pauliebanger

Called in to Digitrains on Saturday for a chat with the lads and noticed they had a couple in stock, a Blue one and a Red one. They only have a blue one now! Ha ha. So, after getting it home, I set about fitting a ZIMO sound decoder and speaker. I don't like seeing decoders, wires or speakers visible after a sound installation and fortunately I was able to fit all I needed within the hidden parts of the model. So, from any angle, the model looks identical to how it did straight out of the box. Well pleased! Kind regards, Paul

It would, Andy, I agree. But don't hold your breath. Ha ha The problem for the controller with this flexibility is that it would then have to remember for each loco/decoder in use (or in your entire stable would be more useful) which F keys are required to be 'momentary' and which are to be 'latched'. Obviosly this requires a more sophisicated approach to the controller's software than the manufacturer feels is necessary, or can be ar*ed to do anything about. You have to remember that these systems work fine for non-sound users, as they never experience these frustrations. So, the manufacturers don't see it as enough of a problem to solve. And then we all take what we are given without complaint, so it's unlikely the status quo will change. Also bear in mind that this added sophistication would come with financial implications. Kind regards, Paul

How the horns/whistles work is down to the sound programming and the features of your controller. The Horn/Whistle key on the PowerCab is the only momentary button available. It does 'play' the sound which is assigned to F2, but if you use the actual F2 key, the sound will 'latch', and will need to be pressed again to 'unlatch' it. Of course, if the sound is of a fixed length, there will be no apparent difference between the two buttons, in each case the sound will start with the initial press and play out to it's end. However, if the sound project contains a playable length sound, ie there is a sound loop in the middle which will continue looping until switched off, then pressing the Horn/Whistle button briefly will give a short (er) blast than if you press and hold it down. A longer blast will now be heard. Pressing F2 will initiate the sound which will continue until you turn it off with another press of F2. (or any other key with a playable sound, for that matter). Having 'momentary' buttons on your controller which you can hold down will NOT extend the playing of a normal fixed length sound. Diesel horns are generally pretty easy to obtain a good loop without too much 'tell' that a loop is playing. Steam whistles, especially but not exclusively chime whistles, range from difficult to impossible to loop satisfactorily. Kind regards, Paul

Yes, SRman's correct. In common with most US designs, F keys are latching and impossible to change. European designs, in the main, have the ability to be assigned either function, and some hve a third option 'timed'. Perhaps in American cars, one has to press the horn button once to sound the horn, then press it again to switch it off? Ha ha. Paul

Unfortunately, the shortcomings of the Dynamis are going to make this far more difficult for you than they should be, but I will try my best to help. The Digitrains Standard 4MT is one of my sound projects so you stand at least a fighting chance. Ideally the ability to read CVs and /or to connect to a computer (for Decoder Pro) would simplify things, but your Dynamis has neither of these. So, any complications will be down to your controller, not the ZIMO decoder which has the ability to overcome most of the potential problems. Let's tackle some of the easier issues first to build your confidence. Automatic Start Whistle. The simplest way to deal with this will be to turn the volume down to off. It will then be easy to reinstate by raising the volume. (We'll deal with sound removal and re-assignment later, the same principles apply to all sounds). Reduce start whistle volume CV582 = 1 (values in the range 2~255 will raise volume again). I'm hoping the Dynamis can access CV582. Note: On real railways, it is compulsory I believe to sound an audible warning before moving any vehicle. This is for safety reasons to allow pedestrians to be aware of impending movement and to take appropriate action. ie shift out of the way! F5, this simulates the difference in sound between long and short cut-off, basically the amount of steam allowed into the cylinders. This feature is on all my steam sound projects (and has been for the last 4 years or so), so any of my projects from Digitrains will have this feature. (not all the steam projects at Digitrains are my work. Others do not have this feature. If it's important to you, check before purchase. Chuff frequency. You need to set this for each model due to the variances possible. Set speed step to about 10 (out of 128). Use Programming On the Main (POM) CV267 = X This is where it would be helpful to be able to 'read' the existing values...... Now, by default, X is set at 58. (the range is 1~255). If, at this speed, there are too many chuffs per revolution you will need to increase the value of X until a satisfactory result is achieved. Try CV267 = 75 and note the changed rate. If still too many chuffs, increase further and repeat. At some point, the rate will then be too slow. Having noted the values you have used in CV267, you can now make smaller adjustments down or up. Sound re-assignment is done by assigning a sound to an F key, not moving or re-mapping from one to another. It is a very powerful system, which does not rely on any pre-knowledge of how the decoder was originally programmed (though, obviously, in this case I do have that knowledge). Unfortunately, it can seem a bit cumbersome until you are familiar with the technique, and again, your Dynamis will be less than helpful, sorry. Nigel Cliffe has written a script for Decoder Pro which puts the ZIMO 'pseudo-programming' instructions into a nice graphic interface which is, perhaps, easier for a novice to tackle. But you need to be able to connect to a computer. The ZIMO pseudo-programming to assign sounds to F keys can be performed on any NMRA compliant DCC controller, and is done using POM so you can hear the results before 'saving' the new assignment. I have to leave for now, so try out the above. I'll be back later. Kind regards, Paul

