Atlas LE063XF User manual

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 1
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
The LE063XF DCC decoder is designed to fit a number of Atlas N scale
locomotives, including the B23-7, B30-7, B36-7, C628, C630, Dash 8-
32BW, Dash 8-40B, Dash 8-40BW, GP-38, DCC-ready GP-40, GP-40-2,
DCC-ready SD-7, DCC-ready SD-9, SD-35, Train Master, and U25B
locomotives. The characteristics of this decoder are:
∗Provides 0.5 amperes continuous motor current.
∗Provides two on/off function outputs that can be configured either for
directional lighting or for full Rule 17 lighting.
∗Provides control of headlight dimming (by setting a CV).
∗Supports both short (2-digit) and long (4-digit) addressing
∗Supports advanced consist control (lashing up locomotives that have
different DCC addresses)
∗Operates on conventional DC layouts; this feature may be disabled by
setting a CV.
∗Provides full support for all forms of programming that are described in
NMRA RP-9.2.3.
∗Supports both short form instructions and long form instructions in
operations mode programming (programming on the main line)
∗Can be set for operation with 14/27 speed-steps, 28/55 speed-steps, or 128
speed-steps with direct drive.
∗ Has a rich set of properties, which can be set by the user to customize the
decoder to a particular locomotive.
LE063XF DCC Decoder for
Atlas N Scale Locomotives
Item # 447199 & 447299
Revised 12/29/04/2004

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 2
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
LE063XF Universal DCC Decoder
The LE063XF N-scale DCC decoder can be used with all popular
NMRA-compliant DCC systems. This decoder is in full conformance
with all NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices and has been
augmented to work well with all major DCC systems on the market.
Although the LE063XF decoder has a low price, it is packed with all the
features that you expect in a high-end decoder:
•Directional or independent lighting (both of which can be dimmed
using DCC function keys),
•Supports both short (2-digit) and long (4-digit) addressing,
•Advanced consist control (operating and controlling several
locomotives as if they were a single entity by sending speed and
direction commands to a common consist address that is stored in
the decoder of every locomotive in the consist),
•Operations mode programming (programming on the main line),
• Full support for all the various motor speed-step modes, including
the 128 speed-step mode.
Many characteristics of the LE063XF decoder can be programmed to
customize the decoder to its locomotive. Please read The Configuration
Variables and their Definitions section for details on the configuration
variables supported by the LE063XF. The LE063XF decoder supports
all forms of programming described in NMRA Recommended Practice
9.2.3, including the user friendly direct CV (Configuration Variable)
programming mode and operations mode programming. For example,
you can operate the decoder with the factory-default speed curve, or
you may specify your own customized speed curve. You can also set
which end of the locomotive is to be the forward end. You can even
decide whether or not you want to be able to operate the locomotive on
conventional DC layouts. If your DCC system supports operations
mode programming, you can change the values of all CVs (except for
the locomotive’s 2- and 4-digit addresses in CV1, CV17, and CV18)
while the locomotive is on the main line.
Preparing to Install the LE063XF Decoder
Before installing the LE063XF decoder in your locomotive, it is
necessary to test (and adjust, if necessary) the locomotive for proper
operation on conventional DC power. Replace any worn out parts, such
as brushes. Also clean any dirt or oxidation from the wheels and
pickups to in order to insure that electrical contact is good. Now is also
a good time to lubricate your locomotive. A locomotive that runs well

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 3
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
under conventional DC will also run exceptionally well under DCC.
The LE063XF decoder is quite small and will fit into the B23-7, B30-7,
B36-7, Dash 8-40B, GP-38, DCC-ready GP-40, GP-40-2, DCC-ready
SD-7, DCC-ready SD-9, SD-35, Train Master, and U25B locomotives.
Precautions to Take When Installing the Decoder:
Although the LE063XF decoder has many internal safeguards to prevent
damage, you must not allow any metal part of the locomotive to touch
surface components of the decoder other than the pickup pads on the
decoder that connect to the wheel-sets, the headlights, and the motor.
Any contact to other parts of the decoder can cause a direct
internal short circuit and destroy the DCC decoder.
The LE063XF decoder is not completely protected against static
electricity and has sensitive electronic parts. When installing this
decoder in your N scale locomotive, it is recommended that you wear a
grounded anti-static wrist strap. Also be careful in handling the decoder,
especially in the area around the top rear part of the decoder (the area
where the microprocessor is located).
The LE063XF comes with two LED headlights already
installed. The light outputs of this decoder are designed
only to drive these LEDs. The Atlas warranty is void if these
LEDs are removed from the LE063XF circuit board.

