MODEL SOUNDS ShockWave 2 Quick user guide

ShockWave 2 Sound Module
Version 4.1.3 Hardware Reference Manual
Date: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page i of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Figures....................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1 –THE BASICS –GETTING STARTED...................................................................................4
ShockWave 2 Sound Module Layout ...................................................................................................... 4
Terminal Block and Connector H1/H2 Detail.......................................................................................... 4
Mounting the Module............................................................................................................................. 6
Correct Switch-On sequence for Transmitter/Receiver/Sound Module................................................ 7
Applying Power to the ShockWave 2 Sound Module............................................................................. 7
Supply Voltage Considerations ............................................................................................................... 7
Why Do I Have to Wait So Long For The LEDS to Stop Flashing? ........................................................... 8
CHAPTER 2 –THE MICROSD CARD AND .SFX7 FILES ...........................................................................9
The ShockWave 2 Sound Module And Its microSD Card........................................................................ 9
What is a .sfx7 file?................................................................................................................................. 9
File Structure On The ShockWave 2 microSD Card .............................................................................. 10
CHAPTER 3 –CONNECTING THE SHOCKWAVE 2 MODULE TO YOUR PC ............................................ 11
Transferring files Between the PC and the ShockWave 2 Sound Module............................................ 12
CHAPTER 4 –HOW TO WIRE THE SHOCKWAVE 2 MODULE .............................................................. 13
Wiring for One Throttle With Receiver Battery.................................................................................... 13
Wiring for One Throttle –Without Receiver Battery ........................................................................... 14
Wiring for One Throttle –with Auxiliary Battery for Sound Module ................................................... 14
Wiring for Two Throttles and Two Engine Sounds ............................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 5 –VOLUME/BALANCE CONTROLS AND EXTERNAL AMPLIFIERS ....................................... 17
Volume Control..................................................................................................................................... 17
Balance Control..................................................................................................................................... 17
Remote Volume Control –R/C or Wired .............................................................................................. 17
Connecting to An External Amplifier .................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 6 –CALIBRATING THE SHOCKWAVE 3 THROTTLE INPUTS.................................................. 19
Automatic Throttle Setup ..................................................................................................................... 19
Precision Manual Button Throttle Setup.............................................................................................. 19

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page ii of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 7 –HOW TO CONTROL THE SOUNDS ................................................................................ 21
Controlling “Regular” (Non-Engine) Sounds......................................................................................... 21
Using Mechanical Switches or Logic Level Voltage Inputs ................................................................... 23
Throttle Controls................................................................................................................................... 23
Throttle1 and Throttle2 Setup.............................................................................................................. 24
What Are The Two Buttons Used For? ................................................................................................. 25
Using an Analog Input to control the Engine Sounds........................................................................... 25
Controlling the Engine Sounds.............................................................................................................. 26
Starting Up Jet/Turbofan/Turboprop/Helicopter Sounds .................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 8 –SPECIAL PROVISONS FOR MODEL TANKS AND HELICOPTERS....................................... 28
Special Provisions For Model Tanks...................................................................................................... 28
Special Provisions For Model Helicopters............................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER 9 –WHICH LOUDSPEAKERS TO USE .................................................................................. 30
CHAPTER 10 –HOW TO USE THE LED SWITCHED OUTPUTS.............................................................. 31
Switched Outputs for LED Flashing/Lights or Smoker Fan Control ...................................................... 31
Using Receiver Battery to Power LEDs ................................................................................................. 31
Using Optional Separate Battery To Power LEDs ................................................................................. 32
Switching Inductive Loads and Snubbers ............................................................................................. 32
CAUTION –Do Not Use These Outputs to Drive a Motor Directly!...................................................... 33
Switched Outputs for Smoker fan Control ........................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER 11 - MISCELLANEOUS....................................................................................................... 35
Updating the Firmware in the ShockWave 2 Module .......................................................................... 35
Setting Low Battery Voltage Alarm Sounds.......................................................................................... 35
What Do The Red/Green LEDs Mean?.................................................................................................. 36
Where Are Hardware Settings Stored? ................................................................................................ 37
CHAPTER 12 –TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 38
Technical Specifications (continued) .................................................................................................... 39

