco responds to the change in throttle settings according to the relationship between motor voltage applied and the throttle setting.  This is called the throttle response curve.  Decoders are shipped from the factory with a linear throttle response curve.  This means that as you increase the throttle setting from 0 to full speed, the loco will look like the default curve in this diagram.If you want to create a more realistic throttle response curve, you can set up ...

KB288 What is a SuperSonic Decoder?

Digitrax decoders with numbers ending in "3" have SuperSonic™. Decoders control the locomotive's speed through Pulse Width Modulation. When these pulses are within the human hearing range, it can cause some buzzing in some locomotives.CV09: SuperSonic™ The SuperSonicTM feature allows you to adjust the PWM (pulse width modulation) frequency of your decoder to reduce the humming noise that is characteristic of the DCC signal. Digitrax decoders that have this feature are shipped with the value set at 000/x00 or maximum PWM. To change this value, you can set any value from 000/x00 (max) to 255/xFF (min). Use of this feature ...

KB929 Speed Steps Explained - 14, 28, 128

Most modern command stations and decoders are set up to run 28/128 speed steps.  If you are using older command stations or decoders you may need to adjust one or the other to get the trains to run.Why are more speed steps better?The reason you want to use a command station and decoders with 128 speed steps is for smoother speed control of your locomotives.   Digital command control signals are just that, digital.  When you send speed commands with your throttle, you are sending digital instructions telling the decoder to change from the current speed to a different speed.  When ...

KB930 CV04 - Deceleration Rate

Deceleration is the rate at which the decoder decreases from one speed step to the next in response to a new command to decrease speed. CV04, deceleration, lets you simulate locomotive braking action.  The range of values for CV04, deceleration, is 000 to 031 (x00 to x1F hex).  A value of 00 causes an immediate response to a new command to decrease speed.  As you increase the CV value programmed into CV04, the rate of speed step change is approximately 1/10 second per increment in deceleration value. For example a value of 01 programmed to CV04 causes the decoder to change ...

KB931 CV03 - Acceleration Rate

Acceleration is the rate at which the decoder increases from one speed step to the next in response to a new command to increase speed. CV03, acceleration, lets you simulate train weight or inertia.  The range of values for acceleration is 000 to 031 (x00 to x1F hex).  Setting CV03 to a value of 00 generates an immediate response to a new command to increase speed.  As you increase the CV value programmed into CV03, the rate of speed step change is approximately 1/10 second per increment in acceleration value. For example, a value of 01 programmed to CV03 will ...

KB932 CV29 - Configuration Register - Overview

CV29 is also called the Configuration Register.  It is a special CV that handles several different aspects of locomotive behavior.Characteristics Controlled by CV29:1.     Speed Step Control:  Advanced Mode (28/128 speed steps) or Standard Mode (14 speed steps).2.     Speed Tables: On or Off3.     Analog mode conversion: On or Off4.     Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT)5.     2 or 4 Digit Address selectionDetermining CV Value To Program Into CV29The numerical value value you will program into CV29 will affect many important decoder characteristics.  Each of these characteristics is controlled by a "software switch." This switch is either on or off depending on the CV ...

KB902 Scaleable Speed Stabilization (Back EMF) in Digitrax Decoders

Speed stabilization is a feature that causes the decoder to run the locomotive at a somewhat constant speed according to the throttle setting. This means that if you set your throttle to 21% of total speed, the decoder will force the motor in the locomotive to maintain a constant speed at that level no matter what the track gradient or the load on the locomotive. The SD9 is an example of a US prototype that employed a load compensating type of control technology. Many modern European locomotive prototypes use some form of load compensation of the prime-mover in response to speed ...

KB294 Kato RDC Headlights Reversed

There have been reports of headlight problems with some DN143K2 decoders; the unit will be running in one direction but the headlights are backwards. There is a simple fix for this problem. Set CV33=2 and CV34=1; this will remap the function outputs F0F and F0R.

KB935 CV49-CV56 - FX Special Effects

Decoders with FX function features have 4 user configurable, independent special effects generators. All current production Digitrax Decoders use FX3 functions so this article is not applicapable to these decoders. CAUTION: Decoders with FX3 function generators use different CVs to control the decoder outputs. All current production Digitrax decoders use FX3 function CVs. Before using these CVs to program your decoders make sure that they are FX and not FX3 decoders.The Real FX effects are set up by programming CV values as described below.F1/F2 NOTE: If using DH142, DN142, DN141K2, DN149K2 series decoder, when F1 is set up for FX, ...

