Digitrax SDH164K1C User manual

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 1
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!
DH164K1C
Plug ‘N Play for Kato F40PH HO
Locomotives. Light Board replacement
decoder for motor, lights and sound.
Preloaded with F40PH ound cheme
(Does Not include or use FN04
Function/Light Decoder)
HO cale
DH164K1C: Drop in
Mobile Decoder with
oundFXTM
Includes 28mm 32 Ohm
peaker & 330uF Capacitor
1.0 Amp/1.3 Amps Peak
Features:
nDigitrax SoundFX™ Sound System -Your locomotives will sound in scale
like the real thing with SoundFX™
Customizable 8 Bit Sound
3 simultaneous voices
Downloadable Sound with Digitrax PR2/3 and SoundLoader software
4 Megabit Onboard Sound Memory
1 Watt Sound Output
4 CV-selectable Horn choices in factory preloaded scheme
Cam input-synchronized steam-chuff option for steam loco use
nDrop in Light board replacement for easy install.
nFactory 28mm round 32 ohm speaker
nSmart Power Management-no more booster or programmer shutdowns! No
extra equipment needed to program or run
nSoundFX™ does not require an external rate sensor to vary workload.
nDigitrax LocoMotion®System-Your locomotives look like the real thing.
The Digitrax LocoMotion®System makes them run like the real thing, too!
nSuperSonic motor drive for silent operation.
nDigitrax FX3Functions-Control lights and functions for prototypical light-
ing effects and on/off control:
nTransponder D Equipped ready for transponding on your Layout
nProgram CV’s using any Digitrax Compatible Control system without
having to buy any extra equipment
nDirect mode programming
nOperations Mode Programming
nDecoder Reset CV with or without speed table reset.
nMotor solation Protection helps prevent damage to your decoder.
nBasic, Advanced & UniVersal Consisting
n2 Digit and 4 Digit Addressing
nDCC Compatible
nDigitrax “no worries” warranty
nFCC Part 15, Class B RF compliant

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 2
Parts List
1 SDH164 1C Mobile with Sound FXTM 1 Instruction sheet
1 Speaker harness with 28mm 32 Ohm speaker and 330 uF capacitor/clip
Installation Information
See the Digitrax Decoder Manual for complete decoder test procedures, instal-
lation instructions, programming and technical information. Digitrax manuals
and instructions are updated periodically. Please visit www.digitrax.com for the
latest versions, technical updates and additional locomotive-specific installation
instructions.
Installation Instructions
1) Carefully remove the F40PH couplers, shell, and platform/walkway as indi-
cated on manufacturer’s model assembly diagram.
2) Disconnect 2 track power clips on the light board. Unscrew and remove
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!
Figure 2: Installation Diagram
Warning:
To prevent decoder
damage, be sure the
motor and track power
contacts are properly
connected before
applying power.
Motor contact holes
Speaker
Capacitor
Track contact clip
Figure 1: DH164K1C Decoder
Light board (removed)
Motor Contact holes Track contact pads
Mount screws

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 3
light board. Retain the two screws.
3) Place SDH164 1C decoder in position shown in Figure 2 and use small pli-
ers to press in 2 motor contacts into the motor contact holes. Using 2 light
board screws removed earlier, secure the decoder in position.
4) Install the 28mm round speaker in the upper rear of the F40PH shell as
shown in Figure 3. . Ensure the speaker leads are routed out through the two
slots provided in the speaker housing edge.
5) Replace platform/walkway and couplers.
6) Reattach the two press-fit brass track power clips to the track power pads on
the decoder.
7) Install the capacitor attached to the wire harness at the rear of the casting
using the plastic clip provided. Be sure no wires short to the casting. Trim
back and secure any unused wires so they do not short to the decoder or
frame or bind the drive shafts.
8) Inspect and test the installation before replacing the shell.
2443 Transmitter D T850-872-9890
Panama City, FL 32404 F850-872-9557
www.digitrax.com
Speaker Installed Inside
Speaker Enclosure
Figure 3: Speaker Installation Diagram

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 4
Customizing Your Decoder
Your Digitrax decoder is ready to run and will operate using address 03 with no
additional programming. On your Digitrax system, simply select the locomo-
tive’s address and the sound will start. On some DCC systems, it is necessary
to select the locomotive address AND send a command to start the sound.
For a more prototypical railroading experience, your decoder can be cus-
tomized for your specific locomotive by programming some of the
Configuration Variables, or CVs, available. Digitrax SD decoders can be pro-
grammed using either the direct method on a programming track or with the
operations mode using the main line. See the Digitrax Decoder Manual or the
Digitrax web site for more information.
nitial Test and Programming: This decoder is preprogrammed and tested
with an F40PH sound scheme, and is ready to operate on factory default
address 03. Before customizing the decoder it is useful to run it on the fac-
tory default address 03 to check the installation. The following sections
show how to change the locomotive address and customize the decoder
For more information on decoder installation and programming techniques and
examples visit the www.digitrax.com
Changing the Decoder Address
The first CV most people change is the decoder address. This allows you to
independently control each loco with a unique address. Digitrax decoders are
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!
Track Power Clips
Capacitor with
Clip nstalled
Figure 4: Installation Diagram

