Broadway Limited Paragon 3 User manual

Release 0.14
Paragon 3 Diesel
Technical Reference Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The Paragon 3 sound unit is a multi-function DCC decoder that supports
the following:
DCC Characteristics
14 bit addressing
7 bit addressing (1-127)
Enhanced Lighting Control
Advanced Sound Support
Consist Support
14, 28 and 128 speed steps
Support for F0—F28 including remapping
Operations mode support for all CV settings
Configuration Variable Access Acknowledgement in Service mode
Direct, Address Only, Physical Addressing and Paged CV Addressing
Modes support in Service Mode including Write and Verify
Load Controlled Diesel Rev Level Sound Effects
Macro Event Recorder
DC characteristics
DCMasteruses Direct Mode for CV Programming
All CV’s Programmable and Readable
Enhanced Lighting Control
Advanced Sound Support
Consist Support
Enhanced Motor Control
Selectable DCMasterAUX Control
Load Controlled Diesel Rev Level Sound Effects
Please Note: CV defaults will vary between locomotives

3
System CVs
Table
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
1
Primary Address
3
2
V Start
1
3
Acceleration Rate
5
4
Deceleration Rate
5
5
V High
250
6
V Mid
50
7
Manufacturer Version
?
8
Manufacturer ID
38
10
Back EMF Cutout
1
11
Packet Timeout
2
15
Unlock ID Code
0
16
Lock ID Number
0
17
Extended Address MSB
192
18
Extended Address LSB
128
19
Consist Address
0
21
Consist Functions Type 0
255
22
Consist Functions Type1
255
23
Acceleration Adjustment
0
24
Deceleration Adjustment
0
29
Configuration Bits
6

4
Function/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
33
F0 (Front/Rear Lamp)
1
34
F1 (Bell)
2
35
F2 (Horn)
3
36
F3 (Coupler)
17
37
F4 (Grid Blower Motor and Compressor)
5
38
F5 (Ramp Diesel Engine Up)
6
39
F6 (Ramp Diesel Engine Down/Startup)
7
40
F7 (Smoke or L1 Visual Effects)
8
41
F8 (Master Volume)
9
42
F9 (Shutdown and Startup)
10
43
F10 (Radiator Cooling Fan)
11
44
F11 (Air Release and Air Filling)
12
45
F12 (Brake Set/Release/Squeal)
13
46
F13 (Horn Grade Crossing)
30
47
F14 (Station Sounds)
50
48
F15 (Yard Sounds)
51
49
F16 (Maintenance Sounds)
52
50
F17 (Radio Chatter Sounds)
53
51
F18 (City Sounds)
54
52
F19 (Farm Sounds)
55
53
F20 (Industrial Sounds)
56
54
F21 (Lumber Sounds)
57
55
F22 (Horn2 Toggle)
19
56
F23 (Track Sounds)
31

5
Function/Control CVs
57
F24 (L1 Visual Effects)
8
58
F25 (Complete Horn)
20
59
F26 (Play Macro)
40
60
F27 (Record Macro)
41
61
F28 (Brake Squeal)
18
65
Kick Start
40
66
Forward Trim
0
67
Speed Table Entry One
6
68
Speed Table Entry …
16
69
Speed Table Entry …
24
70
Speed Table Entry …
34
71
Speed Table Entry …
42
72
Speed Table Entry …
52
73
Speed Table Entry …
60
74
Speed Table Entry …
70
75
Speed Table Entry …
78
76
Speed Table Entry …
89
77
Speed Table Entry …
97
78
Speed Table Entry …
107
79
Speed Table Entry …
115
80
Speed Table Entry …
125
81
Speed Table Entry …
133

6
Function/Control CVs
82
Speed Table Entry …
143
83
Speed Table Entry …
151
84
Speed Table Entry …
161
85
Speed Table Entry …
169
86
Speed Table Entry …
180
87
Speed Table Entry …
188
88
Speed Table Entry …
198
89
Speed Table Entry …
206
90
Speed Table Entry …
216
91
Speed Table Entry …
225
92
Speed Table Entry …
235
93
Speed Table Entry …
245
94
Speed Table Entry 28
255
95
Reverse Trim
0
112
KpLSB
0
113
KpMSB
32
114
KiLSB
50
115
KiMSB
1
116
KdLSB
0
117
KdMSB
0
118
KpSlow
20
120
Speed Step Smoothing
25
121
Consist Functions Type2
255
122
Consist Functions Type3
255

