MODEL SOUNDS ShockWave 3 Quick user guide

ShockWave®3 Sound Module
Version 5.0.2 Hardware Reference Manual
Date: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.

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© Model SoundsTM Inc.
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ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 2 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 –THE BASICS –GETTING STARTED...................................................................................5
Terminal Block and Connectors H1/H2/H3 Detail ...................................................................................... 5
Mounting the Module................................................................................................................................. 8
Applying Power to the ShockWave 3.......................................................................................................... 8
Removing Power From/To the ShockWave 3............................................................................................. 8
Supply Voltage Considerations ................................................................................................................... 9
Why Do I Have to Wait So Long For The LEDS to Stop Flashing? ............................................................... 9
Correct Switch-On sequence for Transmitter/Receiver/Sound Module.................................................... 9
CHAPTER 2 –THE MICROSD CARD AND .SFX8 FILES ......................................................................... 10
The ShockWave 3 Sound Module’s microSD Card.................................................................................... 10
What is a .sfx8 file? ................................................................................................................................... 10
File Structure On The microSD Card ......................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 3 –RADIO COMPATIBILITY ............................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 4 –WHAT ARE SYSTEM SOUNDS AND THE SYSTEM SOUNDS FILES.................................... 12
Associating System Events with System Sounds ...................................................................................... 12
Switching System Sounds ON and OFF ..................................................................................................... 12
Adjusting the Volume of System Sounds.................................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 5 –CONNECTING THE SHOCKWAVE 3 MODULE TO YOUR PC ............................................ 13
How to Correctly insert the micro-USB Plug into the micro-USB connector ........................................... 13
Power Up The Transmitter and Receiver First.......................................................................................... 14
Transferring files Between the PC and the ShockWave 3 Sound Module................................................ 15
CHAPTER 6 –HOW TO WIRE THE SHOCKWAVE 3 MODULE .............................................................. 16
Wiring for One Throttle With Receiver Battery........................................................................................ 16
Wiring for One Throttle Without Receiver Battery .................................................................................. 17
Wiring for One Throttle with Auxiliary Battery for Sound Module .......................................................... 17
Wiring For Twin Motors/ESCs With ONE Throttle Channel...................................................................... 19
Wiring For Twin Motors/ESCs With Two Throttle Channels .................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 7 –VOLUME/BALANCE CONTROLS AND EXTERNAL AMPLIFIERS ....................................... 21
Volume Control......................................................................................................................................... 21

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 3 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
Balance Control......................................................................................................................................... 21
Remote Volume Control –R/C or Wired .................................................................................................. 21
Connecting to An External Amplifier ........................................................................................................ 22
CHAPTER 8 –CALIBRATING THE SHOCKWAVE 3 THROTTLE INPUTS.................................................. 23
Automatic Throttle Setup ......................................................................................................................... 23
Precision Manual Button Throttle Setup .................................................................................................. 23
CHAPTER 9 –HOW TO CONTROL THE SOUNDS ................................................................................ 25
Controlling “Regular” (Non-Engine) Sounds............................................................................................. 25
Using Mechanical Switches or Logic Level Voltage Inputs ....................................................................... 27
Playing Multiple Sounds Simultaneously.................................................................................................. 28
Controlling the Engine Sounds.................................................................................................................. 28
Controlling Engine Sounds with an Analog Input ..................................................................................... 29
Starting Up Jet/Turbofan/Turboprop/Helicopter Sounds ........................................................................ 30
CHAPTER 10 –SPECIAL PROVISONS FOR MODEL TANKS AND HELICOPTERS ..................................... 31
Special Provisions For Model Tanks.......................................................................................................... 31
Special Provisions For Model Helicopters................................................................................................. 32
CHAPTER 11 –SYNCING ENGINE STARTUP/SHUTDOWN SOUNDS TO PROPELLER ROTATION............ 33
E-Z-SyncTM Feature.................................................................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER 12 –HOW TO SYNC MULTIPLE MOTORS TO their STARTUP SOUNDS................................. 36
CHAPTER 13 –WHICH LOUDSPEAKERS TO USE ................................................................................ 37
Loudspeaker Selection.............................................................................................................................. 37
CHAPTER 14 –HOW TO USE THE SWITCHED OUTPUTS..................................................................... 38
DO NOT Switch Inductive Loads ............................................................................................................... 38
Recommended Separate Battery For High Current LEDs or Other Loads ................................................ 39
Switched Outputs for Smoker Fan Control............................................................................................... 40
Use external transistors for INDUCTIVE LOADS OR high currents............................................................ 41
CHAPTER 15 –THE DOPPLERFX FEATURE......................................................................................... 42
Orientation of the 4-Wire Cable Connector ............................................................................................. 42
The Six-Position Mini DIP Switch .............................................................................................................. 42