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 5
shipped with CV01 (AD2), the two digit address, set to 03. Following is a brief
description of how to change the decoder address with a Digitrax DT series
throttle. See your Starter Set Manual for complete programming instructions.
1. Place the loco on the programming track. Go into Program Mode on your system.
On DT400/DT402 press PROG. On DT300, DT100 & DT200 press RUN/ TOP &
FN/F0.
2. Choose AD2 for 2 digit addressing or AD4 for 4 digit addressing (DT400/DT402
and DT300). (Ad for DT100 & DT200, see set manual for 4 digit instructions).
3. Choose the address you want to set up for the decoder.
4. Complete address programming. On DT400/DT402 press ENTER. On DT300,
DT100 & DT200 press EL.
Note: CV29 must also be programmed to enable 4 digit addressing, this is
done automatically by the DT400/DT402 & DT300 but not on earlier throttles.
Using this decoder in other locomotives
The sound project loaded into this decoder is for an F40PH diesel locomotive.
If you want to install it in a different locomotive, you can simply load a dif-
ferent sound project for that type of locomotive. The cam input is available
for steam installations where you want to synchronize chuffing.
Digitrax LocoMotion
®
System
Your locomotives look like the real thing, now you can make them run like the
real thing, too. Digitrax decoders incorporate torque compensation for smooth
as silk operation. You can also program CVs that control momentum, 3 step
and 128 step speed tables, switching speed, normal direction of travel,
scaleable speed stabilization and more to take full advantage of the Digitrax
LocoMotion System.
Momentum-CV03 & CV04
Momentum is part of the LocoMotion System. Acceleration is controlled by
CV03 and deceleration by CV04. Both come from the factory set to 000. A
range of 000 to 031 is available for both accel and decel. We recommend that
you try CV03:003 and CV04:000 as a starting point for experimenting with
momentum.
Speed Tables-How the Loco esponds to the Throttle
With Digitrax LocoMotion, there are two types of speed tables: 3 Step Tables
and High Resolution 28 Step Tables. Please see your Digitrax Decoder Manual
for a discussion of the 28 Step Tables. The 3 Step Tables are set up by program-
ming 3 CVs: Start Voltage (CV02), Mid point Voltage (CV06) and Max Voltage
(CV05). These values are set at 000 at the factory. All have a range of values
from 000 to 255. We recommend the following CV values as a starting point for
2443 Transmitter D T850-872-9890
Panama City, FL 32404 F850-872-9557
www.digitrax.com

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 6
experimenting with speed tables.
Other LocoMotion
®
Features: Switching Speed, Normal Direction of
Travel & Scaleable Speed Stabilization (Back EMF) Features
Switching speed is controlled by CV54. The factory setting is 000 for OFF. To
turn on the switching speed feature, program CV54 to a value of 001. When
this feature is on, use F6 to activate and deactivate switching speed. When
switching speed is ON and F6 is ON, the switching speed feature is on. With
the feature on the throttle’s target speed is effectively reduced by about 50%
and the effects of accel and decel programmed into the decoder are reduced by
1/4. This is useful for yard switching operations.
Normal Direction of Travel is controlled by CV29. See your decoder manual
for additional information on the settings for CV29.
Scaleable Speed Stabilization (Back EMF) intensity, or droop, is controlled
by CV57. The factory setting for this feature is 006 which is suitable for most
locos. You can adjust this value in the range of 000 for OFF to 015 for the
maximum effect. Consult your Digitrax Decoder Manual for info about CVs 55
& 56 and their effects on scaleable speed stabilization. The factory setting for
both CV55 & CV56 is 000.
SuperSonic Silent Operation and Torque Compensation
The factory settings in the decoder provide silent, smooth operation of your
locomotive under most conditions. For more information about these settings,
please see the Digitrax Decoder Manual or our website.
Digitrax Transponding CV61
Digitrax Transponding is controlled by CV61. The initial factory set value is
000 for OFF. To turn on transponding, program CV61 to a value of 002. This
allows you to use Digitrax transponding to keep track of your rolling stock.
When transponding is enabled, the front light of the locomotive may flicker
slightly to indicate transponding signal is being communicated. For optimal
transponding operation, we recommend that you hook up the forward and rear
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!
Loco Type V tart V Mid V Max
CV02 CV06 CV05
Switcher
Concentrated low speed. Limited top 002 038 064
speed
Road Switcher
Prototypical top speed w/evenly 002 048 098
distributed curve from 0 to top speed
Mainline Loco
Quick increase to cruising speed then 002 128 154
levels off to prototypical top speed.