7
Sound CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
130
Master Volume Sound Increment
16
131
DC Sound Unit Startup Voltage
72
132
DC Sound Unit Shutdown Voltage
58
133
Sound Unit Master Volume
128
134
Maximum Volume
128
135
Horn Volume
128
136
Bell Volume
128
137
Diesel Volume
128
138
Horn2 Volume
128
139
Coupler Slack Volume
128
140
Couple Volume
128
141
Uncouple Volume
128
142
Wheel Flange Volume
128
143
Compressor Volume
128
144
Manual Air Release Volume
128
145
Air Filling Volume
128
146
Brake Set Volume
128
147
Brake Release Volume
128
148
Spit Valve Volume
128
149
Radiator Cooling Volume
128
150
Grid Blower Motor Volume
128
151
Brake Squeal Volume
128
152
Fuel Fill Volume
128

8
Lighting CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
153
Station/Yard Volume
128
155
Maintenance/Chatter Volume
128
156
City/Farm/Industrial/Lumber Volume
128
159
System Lighting
2
160
L1 Light Definition
131
161
L1 Parameter 1
0
162
L1 Parameter 2
30
163
L1 Parameter 3
180
164
L1 Parameter 4
30
231
Light Dimmer
100

9
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
176
Fatal OverCurrent Configuration
114
177
Fatal OverCurrent Sensitivity
120
178
Coupler Slack Repeats
1
179
Coupler Slack Interval
100
180
Bell Ring Interval
Varies
184
DC Brake Control
20
185
DCC Brake Control
20
186
Brake Timer
3
187
Uncouple Throttle Stop
3
190
DC Sound Setup
x
191
DC Brake Set Voltage
70
192
DC Brake Release Voltage
77
193
Rev Level One Power
105
194
Rev Level Two Power
120
195
Rev Level Three Power
130
196
Rev Level Four Power
160
197
Rev Level Five Power
180
198
Rev Level Six Power
200
199
Rev Level Seven Power
220
201
N Gage Level Scalar
46
202
Load Power Filter
12
203
Ho Gage Rev Level Motor Power Scalar
50
204
Initial RevUp
1

10
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
208
Cab Light Throttle Stop
3
209
DCC Brake Set Throttle Stop
0
210
DCC Brake Release Throttle Stop
1
212
Rolling Thunder Address
1
213
Rolling Thunder Setup
128
214
RollingThunder Volume
128
218
Smoke Unit Idle Set Point
70
219
Smoke Unit High Set Point
80
221
Unique Control One
Varies
222
AUX Select for DCMaster
Varies
223
Bell Select
0
224
Horn Select
0
225
Control One
3
226
Control Two
0
227
Control Three
2
228
DCC Start Up Timer
1
229
Extended Consist Features
247
230
Easy Consist
0
231
Light Dimmer
100
232
Fan Idle Power
8
233
Fan High Power
60
234
Fan Rev Up Power
80
235
Fan Rev Down Power
70
236
Fan Idle Delay
4

11
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
238
Macro Recorder Control
79
239
Macro Playback Loop Adjust
0
240
Random Sound Generator Timer Low
4
241
Random Sound Generator High
20
242
Track Sounds
15
244
Grid Blower and BroadCast Stop Packets
32
245
General System Controls One
17
246
General System Controls Two
128
247
Over Current Delay
10
248
Enhanced DC Motor Startup Delay
60
249
DC Motor Off Voltage
70
250
DC Track Voltage Read Delay
0
251
DC Motor Control Vmax
120
252
DC Motor Control Vmin
92