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 4 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 16 –MISCELLANEOUS ...................................................................................................... 44
Updating the Firmware in the ShockWave 3 Module .............................................................................. 44
Setting Low Battery Voltage Alarm Sounds.............................................................................................. 44
What Are The Two Buttons Used For? ..................................................................................................... 44
What Do The LEDs Mean? ........................................................................................................................ 45
Where Are Hardware Settings Stored?..................................................................................................... 46
CHAPTER 17 –TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 47
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: ShockWave 3 Sound Module Layout ........................................................................................... 5
Figure 2: Wiring for Single Throttle with Separate Receiver Battery ....................................................... 16
Figure 3: Wiring for Single Throttle Using ESC BEC................................................................................... 17
Figure 4: Wiring for Separate Receiver Battery and Separate Sound Module Battery............................ 18
Figure 5: Wiring for Twin Motors/ESCs With One Throttle Channel........................................................ 19
Figure 6: Wiring for Twin Motors/ESCs With Two Throttle Channels ...................................................... 20
Figure 7: Example Wiring for Switched Outputs....................................................................................... 39
Figure 8: External P-Channel MOSFET Transistor For Switching Inductive Loads Or High Currents........ 41
Figure 9: Diagram of six-position mini DIP Switch.................................................................................... 43
MAKE A BACKUP OF THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE MICROSD CARD USING THE INCLUDED MICROSD
TO STANDARD SD ADAPTOR, OR A USB MICROSD CARD READER ON YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE YOU
DO ANYTHING!
MAKING A BACKUP SIMPLY MEANS COPYING ALL THE FILES AND FOLDERS ON THE MICROSD CARD
TO PREFERRABLY TWO STORAGE DEVICES. REMEMBER WHERE YOU PUT THE BACKUPS!

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 5 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 1 –THE BASICS –GETTING STARTED
Figure 1: ShockWave 3 Sound Module Layout
Power supply input and loudspeaker connections are made through the blue terminal block TB1. All
R/C receiver inputs for throttles and sound select are at Header 1. Optional throttle outputs, Switched
Outputs and audio line outputs are at Header 2. In order to hear sound from the loudspeaker, 4.5 –26
Volts power must be on the main terminal block terminals 1 and 4.
Recommended gauge for loudspeaker and battery wire is 22AWG solid core.
TERMINAL BLOCK AND CONNECTORS H1/H2/H3 DETAIL
Header 1 (Inputs)
Header 2
(Outputs)
LEDS
Terminal Block
For Power and
Loudspeaker
Volume Control
MicroSD Card Slot
Micro-USB Port
Balance Control
BUTTON 1
BUTTON 2
Accessory
Socket SCKT3
Throttle
Outputs 3 and 4
6-Position
Switch for
DopplerFX Control
and other options

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© Model SoundsTM Inc.
HEADER 1 Detail –Use Male-Male or Male-Male-Female Servo Leads
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1, 2, 3
SOUND3
Sound Select3 signal in from receiver. Pin 1 is GND,
2 is receiver power, 3 is Sound Select3 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 2
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 input 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 input from receiver. Pin 13 is GND,
14 is receiver power, 15 is Throttle1 signal.
Receiver power is on pin 14
Terminal Block TB1 Detail –Use 22AWG solid core wire
HEADER 2 Detail
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1
--VE
Main Battery negative 4.5 Volts –26 Volts
Do NOT reverse Battery
leads!!
2,3
SPKR
Loudspeaker - Do NOT use less than 8 Ohms
on voltages above 14.4 Volts. 4 Ohms is OK
on 4.5 - 14.4 Volts.
Loudspeaker leads are
reversible.
4
++VE
Main Battery positive 4.5 Volts –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 pin 2.
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
THT2_O
Throttle2 signal output. Pin 7 is GND, 8 is
receiver power, 9 is THT2_O signal.
Receiver power is on pin 8.
Used for Multi-Sync feature.
10, 11, 12
THT1_O
Throttle1 signal output. Pin 10 is GND, 11 is
receiver power, 12 is THT1_O signal.
Receiver power is on pin 11.
Used for Multi-Sync feature.
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).