KB924 CV09 - SuperSonic Quiet Decoder Operation

The SuperSonic decoder feature allows you to adjust the PWM (pulse width modulation) frequency of your decoder to reduce the humming noise that is characteristic of the DCC signal.Digitrax decoders that have this feature are shipped with the value set at 000/x00 or maximum PWM.  To change this value, you can set any value from 000/x00 (max) to 255/xFF (min).  Entering a value of "255" will turn this feature off.Use of this feature will make the locomotive run more quietly but will reduce the torque generated by the motor.  Digitrax torque compensation can be used to compensate for this effect.

KB557 CV29 - Configuration Register Look Up Table Method

CV29 is called the configuration register. It controls the following decoder characteristics: 1.  Whether the decoder uses 14 speed steps, 28/128 speed steps or loadable speed tables.  This affects how smoothly the loco will move and how it responds to throttle controls.2.  Whether the decoder automatically converts to analog mode when no DCC signal is present.  This allows the decoder to operate on a DC layout even though it is DCC equipped.3.  Defines the normal direction of travel for the locomotive. Normal Direction of Travel or NDOT can be changed when the motor connections of decoder have not been connected so that the locomotive runs ...

KB46 Reset Pre-Series 3 Digitrax Mobile Decoders to Factory Defaults

Digitrax Series 3 and later mobile decoders are reset by setting CV08 to a value of 08 to reset everything or 09 to reset every thing EXCEPT the loadable speed table.Earlier Digitrax decoders require resetting each CV individually. To reset earlier Digitrax mobile decoders: Reset your decoder to the factory settings by going into program mode and manually resetting the following CVs to these values: CV01=03 CV29=06 CV03=00 CV04=00 CV02=00 CV05=00 CV06=00 If you set up loadable speed tables, you may also need to reset CV65=00 CV66=00 CV67=00 CV68-93=00 CV91=00 CV95=00    

KB944 Decoder ID CVs-CV07, CV08, CV105, CV106

Several CVs are reserved for identifying your decoders.CV07 is the manufacturer's version ID. Manufacturers can use this CV to store information about the part number or version number of the decoder. In some decoders this is a read only CV, in others it is a read/write CV. Where CV07 is read only, the information loaded by the manufacturer will be available. If CV07 was read/write, the value may have been changed and will not necessarily be what the manufacturer originally loaded into the decoder.Version IDs do not necessarily represent code changes made to decoders and they may or may not ...

KB306 Steam Chuff, AutoChuff & Cam Configuration

CV133 and CV134 work together to control chuff timing. CV133 and CV134 can be adjusted to create the desired chuff rate in your locomotive, or you can configure your sound decoder with CV133 and CV134 to use an external cam to create chuffing sounds. CV133 Steam Chuff/CAM configurations: CV 133 set to a value between 1-127 determines the driver size in inches. (Default Value = 63) CV134 Steam gear ratio trim CV 134 set to a value of 32=100% ratio. Setting CV133's value from 1-127, puts the sound decoder into 'Autochuff' mode. Autochuff mode tells the decoder to simulate driver ...

KB675 Resetting a mobile decoder to factory settings

Most Digitrax mobile decoders have a global reset function, which returns the decoder's CVs to their factory default settings.This is useful if the CV values in a particular decoder have been changed with less than wonderful results. For example, you may have accidentally set the CV value for acceleration so that the engine won't move for minutes when issued a speed command. This makes it look like the decoder is not working when all it needs is to have the CV value for acceleration reset. Many of the decoders that are sent to us for repair just need to have ...

KB182 Speed Value Percentages - Decimal and Hexadecimal

Since 255 can't be divided evenly, the some of the numbers in the range 0 - 100% have been rounded.

KB183 Speed Tables

A speed table is a list of numbers, one number for each speed step. Many operators customize their locomotives by adjusting the CV's for Vstart (02), Vmid (06) and Vmax (05) to set the throttle response characteristics for each locomotive. This is known as a three-step speed table It is also possible to create a more complex speed table, either with 14 or 28 steps that specify the exact percentage of full power sent to the motor when the throttle is set to that speed. Speed tables can be set up for 14 or 28 speed steps, but not for ...