12
REV UP/DOWN
Control
Synopsis
The diesel engine may have its engine revved up or down at any throttle stop including
zero. Activating F5 or F6 (rev up/rev down) activates manual rev mode. A transition to
speed step zero resets manual throttle control back to automatic throttle control. Under
automatic throttle control the Rev Levels change up as the throttle is increased and
down as the throttle is decreased. The rev level only changes after the ramp up/ramp
down sound is finished and a throttle change is made. Motor power is also monitored
and the rev levels will change depending on overall load on the locomotive.
Manual
Manual mode may be activated at any throttle stop. Pressing F5 causes the diesel
engine to rev up one level per press.
Example: Power engine and start (F9). Press F5 three times. Notice the rev level
changes to rev level three. Increase the throttle stop to one.
Pressing F6 causes the diesel to rev down one level per press.
Example: After following the above example, press F6 once. Notice the rev level
changes to rev level two. Set the throttle stop to zero. The diesel now
automatically revs down to idle. Automatic mode is now engaged.
Automatic
Once the throttle stop is greater than zero, automatic mode is activated. Make sure that
F5 or F6 is not active. Throttle up from zero to one. The locomotive will rev up to
CV204 level. Now, if CV246 bit1 is zero (default) motor loading is enabled. The
locomotive rev levels now are controlled by two criteria; throttle changes and
locomotive loading.
Grid Blower Effects
Once the locomotive is notched up and moving, activating the grid blower motor
(CV37) automatically slowly notches the locomotive down, eventually to idle. A throttle
increase while the grid blower is active turns off the grid blower and throttle control is
returned. Setting the throttle to zero disables the grid blower.

13
REV UP/DOWN (cont)
Locomotive Loading Rev Control
The locomotive power is monitored and filtered according to several CV’s. CV193
through CV199 contain thresholds determining the required locomotive power needed
to increase or decrease the diesel rev level. Once the power level falls above or below
the threshold, the rev level changes. CV202 contains a filter coefficient determining the
convergence time and accuracy in measuring the locomotive’s power.
The locomotive power is substantially higher in DC mode. To compensate, a DC scalar
is provided at CV200. This scalar changes the thresholds of CV193 through CV199,
altering the power load thresholds providing proper rev changes from power load
changes in DC mode of operation.
The locomotive power is substantially lower for N Gage locomotives. To compensate,
an N Gage scalar is provided at CV201. This scalar changes the thresholds of CV193
through CV199, altering the power load thresholds providing proper rev changes from
power load during operation.
Should the desired power thresholds need to be changed, a simple tuning method may
be used. Set CV193 through CV199 all to 255. Now, all power thresholds are disabled.
While running in DCC, change CV193, lowering it until the rev changes at the desired
power load. Repeat for each of the other six power levels. DC mode will require more
work, since changing while running is not allowed.
Setting bit1 in CV246 will disable locomotive load power control.
Locomotive Throttle Rev Control
The rev levels also change with the throttle. Once the rev up or rev down transition
sound effect finishes playing, the throttle is checked for any change. A rev up sound
effect plays if the throttle change is increased. A rev down sound effect plays if the
throttle change is decreased. The effect is that if the throttle is slowly increased or
decreased, the revs continue to increase or decrease. If the throttle is quickly moved up
or down, the throttle will only change one rev level up or down.

14
Advanced DC Motor Control
Dc operation with sounds creates a dilemma. The train usually will start moving at a very low
track voltage, to low to power a loudspeaker with high quality sounds. A higher voltage of
operation for the motor is an acceptable solution. About 8.0 volts is necessary before this sound
system can function, producing loud, high quality sounds, with the motor powered and the train
beginning to move. This motor controller gives acceptable motor control at the necessary power
levels, allowing the sound system to start at a much lower voltage, keeping the motor from
stealing the power from the sound system until enough power exists to move the train without
the sounds degrading or shutting off. Also, more overall power is diverted to the motor at top
speeds. The maximum train speed is higher with this advanced DC motor controller.
DC motor control may be altered by changing the control curve as well as the power curve.
CV249, CV251 and CV252 determine the control range for DC operations. Altering these values
changes the train’s startup behavior relative to track voltage and at what control voltage full
speed is attained. The power curve may be altered by the speed table (CV2, CV5, CV6) if CV29
bit4=0 or (CV66 through CV95) CV29 if bit4=1. CV29 bit2 must be equal to 1.
CV249
CV249 defines the maximum track control voltage without applying motor power. Valid values
for CV249 are 0-255. The distance between CV249 and CV252 and must be large enough to
keep the control voltage (Track Voltage) from moving between motor off and motor on due to
track voltage variances. CV249 must be smaller than CV252
Vmin
Vmin (CV252) defines the track voltage that applies the lowest or starting motor power. Valid
values for Vmin are 0-255. The distance between Vmin and Vmax (Vmax > Vmin) is the
control range. This control voltage value determines the locomotive speed.
Note: Vmin < Vmax. Too low a value for Vmin may cause the sound unit to reset when
power is supplied to the motor.
Vmax
Vmax (CV251) defines track voltage that once reached sets the locomotive to its fastest speed.
Valid values for Vmax are 0-255. Increasing Vmax means a higher track control voltage is
needed before the maximum speed is reached.
Note: Vmax > Vin. Too high a value for Vmax may not allow the train to reach full speed.