No, that's not what I said. Both will work on DC, but usually the 'niceties' and 'nuances' cannot be triggered by a system which has only one trick, greater or lesser voltage. How well they work will be the result of several different factors. If a project is set up to operate prototypically on DCC, then it will operate similarly on DC too. It's the 'manually controlled' sounds which will be unavailable to analogue users, and that's only due there being no way to send the control info. Varing the voltage is a way of controlling one thing at a time only (Normally). This is a limitation of DC, not the DCC decoders. This is how it works with ZIMO sound decoders, so you need to develop a rather subtle driving technique. (I presume other will be similar,you will need to check). When the track voltage reaches about 2v, any LEDs programmed to work on DC will illuminate. When track voltage reaches around 5v the sound will start. With a good decoder and sound project this will include the engine starting up. At 6~7v the motor will turn and yourmodel starts to move, more volts and any power ramping sounds will probably play. And so on. When slowing down, the reverse is true. The power sounds will subside gradually to idle. When the volts drop below, say, 6v, the motor will stop but the sound will continue. Whent the voltage drops below 3~4 V the sound will stop. Note, will not be able to play the normal 'engine stopping' sounds, as there is no longer enough power for the amplifier. Also note that the threshold volts for sounds are lower on the way down than on start-up. When the volts drop below 2V, any illuminated LEDs will extinguish. So, you will find tere is much more control available than commonly beleved. But I can't help asking the obvious question. Why pay for sound decoders and then not get the full benefit from them? Kind regards, Paul

The chuff frequency, but not the length of each chuff, from a steam loco is directly proportional to the driving wheel rotation, so trying to emulate this in a steam sound project would be correct. For diesel-electric, or diesel-hydraulic this would not be correct, as the main engine speed is not proportionately linked to road speed. This is a mistake which many people make, and why in many projects set up in this way, the sounds do not react the same as in a real loco. Fortunately, there are a few people who know how real locos work and also understand how to programme prototypical behaviour into sound decoders. Kind regards, Paul

Firstly, 3 cylinder steam locos have 6 exhaust beats or chuffs for every revolution of the driving wheels, so make sure you know how many the loco you are discussing has/had. Secondly, all sound decoders already have the ability to 'read' the motor revolutions and hence, by arithmetic, the wheel revolutions. How well this is implemented is in part a feature of the decoder brand and in part influenced by the competency of the user to set this up correctly before playing trains. If that's not precise enough, and it usually is when correctly adjusted, good quality sound decoders have the facility to take a physical input from any wheelset. Usually this will be magnets and reed switches, but other triggers are available. So, in any event, your wishes have already been granted. You'd think it was Christmas!! Kind regards, Paul

Makes a nice change from railway modelling now and again! Ha ha. Paul

Open Decoder Pro 3. Open 'Actions' menu Open last entry 'Run Script' Scroll to last entry ' Zimo_pseudo_programmer.py' Double click to run the selection, and follow the on-screen prompts. Good luck, Paul

Not unless a physical switch is fitted, or maybe a relay operated by one of the Function Outputs (Auxs in Lokspeak). Fortunately, with a ZIMO decoder there are 10 of these on the standard MX645 so plenty to chose from! The main problem there is that all 28 F keys already have either a function or a sound assigned to them. That's one of the drawbacks of a fully populated sound project. Interesting question though, worthy of some more thoughts. Paul

Stephen, Ha ha. I assume you mean 'will not stop unless you ask it to'. Thanks for the accolades in the rest of your post. I try to provide as 'complete' an experience as possible with my projects. I feel that the 'User Notes' I prepare for each one helps users to quickly understand how the real loco works (if necessary, especially if it's out of the ordinary) and how to use the controller to achieve the best simulation of the prototype in all circumstances. After all, sound decoders are not cheap, so a bit of added value is always welcome, especially if it comes without additional cost! I'm pleased you are enjoying your Fowler and thanks again for taking the trouble to tell us here. Kind regards, Paul

Thanks very much to whoever said those kind words. My Fowler sound-fitting 'step by step' guide is featured in the current issue of Hornby Magazine, out now. Coupled with Paul Martin's 'third way' described above, you can now see three different approaches to fitting sound to these models, and so soon after launch. Kind regards, Paul

Ask to hear the sound on F21 played. Then offer the can to Chris! Actually, I made a recording of the 'driver' saying something very close to this. It was going to appear on F20, but I chickened out as I didn't want to upset the vicar. F20 is still blank, so look out for the XL version. (X-rated Language). Ha ha. Paul

Careful what you wish for!

