whiteswan

1 hour ago, pauliebanger said:

 

Bob,

 

Hold on, we've only just put this Bit 6 feature into MS software. It's not even covered in the English language instructions yet. Lol.

 

Your issue with the J72 project is probably 'induced' by the sound project loaded. For me, the clue is in the project default, CV267 = 147.

 

The ZIMO default for CV267 is 70. This is just a starting point but is usually in the right ball park for 00 gauge models with 4 exhaust beats (2 or4 cylinders) or 6 beats (for 3 cylinder engines). The user should then adjust this value in relation to the actual model to which the decoder is fitted. That much is widely known.

 

However, if the loco is driven at a constant speed (typical 'set a speed step and let the model run' - often witnessed at exhibitions) the same 4 chuffs endlessly repeating begins to sound just that - artificially repetetive. In real life, there is an environment, wind, embankments, cuttings and so on which tend to distort the sound heard so although the sounds at the chimney may indeed remain the same, buy the time they reach an observer's ears, there is a variety of subtle and not so subtle random changes over time.

 

That's why I would recommend when driving at constant speed, operators should vary the chuffs by increasing or decreasing speed by 1 step  (of 128) which does not noticably alter road speed, but will change the sounds between Full Gear, Cut-Off, and Coasting. Additionally, the heavy/light mode key can be toggled to further vary the engine sounds played. Similar effects are available by using Speed Lock.

One trick I've used in my steam projects for many years is to double the number of chuffs in each set from 4 to 8 for 2 and 4

 

Best regards,

 

Paul

 

 

Paul, it was in a MS manual I downloaded last February after receiving a 56xx sound project from John at Youchoos to go into a N gauge Revolution 56xx loco

that had the fast chuff problem.

By reading that version of the manual that's how I discovered the CV393 as the answer after John couldn't help.  If I remember correctly in the version of the manual I downloaded back in February the CV393 was shown clearly on one page of the manual but greyed out in the second entry so I just experimented with and it brought the chuff rate back within bounds.  I did notify John of the result at the time. 

Thanks for the expanded explanation of how it all ties together.

Caz

19 hours ago, Porcy Mane said:

 

Wots this? you've taken to reading the manual. Try pages 39 and 55 for CV#393 bit6.

Yes, I'm one of the few but it pays dividends sometime. ;-)

I reported this some while ago on another forum, here's copy of my reply

"

Finally the piece de resistance, I've sorted the chuff rate problem.

As well as CV158 bit 4 it seems in the MS series there is an additional CV setting for chuff rate in CV393 bit 6=1.  The CV393 bit 6 set to 64 gives a 4 times reduction in the chuff rate taking it back to normal figures.

It is on page 37 of the MS manual, it is greyed out but is active.

Someone has made one in N gauge on the N Gauge Forum, see http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=22623.msg388617#msg388617

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/41/231-180616155155.jpeg

Info now posted on the NGF http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=30036.msg339733#msg339733

Poking a cocktail stick through the windows to operate minature levers? Surely we should be able to use nanotechnology to make a working DCC controlled 2mm scale signalman that can be connected to a PC. f1 to make tea, f2 to make coffee, f3 to add milk, f4 to add sugar... the options are endless.

Although I'm successfully using the signals with DCC (see my previous post) this has given me the idea to use some of the Peco PL-26 passing contact lever switches for the branch line mounted near the signalled area, this will then satisfy any manual operators who like to see and use levers, then I'll have the best of both worlds. ;-)

Caz

If it's of any interest, I've had half a dozen of the Dapol GWR signals running on a Digitrax & R&R TrainController DCC controlled layout for the past month without any problems. They are operated via a CML DAC20 accessory decoder (usually used for points), the closed and thrown outputs are linked together and go to one side of the coil of a SPNO 12v relay, the common output of the accessory decoder goes to the the other side of the relay coil. The DAC20 provides feedback to the system and R&R via LocoNet as to the state of any signal at startup each session.

Whenever a thrown or closed command is issued the relay (substitute for the push button) closes the Dapol signal operate circuit without fail. Because of this, once you have sync'd the signal (I use thrown for signal off and closed for signal on) it has never once lost sync with the requested operation. If ever it should fail, I'd do exactly what I'd do if a point failed to throw, just issue the command manually from the DCC controller.

Using vero board, half a dozen 12v SPNO relays and some terminal strip I've made up a board that links the accessory decoder to the signal yellow operating wires.

Caz

The affect of throwing the signal on the decoder is to close the relay which then returns to "normally open" achieving the push to make operation as recommended by Dapol. I am using dpdt simply because I had it in my bits and pieces box but I guess spdt-no would work just as easily.

Chris

,

Chris,

I think I've found a single pole normally open relay on Rapid Electronics web site http://www.rapidonli...ure-relay-74442 , looks as though this will do the job.

Caz

(Also replied to Chris on the Yahoo N Gauge group but thought I post this link here as it may be useful to others)