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 7
lights as shown above.
Decoder eset CV08
Decoder reset lets you reset all CV values to the initial factory settings. To
reset all CV values, program CV08 to a value of 008. You also have the option
of resetting all values except the 28 speed step tables. To do this,
program CV08 to a value of 009.
Digitrax SoundFXTM System
Digitrax SoundFXTM lets you make your locos sound like the real thing!
The SoundFX™ sound CVs in the range of CV140 to CV256 let you cus-
tomize your decoder without having to reprogram or change the installed
sound scheme.
Standard decoder CVs in the range of CV01 to CV120 operate the same as for
a non-sound FX3Digitrax decoders (they control motor and light functions
etc.) CV58 is used as Master Volume, and CV60 is used to select an alter-
nate scheme, if provided in the sound project.
Sound CV155 is provided to select Diesel engine “notching” modes. The
default of CV155= 00 provides “automatic notching” that changes the
diesel RPM settings at 8 distinct throttle speeds that are controlled by Sound
CV132.
Sound CV155=01 selects “semi-automatic notching” mode that allows F6 ON
to increase the notch from the current throttle setting and F7 ON to decrease
back towards the lowest current throttle notch setting.
Sound CV155=02 selects “manual notching” mode that allows F6 ON to
increase the notch setting and F7 ON to decrease the notch setting irrespec-
tive of the throttle setting, which controls just the motor speed.
The decoder’s sound scheme can be reloaded using a Digitrax PR2 program-
mer and a sound project file (for example SD38_2.spj) from the Digitrax
Sound Depot web site. Typical sound downloads take between 50 and 100
seconds depending on the project complexity and file size.
The following tables show the CVs used in this decoder version and how it is
set up at the factory to operate various sounds using your throttle.
2443 Transmitter D T850-872-9890
Panama City, FL 32404 F850-872-9557
www.digitrax.com

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 8
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!
CV# Used For Range
[default val]
01 2 Digit Address [03]
11 Sound Time Out, 06 = Sound ends when loco address is
de-selected, 00=Sound stays on after loco is de-selected
[06]
29 Configuration [06]
49 Forward Light (FOF) -Headlight - FX configuration [0]
50 Reverse Light (FOR) -Rev Light - FX configuration [0]
51 Function 1 - FX configuration [0]
52 Function 2 - FX configuration [0]
58 Master Volume (F8 ON used for Muting) 0-15 [9]
60 Factory Scheme Select: 0=F40PH [0]
132 Notch Rate [127]
135 Mute Volume [0]
140 Prime Mover Volume 0-64 [60]
141 Bell Volume (Min=0, Max=64) [25]
142 Horn Volume (Min=0, Max=64) [60]
143 Time-Scattered Air Effects Volume 0-64 [30]
145 Misc Vols 0-64 [40]
146 Bell Ring Rate (1=24 milliseconds) 1-100 [07]
147 Air Drier Rate (1-about 2 seconds) 1-64 [02]
148 Compressor Run Rate [30]
149 Air Compressor On Time [20]
150 Horn Setup. Default=0, Alternate Horns= 1, 2, 3
Playable Horn versions =128, 129, 130, 131
[0]
151 Auto Coupler Sequence Threshold Value-Peak speed to
allow auto coupler/brake when direction change occurs
and F3 is ON
0-64 [48]
152 Project Author D, Digitrax=221 [221]
153 Project D, F40PH scheme [4]
155 Notching/Slip Mode: 00=Automatic,
01=Semi-Automatic, 02=Manual
[00]

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 9
Function emapping
Function remapping allows you to program the function outputs of your decoder
to be controlled by selected function keys on your throttle. Please consult the
Digitrax Decoder Manual or website for information on function remapping.
Master Light Switch
Each of the four function outputs can be programmed to turn on and off with
the F0 ON/OFF key on your throttle, creating a Master Light Switch. The CV
values for creating this effect are listed in the Digitrax Decoder Manual in the
2443 Transmitter D T850-872-9890
Panama City, FL 32404 F850-872-9557
www.digitrax.com
Function # Used For Notes
F0 Lights
F1 Bell
F2 Horn/Whistle CV150 selects horn
F3 Coupler crash Auto coupler/brake set by
CV151 max speed
F4 Air feature disable F4 off enables pop-off,
drier and starts compres-
sor
F5 Diesel = Dynamic brake
Fans
F6 Diesel = Notch Up Notch UP if CV155=01 or
02
F7 Crossing Gate Airhorn
or;
Diesel = Notch DOWN
Notch DOWN, if
CV155 = 01 or 02
(Crossing Gate Horn active
if CV155=0)
F8 Mute Control F8 ON is muted
F9 Brake squeal
F10 Crossing Gate
Airhorn Sequence
F11 Handbrake
F12