KB287 CV54 Torque Compensation

CV54: Torque Compensation & Switching Speed In FX3 decoders, CV54 is used to control the decoder's torque compensation and switching speed features. Torque Compensation improves loco performance by internally adjusting for the loss of torque caused by SuperSonic™ operation. This feature is turned on at the factory. Switching speed gives you fast access to lower speeds used in switching operations. This feature effectively reduces the throttle's target speed by about 50% and reduces the effects of acceleration (CV03) and deceleration (CV04) programmed into the decoder by 1/4 when the user activates this mode by turning on F6.

KB829 Zephyr - Decoder Speed Step Settings & Status Editing

The Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr is set at the factory to send 128 speed step commands to all mobile decoders.If you have a non-Digitrax decoder that can’t run in 128 speed step mode, you can change the number of speed steps the DCS50 sends to that decoder so that you will be able to control the decoder. This is called status editing the decoder. When you status edit a decoder, the DCS50 will send a different format to that specific decoder address without affecting the 128 speed step operation of Digitrax decoders and other 128 speed step decoders on the railroad.NOTE: ...

KB676 Mobile Decoder Programming Overview

Programming is the process of setting the configuration variables (CVs) in your decoder to the appropriate values that will make the locomotive perform the way you want it to.  The first CVs that most people change are those that set the locomotive decoder's address.  The mobile decoder in your locomotive usually comes pre-porgrammed to a factory default address of "03".  Once you add a second locomotive, you will want to change the this new locomotive to another address.  Not doing so will result in both locomotives operating at the same time when you send commands to address 03.Likewise, there are a ...

KB192 Configuration Variables Used in Digitrax Mobile Decoders

CV # Use Decoder DefaultValue ValueRange CV01 Address All 01-9999 01-127 * CV02 Start Voltage All 001 0-255; higher is more voltage CV04 Acceleration Rate All 000 0 - 31 CV04 Deceleration Rate All 000 0 - 31 CV05 Maximum Voltage Gen4 - 0 (disabled) 1 - 255; lower is slower CV06 Midpoint Voltage All 0 (disabled) 1 - 255 CV07 Manufacturer's Version ID All Variable - CV08 Manufacturer's ID, Decoder Reset All FX3 129 08 to reset,09 reset leave speed tables CV13 DC Functions "On" FX, not on FX3 - See decoder documentation CV15 Decoder Lock FX3 000 See ...

KB224 Momentum settings & DC

In the DZ123 mobile decoder, if CV03 and CV04 (acceleration, deceleration) have been programmed for momentum, will momentum remain active when the decoder is then used in analog mode with pure (not pulsed) DC? Yes.

KB451 DT402 & DT400 - Throttle Option 2 Default Decoder Status & Tetherless Operation

Throttle Option 2Throttle Default Decoder Status 128/28/14 speed steps Each DT402/DT400 can be set up to operate new decoders selected by that throttle as any decoder status code you choose. New decoders are defined as decoders that have not been selected in your system. Your throttle's default setting is to operate decoders that are 128 speed step capable, so when a new decoder is selected the throttle automaticaly assumse that all decoders selected are that 128 speed steps. If you operate mostly decoders that are only able to recognize 28 speed steps, you can change this setting.Tetherless Operation Mode Each throttle can be set up with radio ...

KB842 What are CVs (Configuration Variables)?

CVs are decoder memory locations that hold loco address, operational  configuration and performance settings. Adjusting them to customize the performance of a specific locomotive is one of the main advantages of DCC over DC running. - Doug StuardThese are special storage locations or "pigeonholes" in your mobile decoders. By programming various CVs, you can control each decoder's performance characteristics. CVs store information like the decoder's short address, long address, start voltage, mid-point voltage, loadable speed tables and many more. Once you have programmed these characteristics, the decoders "remember" them until you change them again. Most manufacturers use a similar set ...

KB846 Zephyr - Programming Mobile Decoder CV's Other Than Locomotive Addresses

There are many different CVs that have been defined to control operating characteristics of your locomotives. Your decoder manual has a complete listing of CVs that are available with specific decoders, what they do and suggested values for each CV. Programming these CVs is simple:1. Be sure that only the locomotive you want to program is on the programming track.2. Press the PROG Key to enter programming mode. The DCS50 will display one of the programming modes available. Digitrax recommends the Paged Mode when you are using the programming track. As you press the PROG Key repeatedly, you will cycle ...