15
DC Motor Control
Figure one illustrates a locomotive running in DC mode. The sound unit supplies full sound
volume at about 8.0 volts (See CV131) and shuts down at about 7.5 volts (See CV132). Motor
power is supplied around 8.5 volts (See CV252). Between 8.5 volts and 14 volts (The Control
Range—CV252 and CV251), the sound unit monitors the track voltage and increase or decreases
the motor speed as noted by the slope of control range in figure one. At about 14 volts (CV251),
maximum speed is set. Motor power is removed once the control voltage falls below CV249.
Please note that this DC controller honors vStart (CV2), Acceleration Rate (CV3), Deceleration
Rate (CV4) as well as the CV’s used for the speed control as set by CV29 bit 4. By using these
CV’s, the DC operation is smooth starting and stopping, comparing to DCC operations. Using
CV245 and CV248 allows realistic sound synchronization to the startup and brake release before
the locomotive begins to move.
Figure 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Speed`
Track Voltage
DC Mode Motor Control
Track Voltage
Control Range

16
Enhanced Sounds
Station Sounds
Station Sounds are activated with the F14 Function Key.
From an initial power up start condition, press F14. A Station Sounds
effect will play every time F14 is pressed. Once the locomotive starts
moving and for 10 seconds 1 of 4 different Station Departure sound
effects will play. Note: If a Yard sound effect key is defined and
pressed as the last key before moving the locomotive, than the 1 of 4
different sounds playing during the 10 second period of time will be
Yard Departure sounds.
After 10 seconds, all Station Sounds are off and will not play unless
F14 is pressed again. From this moving condition and after 10
seconds, pressing F14 plays an arrival sound effect once and on
subsequent presses of F14, plays 1 of 3 different arrival sound effects
until the locomotive stops. Once stopped, 1 of 4 different sound
effects will continue to play until the F14 is pressed again. The
sequence now repeats.
At any time when the locomotive is stopped, throttling up and down
within 10 seconds will de-activate the Station sounds. Reactivation is
accomplished by pressing the F14 key again.
Station Sounds may also be activated for just the arrival. Press F14
after 10 seconds of movement and hear just the arrival sounds. Once
stopped, throttle to one and then zero.

17
Enhanced Sounds
Yard Sounds
Yard Sounds are activated with the F15 Function Key.
From an initial power up start condition, press F15. A Yard Sounds
effect will play every time F15 is pressed. Once the locomotive starts
moving and for 10 seconds 1 of 4 different Yard Departure sound
effects will play. Note: If a Station sound effect key is defined and
pressed as the last key before moving the locomotive, than the 1 of 4
different sounds playing during the 10 second period of time will be
Station Departure sounds.
After 10 seconds, all Yard Sounds are off and will not play unless F15
is pressed again. From this moving condition and after 10 seconds,
pressing F15 plays a sound effect once and on subsequent presses of
F15, plays 1 of 3 different sound effects until the locomotive stops.
Once stopped, 1 of 4 different sound effects will continue to play
until the F15 is pressed again. The sequence now repeats.
At any time when the locomotive is stopped, throttling up and down
within 10 seconds will de-activate the Yard sounds. Re-activation is
accomplished by pressing the F15 key again.
Yard Sounds may also be activated for just the arrival. Press F15 after
10 seconds of movement and hear just the arrival sounds. Once
stopped, throttle to one and then zero.