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 4
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Step by Step Installation
In the following steps, please refer to the instructions provided with your
Atlas locomotive.
1) Remove the locomotive's body shell and fuel tank. Use care so as
not to damage any of the fragile parts.
2) Loosen the two screws that hold the frame together; these screws
are located at the front and rear of the frame.
3) Carefully remove the lighting control circuit board, which is located
at the top of the frame.
4) Place the decoder between the two halves of the frame so that the
two motor contact pads are at the bottom of the decoder and will
press firmly against the two copper contact strips from the motor
when the decoder installation has been completed. In the
photograph of the bottom of the LE063XF decoder on the first page,
these motor contact pads are the two rectangles in the narrow
center portion of the circuit board.
5) Carefully press the two frame halves together, with the sides of the
decoder inserted into the notches in the two halves of the frame.
Some pressure is needed to press the two frame halves together.
This pressure fit insures good electrical contact between the frame
and the decoder.
6) Tighten the two screws that hold the locomotive frame together.
7) Carefully check to make sure that the motor contact strips are not
touching either half of the frame. It is necessary to look down from
the top through the frame cutouts in order to check for such
unwanted shorts,
There must be NO electrical contact between the motor
contacts and any part of the frame

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 5
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Place the locomotive (without its body shell) on your DCC programming
track and read back the locomotive's address from the decoder. If the
decoder is properly installed, you will be able to read back the factory
pre-set address 03. If your DCC system does not support reading
decoder properties, observe carefully the decoder's behavior while on
the isolated programming track. Each time you try to program the
decoder you can see the acknowledgement that is sent by the decoder
in the form of a brief and minor jerk of the locomotive. A successful
acknowledgement means that you have installed the decoder correctly.
Remove the locomotive from the programming track and, if necessary,
correct any installation errors. Once you have successfully programmed
the decoder, reinstall the body shell and retest the locomotive on the
programming track. If this test is successful, the locomotive is ready to
use.
Programming the LE063XF Decoder
The LE063XF decoder supports all forms of both service mode
(programming on an isolated programming track) and operations mode
programming (programming on the main line). Using any of these
programming methods, many features (such as the locomotive's
address, acceleration, and configuration) can be customized to the
individual locomotive in which the decoder is installed. These
customized properties will be saved in non-volatile memory locations on
the decoder so that they will retain their values even after power has
been removed. All parameter values are set electronically, which means
that the locomotive does not need to be opened again after the decoder
has been installed in order to read or modify the values of these so-
called Configuration Variables (CVs). The LE063XF decoder has a total
of 128 CVs. Not all of them are used at this time because many have
been reserved for future use.
Any NMRA-compliant DCC Command Station, such as the Atlas Master
Commander, can be used to program the LE063XF decoder. With
several entry-level systems, only CV #1 (the locomotive address) can be
set unless you use a separate DCC programmer. More advanced DCC
systems, including the Atlas Commander, support the ability to set many
more CVs. The LE063XF decoder supports all programming modes
and can be programmed by all NMRA-compliant DCC systems. The
locomotive’s 2- and 4-digit addresses in CV1, CV17, and CV18
connot be programmed in operations mode. Instructions for reading
and writing CVs are given in the user manual of your DCC system.
Note: In order for newly programmed CV values to take effect after
service mode programming, the decoder must go through a power
reset. If your DCC command station does not support automatic
power reset, simply rock the locomotive off the track after
programming.

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 6
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Configuration Variables and their Definitions
The LE063XF decoder supports a full range of features, which are
activated by setting Configuration Variables. All CVs are numbered.
These numbers are used during programming and are identical for all
decoders that conform to NMRA standards, regardless of the decoder
manufacturer. The following table lists the CVs supported in the
LE063XF decoder. Both CV numbers and Register numbers are
provided for cross-reference.
Some CVs (such as CV29) have specific meanings for each bit. In
order to conform to the NMRA convention for bit numbering, the CV bit
assignments shown in this table use the bit-numbering scheme of 0 to 7.
Table 1: Configuration Variables (CVs) for the
LE063XF Decoder
CV Reg. Description Range Default
Value
**
11Short address:
This is the number that you enter into your DCC
system to tell it the locomotive you wish to run
with a short (2-digit) address.
1-127 3
22Start voltage:
This is the voltage applied to the motor in speed
step 1. Set this value so that the locomotive just
starts moving in speed step 1.
1-15 8
33Acceleration Momentum:
Determines the rate of change of speed upon
acceleration. A higher value leads to a slower
acceleration.
1-31 1
44Brake Momentum:
Determines the rate of change of speed upon
braking. A higher value leads to longer braking
distances.
1-31 1
- 5 Contains CV29 (see definition of CV29 below) 0-55 6
- 6 Page Register:
Normally this Register is not modified directly by
a user. For correct operation, R6 should be set
to have the value “1” after any use.
0-127 1
77Version Number:
This location stores the version number of the
decoder. This CV is read-only.
- 45