KB339 Reading back manufacture codes

I have a Zephyr and a DT400 throttle. My locos have chips of various manufacture. Is there a method, without dismantling the loco of reading which chip is fitted in it? Well, we can't speak for other manufacturers, but if you take a look at the Digitrax decoder index, you will note that many Digitrax decoders have a Manufacturer's ID of "129". This is found by reading the value of CV#8. Some other manufacturers also use Manufacturer's IDs, and you will need to consult their documentation for this information. Note: CV08 is also used to reset Digitrax Series 3 decoders ...

KB852 Loco Won't Stop or Start As Expected

Whoa!!!!!Each locomotive on your railroad has a mobile decoder which receives the command control signals from the command station and operates the locomotive motor accordingly.  The performance of mobile decoders can be adjusted by changing the Configuration Variables (CV's) of the decoder.  You can improve the speed performance of a locomotive by adjusting its start speed (CV02, V-Start), its mid-range speed (CV06, V-Mid) and its top speed (CV05 - V-Max).  You can also adjust the acceleration (CV03) and the deceleration (CV04).If the deceleration CV value you set for a particular loco is very large, this can make it look like ...

KB548 TF4 - Reset CVs to factory default

Q: What is the exact reset procedure for a TF4? I tried both with series 3 procedure (CV8) and the other mobile decoders procedure with no success. My TF4 remains out of control. However, the white output makes the LED on my decoder testing board flicker. A: Since CV8 to 08 only works on series 3 and later decoders, it does not work on the function only decoders. TF4's CVs must be reset manually to factory values. The Factory Default Values are: CV64 000 CV61 002 CV49 000 CV50 000

KB608 Locomotive Throttle Response

Why do my trains start moving at 25% throttle?You may need to adjust some CV valuesCheck the value of CV02, start voltage; the default setting is 0 (zero).  You may need to adjust this value.Check the value of CV03, acceleration rate; the default setting is also 0.  It is possible that the locomotive has been set for a slow acceleration rate.You can also adjust how each locomotive responds to throttle inputs by programming loadable speed tables or 3 step speed tables.If you decide to reset the decoder to factory default values , set CV08 to a value of 08 to reset the decoder back ...

KB97 Athearn N-Scale FP45 / F45

What Digitrax decoders work in the new Athearn N scale FP45? We recommend the DN163K1C, following the procedure below. One of our editors was able to successfully install both the Digitrax DN163K1B and DN163K1C decoders in the unit. We have determined that the chassis design requires that the decoder be installed backwards. The only problem this poses is that one additional step has to be taken when programming. Both the DN163K1B and DN163K1C decoders are the same footprint with the exception of the LEDs. The DN163K1B has T-1 3mm LEDs and DN163K1C has surface mount LEDs. When the K1B version ...

KB928 Three Step Speed Table-CV02, CV06, CV05

Three Step Speed Table CV02 V-Start (Start Voltage) CV06 V-Mid (Mid Point Voltage) CV05 V-Max (Maximum Voltage)When you are using a throttle to control a locomotive, you will notice that as you increase and decrease the speed, the loco responds to the change in throttle settings according to the relationship between motor voltage applied and the throttle setting. This is called the throttle response curve. Decoders are shipped from the factory with a linear throttle response curve. This means that as you increase the throttle setting from 0 to full speed, the loco will look like the default curve in ...

KB612 CV13 Analog Functions

Digitrax decoders allow for operation on both Digital Command Control (DCC) powered and on traditional Direct Current (DC) powered model railroads.  Decoders from other manufacturers may or may not have this featureModern Digitrax Decoders are shipped with analog functions enabled to allow you to have working functions on locos on either type of layout without changing any CV values.  (Series 3 decoders and later) When a Digitrax Series decoder with analog functions enabled moves from a DCC track section to an analog track section, the functions that were active on DCC will remain active on DC.  For these decoders, CV13 is ...

KB232 CV29 - NDOT

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Normal Direction of Travel, or NDOT for short, lets you set up your locos to run either long hood forward or short hood forward. Because with DCC the decoder determines which way the loco will move independent of track polarity, you can set up either direction as forward depending on the prototype. (Not all decoders ...