Regarding how the sounds work: As with all my sound projects, I've written a 'User Notes' document which will accompany all sound fitted locos and decoders (or maybe a download from NG Trains). This includes background info on how the real locos were operated, and full guidance on how to operate the model to simulate these prototypical movements. There is a complete list of all the sounds and functions assigned to F keys. There are 20 assigned so far, and we are considering adding some other 'environmental' sounds. Already included are three different types of rolling stock buffering, oil tanker, mineral wagons and ironstone hoppers, two different wheel flange squeals, different Audible Warning sounds and so on. The idea is to offer end users lots of choices to enhance the experience. Kind regards, Paul

If I remember correctly it is a Fowler-Saunders, and is the original engine fitted. One previous owner who was probably a smoker - WD&HO Wills. It's called 'Woodbine'. Paul

Here's a quick 'taster' video demonstrating some of the sounds available in the NG Trains custom sound for Ixion's Fowler. Kind regards, Paul

Here's a 'quick and dirty' video of the Ixion Fowler 0-4-0 for which I've created a custom sound project. Just a taster of the sounds available. Kind regards, Paul

If pulling the glued constituents of your new Fowler apart fills you with dread, the ZIMO MX648R will fit in the space above the gearbox transversely. This avoids the cutting which Chris shows earlier and the dismantling of the loco superstructure to get access to make the modifications. Full details and photo step by step installation Guide in next month's Hornby Magazine. Paul

If you wish to adopt this more radical approach, the ZIMO MX646 or MX648 (9mmx 20mm) are more compact than the LokSound Micro yet pack a similar power output. Of course, they also have the distinct advantage of being able to have the same Fowler custom sound project loaded as the one developed for the 'standard' MX645, and can be ordered from NG trains. Kind regards, Paul

I do use ZIMO decoders, as in this case, but the rest is not quite correct. Ha Ha. I personally do not set my own decoders for DC running, and it's very easy for end users to change anything on ZIMO decoders including analogue operation. However, this sound project will be fully 'analogue enabled'. Just pop the loco onto a pure DC supply (no feed back controllers or Relco type high frequency track cleaners, please) and the decoder will automatically detect the analogue supply and operate accordingly. Engine sounds will play, so will brake release before moving, reverser lever on direction change, and front lamp, whilst BEMF regulation and inertia will also operate to give smooth acceleration and running, and limit top speed to the prototypical 12.5 mph. The transmission whine gets faster and louder as the road speed increases. Of course like all DCC sound decoders, anything which requires a button press will not be avalilable on analogue, but that's because DC controllers do not have the buttons to press!! However, the Audible Warning Device and Wheel Flange sounds are also assigned to ZIMO's external switches. Although this will require the user to fit suitable switching devices (reed switch work fine and are obtainable for NG Trains) to trigger the sounds. Suitably placed magnets will cause the flange noise to operate at turnouts, crossovers, tight turns etc, and the AWD to sound at danger points. None of this affects the normal operation on DCC and the loco can be moved from one system to the other without any user input being required. Of course, the externally triggered sounds can also be utilised on DCC if suitable switches have been fitted. Zimo sound decoders operate like this on analogue systems: Functions, Sounds and Motor Power each have their own thresholds to begin operation. So, dial in 2v DC and the lamp will illuminate, increase to circa 4 volts and the sound (engine) will start up, and when you get to circa 6v movement will begin and the engine sound will increase in power. Reduce voltage, and they stop working in the reverse order. Reduce to below 6v and the loco will stop, but sounds (engine idling) will continue. There is no power to the motor, so heat will not build up. Below 4v the engine will shut down and the sounds cease to play. Below 2v, the lamp will extinguish. Just be discerning with your 'speed knob' and you can select how much operates. What more could you ask for? (well, if you want more, that's a good reason to go DCC! Ha ha). To sum up, the sound-fitted Ixion Fowler or the separately supplied ZIMO decoder with this sound project loaded from NG Trains will work very well indeed on analogue, with a surprising number of usable features and degree of control. The BEMF regulation and built-in inertia serve to finesse the already good running characteristics of the Ixion Model. Oh, almost forgot to mention that unlike other brands, the Zimo MX654 used in this installation comes with external power storage (stay-alive capacitor) management on-board. Low cost electrolytic capacitors can be attached to the additional pair of wires with which the decoder is equipped and the decoder controls charging and power usage. With ZIMO, no additional costly adapter boards are required. Just find enough space to fit your desired size of capacitor. Buy with confidence! Kind regards, Paul

Yes, it's the 7mm I'm talking about. My sound fitting feature will be a stand alone piece, unconnected with anything else you may have already read. It will probably also show the alternative speakers and locations I tried out before settling on....the one I settled on. Ha ha. Paul

It's got a socket thingy. Paul

What? Custom sound project on ZIMO MX645. How? You'll need to get Hornby Magazine next month for my step by step guide. Kind regards, Paul