Broadway Limited Paragon 4 Product manual

Release 1.14
Firmware 25.0
Paragon 4 Steam
Technical Reference Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The Paragon 4 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 Chuff Sound Effects

3
Please Note: CV defaults will vary between locomotives

4
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
12
Go-Pack 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

5
Function/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
33
F0 (Front/Rear Lamp)
1
34
F1 (Bell)
2
35
F2 (Whistle)
3
36
F3 (Coupler)
17
37
F4 (Air Pump)
5
38
F5 (Blow Down/Chuff Intensity Up)
6
39
F6 (Water Fill/Chuff Intensity Down)
7
40
F7 (Smoke Unit Control)
21
41
F8 (Master Volume)
9
42
F9 (Shutdown and Startup)
10
43
F10 (Shovel Coal)
11
44
F11 (Water Injectors)
12
45
F12 (Brake Set/Release)
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

6
Function/Control CVs
57
F24 (L1 Control)
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

7
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
72
114
KiLSB
50
115
KiMSB
0
116
KdLSB
0
117
KdMSB
0
118
KpSlow
20
119
DC Alpha Filter
22
120
Speed Step Smoothing
25
121
Consist Functions Type2
255
122
Consist Functions Type3
255

8
Sound CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
123
DC Sounds Startup Volume
x
124
DC Sounds Volume Maximum
x
125
DC Smoke Unit On Voltage
x
126
DC Smoke Unit Heater Power Startup
x
130
Master Volume Sound Increment
16
131
DC Sound Unit Startup Voltage
78
132
DC Sound Unit Shutdown Voltage
62
133
Sound Unit Master Volume
128
134
Maximum Volume
128
135
Whistle Volume
128
136
Bell Volume
128
137
Steam Volume
128
138
Whistle/Horn2 Volume
128
139
Coupler Slack Volume
128
140
Couple Volume
128
141
Uncouple Volume
128
142
Wheel Flange Volume
128
143
Air Pump Volume
128
144
Blow Down Volume
128
145
Steam Cock Volume
128
146
Brake Set Volume
128
147
Brake Release Volume
128
148
Pop Off Valve Volume
128

9
Lighting CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
149
Blower Volume
128
150
Dynamo Volume
128
151
Brake Squeal Volume
128
152
Shovel/Augar Coal Fill Volume
128
153
Water Fill Volume
128
154
Water Injectors Volume
128
155
Chuffs/Steam Cocks Volume
128
156
Station/Yard Volume
128
157
Maintenance/Chatter Volume
128
158
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
165
L4 Light Definition
Varies
166
L4 Parameter 1
Varies
170
L5 Light Definition
Varies
171
L5 Parameter 1
Varies
231
Light Dimmer
100

10
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
178
Coupler Slack Repeats
1
179
Coupler Slack Interval
100
180
Bell Ring Interval
Varies
182
Whistle Heat Power
Varies
183
Whistle Fan Power
Varies
184
DC Brake Control
20
185
DCC Brake Control
20
186
Brake Timer
3
187
Uncouple Throttle Stop
3
189
Load Chuff Power Filter
12
190
DC Sound Setup
x
191
DC Brake Set Voltage
76
192
DC Brake Release Voltage
85
193
Articulated Chuff Type
Varies
194
Articulated Chuff Offset
17
195
Articulated Chuff Timer
2
196
Steam Cock Event Count
2
197
Rod Knock Event Count
2
198
Rod Knock Volume
90
199
Chuff Magnitude Increase
200
200
DCC Chuff Increase Threshold
0
201
DCC Chuff Decrease Threshold
0