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 7
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
CV Reg. Description Range Default
Value
**
88Manufacturers Identification:
This value is the manufacturer ID of the decoder,
(Atlas=127). Writing the decimal number “33”
to this Register will reset all CVs in the
decoder to their factory-default values
EXCEPT FOR the speed step settings in CV67
to CV94.
- 127
17 - Long Address, High Byte
The long (also called extended) address, if used,
is contained in CV17 and CV18.
192-
231 0
18 - Long Address, Low Byte
0-255 0
19 - Advanced Consist Address
The Advanced Consist address, if used, is
stored in CV19. (In Atlas Commanders the
allowable range is 1-99.)
0-255 0
23 - Acceleration Trim This CV contains additional
acceleration rate information that will be added
to (or subtracted from) the base value contained
in CV3.
0-255 255
24 - Deceleration Trim This CV contains additional
braking rate information that will be added to (or
subtracted from) the base value contained in
CV4.
0-255 255
29 Decoder Configuration, Byte 1:
Several decoder properties are set with CV29. Changes
are easiest if done in binary mode, but can also be done
by adding together the decimal values (shown in
parenthesis) for all the desired features and writing the
total into CV29. (For an example, see the section
Converting Binary Values of Individual Bits within a
Configuration Variable into the Equivalent Decimal Value
of the Entire CV.)
The definitions for the individual bits of CV29 are given
below.
0-55 6
Bit 0 Locomotive direction:
This bit sets the direction that the locomotive will
move when told to move forward in digital (DCC)
mode.
0 = locomotive’s direction is normal
1 = locomotive’s direction is reversed
0,1 0
(1)

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 8
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
CV Description Range Default
Value
**
29 Bit 1
Headlight mode:
0 = Operation with 14 or 27 speed-step
systems. This setting must be selected when
the locomotive decoder is used with any
DCC system that does not support the 28
speed-step mode. If the headlights turn on
and off as the speed is increased, the
command station is configured for 28 speed-
steps, and the decoder is set for 14 speed-
steps.
1 = Operation with 28, 55 or 128 speed
steps. If you use this setting, the Command
Station must also be configured to use either
the 28 speed-step mode or the 128 speed-
step mode; otherwise, the headlights cannot
be controlled.
0,1 1
(2)
Bit 2
Usage on conventional DC layouts:
0 = locomotive operates only in digital (DCC)
mode
1 = locomotive can operate in either analog
(conventional DC) or digital (DCC) mode
0,1 1
(4)
Bit 3 Always 0 0 0
Bit 4
Speed curve:
0 = Factory-default speed curve is used
1 = User-defined speed curve is used.
Please enter the appropriate values into CVs
67 to 94 before setting this bit.
0,1 0
(16)
Bit 5
2-digit or 4-digit Addressing:
0= Short (2-digit) address used
1= Long (4-digit) address used
0,1 0
(32)
Bit 6
Bit 7 Both bits always 0 0 0
50 Decoder Configuration, Byte 2:
CV50 is similar to CV29, but CV50 is used to set
other properties. The definitions for the individual
bits of CV50 are given below.
0 - 6 0
Bit 0 Not used
Bit 1
0 = CV23 and CV24 are not active
1 = CV23 & CV24 are active and contain
acceleration and deceleration trim values that
are added to (or subtracted from) CV3 and
CV4, respectively.
0,1 0
(2)