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 10
section: Setting up FX & FX3Effects On Function Outputs.plugs into the
decoder. This 9 pin connector has been adopted by other companies in the DCC
industry, too.
SoundFX™DC Operation Mode
Digitrax SoundFX™ decoders will operate on smooth DC power. The sound
will not start until approximately 5 volts is applied to the track and there will
be no “start up sound.”
SoundFX™Troubleshooting
f the sound does not start in the decoder
1. Make sure you have selected the locomotive address on a throttle. The
sound will not run unless the locomotive is addressed in the system. Make sure
F8 is OFF.
2. Check your installation to make sure the decoder is installed properly.
f the sound output sounds distorted
1. Check the speaker cone for magnetic debris that may have collected there.
Debris on the speaker will cause a loss of sound quality and must be removed.
2. Be sure that the CV58 volume is not set at a level that is too high for the
speaker being used. For impedances below 32ohms (e.g. 8 to 30 ohms) set this
volume setting lower to ensure the 1 watt output rating is not exceeded.
f the sound in your decoder shuts down after you stop it and you are not
using a Digitrax system for control. On some DCC systems decoders are not
addressed by DCC packets after the locomotive is set to 0 speed. In this case
after the CV11 timeout elapses (6 second default), sound will “shutdown.”. To
defeat this feature, set CV11=00 to remove the timeout and shutdown. To make
sounds, the decoder must ha e a command addressed to it at least once.
f you have trouble reading back CV’s on the programming track, this may
be due to insufficient current draw on the SDH164 1C motor or function
leads, particularly if it is not installed in a loco. Of course you can always just
re-program the CV value into a CV to get the desired results, even though read-
ing CV’s might not work.
OPS mode is recommended for writing to (programming) all CVs except
CV01, CV17 & CV18 (2 digit and 4 digit addresses). If a second DCC
decoder is present that is not SoundFX™ compatible then correct read back of
CV data is not possible,since the NMRA CV read back was not designed for
multiple decoder read back.
have loaded a new scheme but the CV’s and Functions are not what
expected. Load the sound project you programmed and then select the
“view>project description” menu and then read the text file on the screen that
defines how that project in particular uses CV’s and Functions for sound
generation and configuration. Even without a programmer you can get
Complete Train Control
un Your Trains, Not Your Track!

©2010 Digitrax, Inc. www.digitrax.com 11
SoundLoader and the sound projects from the Digitrax web site and review the
descriptions on your compatible PC.
My speaker does not have a polarity mark.
Speaker Polarity is simply used to ensure when more than one speaker is being
used that they can be wired or “phased” so the input causes the diaphragm to
move in the same direction. It can be ignored in a single speaker case.
When using my LT1 and test kit when blow the Horn the decoder resets .
Using the LT1 test kit and protection resistor is good to check the decoder is
safely connected, but when a loud sound like a horn is activated the protection
resistor limits the available track input power too much, so the decoder resets.
Simply test full volume sounds on normal track power after connections check
O .
When blow the Horn while on normal powered track the decoder slows
down or resets .
1. If high volume overloads the decoder and the loco slows down, set CV57=0
to turn off BEMF.
2. Alternatively if you are using a speaker with too low an impedance, try a
new speaker with the factory recommended 32 ohm impedance. It is safe to
use a 4 or 8ohm speaker, as long as the volume is not set too high which may
overload beyond the designed power level.
Warranty & epair
Digitrax gives a one year “No Worries" Warranty against manufacturing
defects and accidental customer damage on all Digitrax products.
That's it! A simple, straightforward warranty with no tricky language!
Visit www.digitrax.com for complete warranty details and instructions for
returning items for repair.
Digitrax, Inc. is not responsible for unintentional
errors or omissions in this document.
2443 Transmitter D T850-872-9890
Panama City, FL 32404 F850-872-9557
www.digitrax.com

Made in U.S.A.
307-SDH164K1C
DH164K1C
Plug ‘N Play ound/Mobile Decoder
for Kato HO F40PH
2443 Transmitter oad
Panama City, FL 32404
www.digitrax.com
T850-872-9890
F850-872-9557