KB233 CV29 - Analog Mode Operation

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Analog Mode Analog mode conversion is very convenient if you plan to run your Digitrax decoded locomotive on regular DC layouts. With analog mode conversion enabled, the decoder will automatically begin operating as a DC locomotive when no DCC signal is detected by the decoder. This means that if you place your Digitrax decoder equipped ...

KB234 CV29 - Speed Tables

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Speed Tables: Speed tables can be enabled or disabled with CV29. Speed tables are used to customize the throttle response curve of each decoder equipped locomotive. The speed table values can be stored in the decoder and then the table can be turned on or off with CV29. One example of such usage would be ...

KB235 CV29 - Speed Steps

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. Speed Step Control. There are two modes for speed step control: Standard (14 speed step mode) and Advanced (28/128 speed step control). Because of differences in the capabilities of DCC compatible command stations and decoders, you may have to set CV29 in your decoders to different values to match the mode of the command station ...

KB236 CV29 - 2-digit or 4-digit Addressing

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. 2-digit or 4-digit Addressing The decoder's address is the identification number programmed into specific decoder that lets that decoder recognize commands sent to it by the command station. Once you program the decoder's address, it will be remembered in the decoder until you re-program it. All Digitrax current production decoders can be set up with ...

KB237 CV29 - Configuration Register - The Addition Method

CV29 sets the characteristics for 5 different decoder behaviors. The table below shows each characteristic and its value if it is on or off. Notice that if the switch is off the value is zero. Click here to go to the automated CV29 value calculatorTo determine the value to program for your decoder just go down the list and add up the numbers for all the switches you want to set as ON. If you need to convert the decimal valueCV29 Examples of CV Values: The factory default value for CV29 is 06. Switch # Characteristic if OFF Value if ...

KB239 CV29 - Look-Up Table Method

The look up table below shows the results of different CV values that you can program into CV29. CV values are shown in both hex & decimal. In practice, most Digitrax operators now only use decimal. CV29 Values: The factory default value for CV29 is 06. CV Value For CV29 Hex   Dec Speed Steps/ Speed Table Analog Mode Conversion Normal Direction Of Travel 2 or 4 Digit Address x00 000 14 OFF Forward 2 x01 001 14 OFF Reverse 2 x02 002 28/128 OFF Forward 2 x03 003 28/128 OFF Reverse 2 x04 004 14 ON Forward 2 x05 005 ...

KB112 Reset Procedure for Mobile Decoders

CV08 is the factory reset CV for all FX3 decoders and also the Manufacturer ID CV for all decoders. This procedure is performed on a programming track. To reset all CV values to their factory default, program CV08 to a value of 008/x08 while the locomotive is on the programming track. To reset all CV values except for 28 step speed tables to their factory values set CV08 to a value of 009/x09. Earlier Digitrax decoders must be reset manually, CV by CV. This procedure may or may not work with other manufacturer's decoders. When you "read" the value of ...

KB628 Performing factory decoder reset using Digitrax DCS100 & DT400 series throttle

Overview:To reset locomotive electronics to factory defaults the user must set CV08 to a value of 08. It is recommended that this procedure be performed on the dedicated service mode programming track using direct mode programming.* Note: This is the only programming procedure that we recommend using the programming track for. All other programming should be performed on the main track using Operations mode programming.Procedure:1. Place the DCC equipped locomotive on a dedicated service-mode programming track.* Note: The rails of this track should be connected to the PROG A & PROG B outputs on the DCS100 command station.2. Set the ...

KB724 Digitrax SoundFX Decodders on Conventional DC Power

Digitrax SoundFX decoders will automatically operate on smooth DC power unless analog mode conversion has been disabled. The sound will not start until approximately 5 volts is applied to the track.  Due to this characteristic of analog operation with a DCC decoder installed, the start up sound will not play.

KB510 DT400 Series - Throttle Clicks

Q: I have a Digitrax DT400 throttle. The left speed knob accelerates the locos at one speed unit per "click". However the right knob accelerates at three speed units per "click". How can I change the right knob to one unit per click? There is not a way to change the clicks to one per unit. Each rotation of a throttle knob on the DT400 series throttle generates 24 clicks.  Digitrax supports 14, 28 and 128 speed step operation in decoders; each click on a DT400 series throttle knob is related proportianally to the number of speed steps used by the decoder. So, for a ...