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 9
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
CV Description Range Default
Value
**
50 Bit 2
Brake momentum on DC operation.
Used to achieve prototypical braking at red
signal indications if conventional DC control
is disabled. (CV29.2 = 0*)
0 = locomotive proceeds with track-voltage-
dependent speed inside the conventional.
DC section.
1 = locomotive brakes in the conventional DC
section with pre set brake momentum.
0,1 0
(4)
Bits
3-7 Not used
51 Lighting Special Effects 0
Bit 0
Directional or Independent Headlights:
CV51.0=0: Headlights are directional.
CV51.0=1: Headlights are independent per
Rule 17, with F0 controlling front headlight
and F1 controlling rear headlight.
0,1 0
(1)
Bit 1
Dimming of Headlights:
CV51.1=0: Headlights cannot be dimmed.
CV51.1=1: Headlight can be dimmed.
CV51.0 = 0, Directional headlights at
constant brightness.
CV51.0 = 1, See explanations given
below for Bits 2 and 3.
0,1 0
(2)
Bit 2
Front Headlight Dimming Control:
If CV51.1=1, the value in CV52 is used for
front headlight dimming with the dimming
controlled as follows:
CV51atlas.2=0: If CV51.0=0 (Dimming and
directional headlights both active), function
F1 dims front headlight.
CV51.2=1: If CV51.0=1 (Dimming and
Rule17 both active), function F4 dims front
headlight.
0,1 0
(4)
Bit 3
Rear Headlight Dimming Control:
If CV51.1=1, the value in CV52 is used for
rear headlight dimming with the dimming
controlled as follows:
CV51.3=0: If CV51.0=0 (Dimming and
directional headlights both active), function
F1 dims rear headlight.
CV51.3=1: If CV51.0=1 (Dimming and Rule
17 both active), function F4 dims rear
headlight.
0,1 0
(8)
Bits
4-7 Not used

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 10
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
CV Description Range Default
Value
**
52 The value of CV52 is used for headlight dimming.
Using the value 0 for this CV results in a completely
dark headlight, when dimmed.
Using the value 255 for this CV keeps the headlight
at its maximum possible brightness, when dimmed.
0-255 64
67
to
94
Speed Step Values for Customized Speed Curve
These CVs are used to specify the speed step
values for a customized speed curve. The factory-
default values for these CVs are specified in Table 2
in the section Creating a Customized Speed Curve.
0-255 Factory
Default
Speed
Step
Values
105 User Identification #1 0-255 255
106 User Identification #1 0-255 255
* The notation CVx.y = z means that bit y of CVx has the value ”z”. For
example, CV29.2 = 0 means that bit 2 of CV29 has the value ”0.”
** In the Default Value field, the numbers shown in parenthesis () are the
decimal values that must be written into a CV for the specified bit of that
CV to have the binary value “1”.

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 11
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Converting Binary Values of Individual Bits within
a Configuration Variable into the Equivalent
Decimal Value of the Entire CV
Reasons for Setting and Clearing the Individual Bits of a
Configuration Variable
In order to make a DCC decoder perform in the manner that you wish it
to perform, one must sometimes set or clear individual bits of a CV. To
program a DCC decoder using a DCC system that allows only the
writing of decimal values into CVs (such as the Atlas Master
Commander), it is first necessary to convert the values of all the
individual bits of that CV that are to be set to the binary value 1 into their
equivalent decimal values. It is then necessary to add together all of
these equivalent decimal values.
Procedure for Converting Individual CV Bit Values into a
Decimal Equivalent Value for the CV
The following table illustrates how to calculate the decimal value that
must be written into a CV in order to set and/or clear a specified set of
individual bits within that CV.
Bit
Number
Decimal
Equivalent
Decimal
Values for
CV
Calculation
0 1
1 2
2 4
3 8
4 16
5 32
6 64
Each bit of a CV that is to be set to the
binary value “1” can be represented by the
equivalent decimal number shown in the
second column of this table. To determine
the equivalent decimal value to be written
into the CV, first write in column 3 of this
table the decimal equivalent values of all
the bits of the CV that are to be set to a
binary 1. Write nothing in column 3 for
each bit of the CV that is to be cleared,
i.e., set to a binary 0. Then add up all the
numbers that you have written in column
3. The sum that you get is the equivalent
decimal value you need to write into the
CV.
7 128
SUM:

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 12
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Example: Calculating the Default Value for CV29
Bit
Number
Decimal
Equivalent
Decimal
Values for
CV
Calculation
0 1
1 2 2
2 4 4
3 8
4 16
5 32
6 64
From the definition of CV29 given in Table
1, we see that the default values of bits 1
and 2 are binary 1s; whereas, all other bits
in CV29 have a default value of binary 0.
In order to compute the decimal equivalent
default value of CV29, simply write in the
rightmost column of this table the number
"2" for bit 1 and the number "4" for bit 2.
Then add up all the non-zero numbers that
you have entered into this rightmost
column. Since the sum of these numbers
is 6, the decimal number to be
programmed into CV29 is 6.
7 128
SUM: 6