11
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
202
DC Chuff Increase Threshold
20
203
DC Chuff Decrease Threshold
20
204
F5 Chuff Magnitude Increase
32
205
F6 Chuff Magnitude Decrease
32
206
DC Chuff Power Scalar
200
207
N Gage Chuff Power Scalar
46
208
Cab Light Throttle Stop
3
209
DCC Brake Set Throttle Stop
0
210
DCC Brake Release Throttle Stop
1
211
Power Chuff Threshold
190
212
Rolling Thunder Address
1
213
Rolling Thunder Setup
128
214
Rolling Thunder Volume
128
215
Coal Load Decrease Time
Varies
216
Coal Load Saved Position
Varies
217
Service Mode PWM Duty Adjust
Varies
218
Smoke Unit Idle Set Point
70
219
Smoke Unit Chuff Set Point
80
220
Chuff Time for Broken Chuff Sensor
150
221
Unique Control One
Varies
222
AUX Select for DCMaster
Varies
223
Bell Select
0
224
Horn Select
0
225
Control One
3

12
226
Control Two
0
227
Control Three
2
228
DCC Start Up Timer
1

13
Setup/Control CVs
CV
Description
Initial
Yours
229
Extended Consist Features
247
230
Easy Consist
0
231
Light Dimmer
100
232
Fan Idle Power
8
233
Fan Normal Chuff Power
60
234
Fan Loaded Chuff Power
80
235
Fan Steam Cock Chuff Power
70
236
Fan Rod Knock Chuff Power
40
237
Fan Chuff Time
75
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
Brake Squeal/BroadCast Stop Packets
2
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
84
250
DC Track Voltage Read Delay
0
251
DC Motor Control Vmax
144
252
DC Motor Control Vmin
78

14
Paragon 4 Chuff
Control
Synopsis
The steam locomotive creates multiple chuff sounds when moving. At initial startup or
after the locomotive is stopped for over 30 seconds, a steam cock sound occurs for
several wheel rotations determined by CV196. The volume of the steam cock sounds is
controlled by CV145. After the steam cock chuff event is completed, the chuff sequence
starts. These chuffs occur four per drive wheel revolution (eight on articulated steams)
and are timed by motor revolutions using a motor sensor. The four chuffs vary,
producing a satisfactory cadence.
Locomotive Throttle Control
The chuff magnitude changes with the throttle. Increasing the throttle causes the chuff
sound to increase in magnitude determined by CV199. The amount of throttle change
to cause this chuff sound increase is determined by CV200 for DCC or CV202 for DC.
This chuff magnitude returns back automatically over a short time period to its initial
magnitude.
Correspondingly, decreasing the throttle causes a change in chuff magnitude as well as
playing coasting rod knock chuff sound. Decreasing the throttle causes the coasting rod
knock chuff sound to play at a magnitude determined by CV198. This coasting rod
knock chuff sound plays for a number of drive wheel revolutions determined by CV197,
then returns to the normal chuff. The amount of throttle change to cause this coasting
rod knock chuff sound to play is determined by CV201 for DCC or CV203 for DC.
Functions F5 and F6 allow manual control of the chuff magnitude. Pressing F5 repeatly
allows the user to simulate a heavier load by increasing the chuff magnitude. The
increased value of the chuff magnitude is represented by each press of F5 and is set by
CV204. Pressing F6 repeatly allows the user to simulate a lighter load by decreasing the
chuff magnitude. The decreased value of the chuff magnitude is represented by each
press of F6 and is set by CV205.

15
Chuff Control (cont)
Locomotive Loading Control
The locomotive power is monitored and filtered according to two CV’s. CV211 contains
a threshold determining the required locomotive power needed to play the power
chuff. Once the power level falls above or below the threshold, the chuff changes.
CV189 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 CV206. This scalar changes the thresholds of CV211, altering the power
load threshold providing proper chuff 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 CV207. This scalar changes the thresholds of CV211,
altering the power load threshold providing proper chuff changes from power load
during operation.
Should the desired power thresholds need to be changed, a simple tuning method may
be used. Set CV211 to 255. Now, thel power threshold is disabled. While running in
DCC, change CV211, lowering it until the chuff changes at the desired power load. DC
mode will require more work, since changing while running is not allowed.
Setting bit 1 in CV246 will disable locomotive load power control.

16
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.

17
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.
DC Mode Motor Control
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Track Voltage
Speed`
Track Voltage
Control Range
Figure 1

18
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 30
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.

19
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.

20
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!