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 3 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: ShockWave 2 Sound Module Layout ........................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: Wiring for Single Throttle with Separate Receiver Battery ....................................................... 13
Figure 3: Wiring for Single Throttle Using ESC BEC................................................................................... 14
Figure 4: Wiring for Separate Receiver Battery and Separate Sound Module Battery............................ 15
Figure 5: Wiring for Dual Motors/ESCs/Throttles with Separate Receiver Battery ................................. 16
Figure 6: Wiring for LED Switched Outputs Using Receiver Battery to Power LEDs ................................ 31
Figure 7: Wiring for LED Switched Outputs Using Separate Battery to Power LEDs................................ 32
Figure 8: External P-Channel MOSFET transistor for heavy currents....................................................... 34
MAKE A BACKUP OF THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE MICROSD CARD USING THE INCLUDED
MICROSD TO STANDARD SD ADAPTOR IN A SD CARD SLOT ON YOUR COMPUTER,
OR A USB MICROSD CARD READER ON YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!!!

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 4 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 1 –THE BASICS –GETTING STARTED
SHOCKWAVE 2 SOUND MODULE LAYOUT
Figure 1: ShockWave 2 Sound Module Layout
Power supply input and loudspeaker connections are made through the centre terminal block.
All R/C receiver inputs for throttles and sound select are at Header 1. Additional throttle connections,
optional switched outputs and audio line outputs are at Header 2. In order to hear sound from the
speaker, power (10 –26Volts) must be on the main terminal block terminals 2 and 3.
Recommended gauge for loudspeaker and battery wire is 22AWG solid core.
TERMINAL BLOCK AND CONNECTOR H1/H2 DETAIL
Header 1
Header 2
LEDS
Terminal Block
Volume Control
MicroSD Card Slot
Mini-USB Port
Balance Control
Button 1
(Used for Optional
Button Throttle1 Setup)
Button 2
(Used for Optional
Button Throttle2 Setup
and for firmware
re-programming)

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 5 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
HEADER 1 Detail –Use Male-Male Servo Leads
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1, 2, 3
GPSIN
Input from external DopplerFX GPS Module.
+3.3V power is on pin 2. DO
NOT connect to anywhere else.
4, 5, 6
SOUND2
Sound Select2 signal in from receiver. Pin 4 is GND,
5 is receiver power, 6 is Sound Select2 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 5
7, 8, 9
SOUND1
Sound Select1 signal in from receiver. Pin 7 is GND,
8 is receiver power, 9 is Sound Select1 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 8
10, 11, 12
THTTL2
Throttle2 signal in from receiver. Pin 10 is GND,
11 is receiver power, 12 is Throttle2 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 11
13, 14, 15
THTTL1
Throttle1 signal in from receiver. Pin 13 is GND,
14 is receiver power, 15 is Throttle1 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 14
Terminal Block Detail –Use 22AWG solid core wire
CAUTION WHEN WIRING : The power and speaker connections on the ShockWave 2 are interchanged
from the original ShockWave module. Take care when connecting the battery and speakers!
HEADER 2 Detail
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1
++VE
Main Battery positive 4.5Volts –26 volts
Do NOT reverse Battery
leads!!
2,3
SPKR
Loudspeaker - Do NOT use less than 8 Ohms
on voltages above 17Volts. 4 Ohms is OK on
4.5-17Volts.
4
--VE
Main Battery negative 4.5Volts –26 volts
Do NOT reverse Battery
leads!!
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1, 2, 3
SW 3/4
Switched Outputs 3/4. Pin 1 is SWITCH4,
2 is RECEIVER POWER, 3 is SWITCH3.
Receiver power is on pin2.
4, 5, 6
SW 1/2
Switched Outputs 1/2. Pin 4 is SWITCH2,
5 is RECEIVER POWER, 6 is SWITCH1.
Receiver power is on pin 5.
7, 8, 9
THTTL2
Throttle2 signal out to ESC2. Pin 7 is GND,
8 is receiver power, 9 is THTTL2 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 8.
Can be used to feed ESC2
10, 11, 12
THTTL1
Throttle1 signal out to ESC1. Pin 10 is GND,
11 is receiver power, 12 is THTTL1 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 11.
Can be used to feed ESC1
13, 14, 15
AUDIO
Line level Audio Out signals –1.0V RMS.
13 is GND, 14, is Left Signal, 15 is Right Signal.
Used to feed external
amplifier(s).