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 13
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Creating a Customized Speed Curve
Common reasons for specifying a customized speed curve for a DCC-
equipped locomotive are to:
(1) Insure that dissimilar locomotives have the same performance
characteristics
(2) Have model locomotives perform more prototypically.
In this example of creating a customized speed curve, we will assume
that the LE063XF decoder has been properly installed and tested. We
also assume that you are familiar with the general process of
programming CVs using your DCC system.
The first step in creating a customized (non-default) speed curve is to
assign a value to each internal speed step. This assignment is done by
specifying a value for each of the CVs from CV67 to CV94 using a table
such as that below, but substituting your desired speed step settings for
the default CV values given in the Internal Speed Step Value column of
this table.
The second step in creating a customized speed curve is to write the
value listed in the Internal Speed Step Value column into the CV
corresponding to that speed step.
The third and final step is to activate your customized speed curve by
writing the binary value “1” into bit 4 of CV29 (i.e., CV29.4 =1). Unless
this bit in CV29 has been set to a binary 1, the default speed curve that
was preset into the decoder at the factory will be used.

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 14
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Table 2: Default Speed Step Values for LE063XF
Decoder
Speed Step
in
14/27 Step Mode
Speed Step
in
28 Step Mode
Internal speed
step value
(defaults shown)
CV
1 1 4 67
2 8 68
2 3 12 69
4 16 70
3 5 20 71
6 24 72
4 7 28 73
8 33 74
5 9 38 75
10 43 76
6 11 48 77
12 53 78
7 13 60 79
14 67 80
8 15 74 81
16 82 82
9 17 90 83
18 98 84
10 19 106 85
20 115 86
11 21 125 87
22 137 88
12 23 152 89
24 178 90
13 25 194 91
26 212 92
14 27 232 93
- 28 255 94
In order to calculate the correct speed-step value for the 128 speed-step
mode, the LE063XF decoder will internally average the values for 28
speed steps that were specified in (CVs 67 to 94).

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 15
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Troubleshooting Decoder Programming Problems
Fault Cause and Solution
Locomotive does not
move when you
address it on DCC
system.
Check to see if you have selected the correct address for that
locomotive.
Locomotive does not
move when DCC
system is set to the
address in CV1, even
though this address can
be read from CV1.
You have entered the short address (CV1), but the decoder is set to
use the long address, i.e., bit 5 of CV29 has been set.
Use the long address or else clear bit 5 of CV 29.
Locomotive does not
move when DCC
system is set to the
short address in CV1.
The short address can
be read from CV1, and
DCC functions can be
activated when the
DCC system is set to
the address in CV1.
Check whether to see if an advanced consist address has been
programmed into CV19, i.e., check to see whether or not CV19 has
a value greater than 0. If CV19 has a non-zero value, you must
either use this advanced consist address to operate the locomotive
or else program the value 0 into CV19.
DCC functions can be
activated when DCC
system is set to the
locomotive address, but
the locomotive does not
move.
Decoder is set to use a customized speed curve (CV29.4 = 1), but
you entered zero values into CVs 67 to 94. Either clear bit 4 of
CV29 or else enter suitable non-zero speed step values into CVs 67
to 94.
The locomotive does
not appear to be using
the customized speed
curve values that you
have entered into CVs
67 to 94.
Bit 4 is not set to “1” in CV29.
Function 0 (lighting)
cannot be switched on
and off.
Matching of speed steps is incorrect: The decoder has been set to
28/128 speed steps, but the DCC system has been set to 14/27
speed steps.
Either set the DCC system to 28/128 speed steps or change the
decoder speed step setting to 14/27 speed steps. (CV29.1 = 0).
Locomotive headlights
are only illuminated
when the locomotive
speed is increased or
decreased; the
locomotive headlights
go on and off as the
locomotive speed
changes.
Matching of speed steps is incorrect: The decoder has been set to
14/27 speed steps, but the DCC system has been set to 28/128
speed steps. Either set the DCC system to 14/27 speed steps or
change the decoder speed step setting to 28/128 speed steps.
(CV29.1 = 1).

Locomotive decoder LE063XF 16
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Atlas Limited One-Year DCC Decoder Warranty
Please fill out and mail the Warranty card, within 30 days of
purchase. Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. warrants that this
decoder will be free from defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If this
decoder fails during the warranty period, uninstall and carefully
pack the item in the original carton, together with the dated sales
receipt, and return to:
Atlas Model Railroad Company, Attention HO/N Repair, 378
Florence Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205. Defects due to misuse,
improper maintenance and/or abuse are not covered by the
warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you
may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For Technical Assistance
www.atlasrr.com
[e-mail]
This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Please save this manual for future reference.
Lenz GmbH manufactures the LE063XF decoder for Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
© 2004 Atlas Model Railroad Co, Inc; All Rights Reserved.