18
Consists Configuration
Synopsis
Consisting multiple DCC locomotives has become a daunting task due to more advanced lighting
and sounds used in modern sound decoders. In addition, two methods are used by most DCC
controllers to manage these consists. These two methods are Advanced Consists and Universal
Consists.
Universal Consist
Universal consists are those that the controller remembers and interprets all commands, sending
out appropriate DCC commands to all engines in an addressed consist. With a universal consist,
proper sound functioning will be at best difficult, since there is no NMRA definitions for sounds
beyond horn and bell. Which horns, bells and other sounds should play on each engine part of
the consist is important in the consist though. A decoder has no control over the universal
consist and this consist is not portable to other layouts. The controller is configured to remember
what engine ID’s belong to what consist ID and which engines receive the programmed function
commands. Now, is not that easy?
Advanced Consist
The advanced consist is defined by the NMRA. CV19 contains a number from 0-127 or 129 to
255. What do these numbers mean?
0 and 128 Indicates the engine does not belong to any consist
1-127 Defines the consist 1 to 127
129-255 Defines consists 1 to 127 but with reverse lighting (129 is consist 1 reverse
lighting)
So now the consist may be set within CV19, but what is the relationship between the engine ID
and its active consist ID? Once the engine is part of a consist, certain NMRA rules exist for
functions (F0-F12). Rules for the engine ID addressed as the engine ID that is part of a consist
are different than the rules for the engine ID addressed as the consist ID. Whew! Lets look at
what this means!

19
Consists (Continued)
Addressing the engine ID while the engine is part of an active consist results in the following:
1. Speed and direction requests are ignored unless the engine ID is the same as the consist
ID.
2. All functions (F0-F12) are honored.
3. CV’s may be changed.
Addressing the active consists ID results in the following:
1. Speed and direction are honored
2. All functions (F0-F12) are honored or ignored depending on CV21 and CV22
3. CV’s may not be changed
Bit 7 Bit 0
F8 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1
CV21
The decoder responds to all functions that have a “1” set in CV21 and defines which function
keys are active for F1 thru F8. Default is all set to “1”.
Bit 7 Bit 0
nu nu F12 F11 F10 F9 nu F0
CV22
The decoder responds to all functions that have a “1” set in CV22 and defines which function
keys are active for F0 and F9 thru F12. Default is all set to “1”. nu=not used.
So, depending on where the engine is in the consist, Function keys may be enabled or disabled.
For instance, the horn may be functioning in only the forward facing engine and disabled in the
other engines in the consist.
Our sound decoder supports the NMRA standard and allows the enabling/disabling of these
functions F0 thru F12. Similiarly, F13 thru F28 may be enabled/disabled with CV121 and
CV122.
So now we may program a consist and configure how each engine handles the function keys.
But what about other lighting and sounds not covered by NMRA standards?

20
Consists (Continued)
Advanced Lighting
Other lighting needs to be controlled in a similar manner. Our decoder allows consist setup for
advanced lighting using CV229.
Bit 7 Bit 0
x x x x x x x x
CV229
Bit7: Cab Disabled=0; Cab Enabled=1
Bit6: Horn Enabled=1 (DC Only)
Bit5: Bell Enabled=1 (DC Only)
Bit4: AUX Enabled=1 (DC Only)
Bit3: Not used
Bit2: L1 Disabled=0; L1 Enabled=1
Bit1: Front Light Disabled=0; Front Light Enabled=1
Bit0: Rear Light Disabled=0; Rear Light Enabled=1
When the locomotive is part of a consist, this CV allows individual lighting. So now, let see
how we can configure an engine in a consist. Set the engine ID to engine 3. Now, set a consist
address at CV19. Lets make it consist 60. So program CV19 to 60. Now we need to know
where the engine is located in the consist so CV21, CV22, CV121, CV122 and CV229 may be
set correctly.