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 6 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
NOTES :
1. LEDs for guns or other switched loads connect between their Switch 1/2 terminals 4, 6 or
Switch 3/4 terminals 1, 3 and a positive supply voltage which can be the same supply as the
receiver supply on pins 2/5 or you can use any secondary positive power supply up to a
maximum of 30Volts. DO NOT connect its +VE supply to any pin on the sound module. DO
NOT exceed 1 Amp. on each output or 4 Amps total for all switched outputs.
2. The servo leads for Throttle and Sound Select inputs are Futaba style (black, red, white).
The black wire is always the GND, 0V or –VE connection and should always be inserted
towards the outside of the receiver case and towards the board of the sound module.
3. The SPKR terminals MUST NOT be connected to anything other than the appropriate
loudspeaker for the supply voltage used.
4. The ShockWave 2 sound module receives its power from the receiver battery through the
throttle cable. The ESC (without a BEC) can be connected to the right-hand set of THTTL1 pins
to receive its signal from the receiver, thus avoiding the necessity of a Y servo lead to connect
both the ESC and the sound module to the receiver throttle output. The left and right-hand
THTTL1 pins are connected internally, thus are essentially a feed through.
If, on the other hand, you want to power your entire system from the ESC BEC, then you should
use a Y servo lead rather than connect the ESC to the right hand THTTL1 pins. This is because
the internal THTTL1 connections use a very narrow copper track internal to the board that is
not designed to take high currents such as may be drawn by the servos when in operation.
MOUNTING THE MODULE
Mount the module using screws WITH THE PROVIDED NYLON WASHERS UNDER THEIR HEADS.
Failure to use the included insulating washers under the screw heads voids the warranty.
Mount the module where good air circulation can take place, especially when operating it above
18 Volts. The module will get warm on 12 Volts and quite hot on 24Volts if operated continuously
when playing sounds. Do not be overly concerned. The output amplifier is thermally protected and will
shut down if it gets too hot.

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 7 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CORRECT SWITCH-ON SEQUENCE FOR TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER/SOUND MODULE
The radio transmitter should ALWAYS be switched on before the receiver. Some receivers give out
invalid signals when the transmitter is not switched on. If the sound module is connected to the
receiver and is switched on before the transmitter, some sounds may start playing.
In this case, switch off the receiver and sound module, switch on the transmitter FIRST and THEN
power up the receiver and sound module.
APPLYING POWER TO THE SHOCKWAVE 2 SOUND MODULE
The ShockWave 2 module’s low-level circuitry can be powered using two methods.
1. From the R/C receiver through the THTTL1/2 or SOUND1/2 cables.
2. From the USB port when connected to a PC.
In addition, the audio power amplifier is powered from the Blue terminal block on the module.
Either of the first two methods will power the low level circuitry and make the sound module
functional. Audio line signals are available through the line output pins on Header 2. However, if you
want to hear sound from the sound module’s internal power amplifier you must have power applied to
the Blue terminal block as well as low level power from methods 1 or 2.
If USB power is not connected, you must have receiver power applied through the THTTL1/2 or
SOUND1/2 cables, in addition to power supplied to the Blue terminal block.
SUPPLY VOLTAGE CONSIDERATIONS
The minimum supply voltage for the power amplifier is 4.5V. The 26Volts maximum must not be
exceeded. A 6 cell LiPo flight pack will give out a nominal voltage of 6 x 3.7V = 22.2V, but close to 26V
when fully charged. Be aware that output power changes with the square of the supply voltage, so 1/2
the supply voltage results in 1/4 the output power for any given loudspeaker impedance. On lower
supply voltages the volume control should be turned down if distortion occurs in the audio amplifier.
The single channel audio amplifier to drive the loudspeaker is powered from the main terminal block
terminals 2 and 3 (see later). It will play a mix of the left and right audio channels.
There are two sets of pins for THTTL1 and THTTL2 on each side of the sound module. They are
internally connected to each other. One set can be used to connect to the receiver throttle output and
the other set can be used to feed the ESC for its respective throttle channel. They are straight through
connections with no signal processing, therefore there is no need for a Y servo lead to be used.

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 8 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG FOR THE LEDS TO STOP FLASHING?
During the initialization period when the red/green LEDS are flashing rapidly alternately, the sound
module is waiting for the receiver to stabilize and produce valid outputs signals. The default wait
period is 6 seconds. This is because some receivers can take a long time to stabilize, especially some
2.4GHz receivers. If your receiver stabilizes much faster, you can reduce this wait time down to as short
as one second using the SFXPC4.1.3 Software in its Control Panel->Hardware Tab.

ShockWave2-4.1.3 Hardware Manual Page 9 of 40 Published: November, 2018
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 2 –THE MICROSD CARD AND .SFX7 FILES
THE SHOCKWAVE 2 SOUND MODULE AND ITS MICROSD CARD
The ShockWave 2 microSD Card connector is a push-push type, i.e. you push the card in to insert and
lock it and push it again to release the card for removal. When inserting the microSD Card, make sure it
is pushed fully home so that the latching mechanism prevents it from accidentally being removed.
To remove the card, push it again and it will spring out so that it can be removed fully.
During installation in your model or other testing it is possible to accidentally push the card in without
noticing and it may then fall out and get lost. It is therefore advisable to put a piece of adhesive tape
over the card and its connector to make sure this does not happen.
The ShockWave 2 sound module uses the microSD Card to store its digitized sounds, as well as various
configuration and hardware settings. Thus it is very easy to add or change the sounds on a ShockWave
2 sound module by simply plugging in a different microSD Card with new files.
When the ShockWave 2 sound module has its microSD Card inserted and it is connected to a Windows
PC through its USB port, it will appear as a “USB Mass Storage Device”, i.e. a removable “hard drive”
will appear in Windows Explorer. The name of this drive, or its disk label, is ALWAYS “SHOCKWAVESD”.
DO NOT re-label the ShockWave 2 microSD Card as any other name. This specific disk label is searched
for by the SFXPC4 Software to detect the necessary files on the module.
However, the ShockWave 2 sound module can be connected to the PC either with, or without, it’s
microSD Card. If the microSD Card is missing, you will get a warning dialogue box, but this is for
information only. The dialogue box can be closed and the ShockWave 2 sound module will still be
detected. However, the Red and Green LEDS will flash alternately to indicate that it is in USB MODE,
but with the microSD Card missing.
For those that are technically minded with computers, see Appendix A for further details of the USB
Classes used by the ShockWave 2 sound module.
WHAT IS A .SFX7 FILE?
The ShockWave 2 sound module uses files on its microSD card with a .sfx7 file extension. Some users
may not see any file extension as Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, have deemed that ordinary users
do not need to see file extensions as a default setting in Windows Explorer. You can see file extensions
by changing the Folder View settings in Windows Explorer.