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© Model SoundsTM Inc.
HEADER 3 Detail
THT4-O THT3-O
NOTES :
1. LEDs for guns or other switched loads can be connected between their Switch 1/2 terminals 4, 6 or
Switch 3/4 terminals 1, 3 and any secondary positive power supply up to a maximum of 30 Volts.
DO NOT connect the external LED battery +VE supply to any pin on the sound module.
DO NOT exceed 1A on each output or 4 Amps total for all switched outputs.
2. The supplied male –male –female Y servo leads for Throttle and male –male Sound Select inputs
are Futaba style colours (black, red, white), but with JR style male plugs for maximum flexibility.
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 3 sound module receives its power from the receiver battery through the THTTL1/2
or SOUND1/2/3 servo leads. The ESC(s) should be connected to the receiver throttle output(s) using
the supplied male-male-female Y servo lead.
The H2 THT1_O/THT2_O and H3 THT3_O/THT4_O pins are outputs and can optionally be used for
the Multi-Engine Sync. feature. These outputs are internally generated and are processed for
special effects, in particular, synchronizing these throttle outputs with engine startup and
shutdown sounds.
Pin
Numbers
Board
Legend
Function
Notes
1, 3, 5
THT4-O
Throttle Output 4. Pin 5 is GND,
3 is receiver power, 1 is THT4-O Output.
Receiver power is on pin 3.
Used for Multi-Sync feature.
2, 4, 6
THT3-O
Throttle Output 3. Pin 6 is GND,
4 is receiver power, 2 is THT3-O Output.
Receiver power is on pin 4.
Used for Multi-Sync feature.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 8 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
MOUNTING THE MODULE
Mount the module using screws through the three mounting holes and the attached spacers on the
underside of the board. Do not screw down the board if any of the three spacers are missing.
There are parts underneath the boards and the board may crack if you apply screw pressure without
the spacers present.
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 24 Volts 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.
APPLYING POWER TO THE SHOCKWAVE 3
The ShockWave 3 module’s low-level circuitry can be powered using two methods.
1. From the R/C receiver through the THTTL1/2 or SOUND1/2/3 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 output 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
SOUND1/2/3 cables, in addition to power supplied to the Blue terminal block.
REMOVING POWER FROM/TO THE SHOCKWAVE 3
Because of large storage capacitors on-board the ShockWave 3 sound module, when power is
removed from the blue terminal block it may take as long as 20 seconds for the voltage at the
terminals to discharge to close to zero. Be careful not to short the power leads when they are
disconnected from the battery.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 9 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
SUPPLY VOLTAGE CONSIDERATIONS
The minimum supply voltage for the power amplifier is 4.5 Volts. The 26 Volts maximum must not be
exceeded. A 6S LiPo flight pack will give out a nominal voltage of 6 x 3.7V = 22.2 Volts, but close to
26 Volts 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. At lower supply voltages the volume control should be turned down to avoid distortion
due to overdriving the audio amplifier.
The single channel audio amplifier to drive the loudspeaker is powered from the main terminal block
terminals 1 and 4. It will play a mix of the left and right audio channels.
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 output signals. The default wait period
is 6 seconds but can be set to between 3 and 20 seconds using the ShockWave 3 PC Control Panel-
>Hardware Tab or the new HardwareSettings.txt file. This is because some receivers can take a long
time to stabilize. If your receiver stabilizes much faster, you can reduce this wait time down to as short
as 3 seconds. Also, the wait period is to allow the accessory GNSS receiver supporting the DopplerFX
feature, if used, to power up and start outputting valid signals.
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.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 10 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 2 –THE MICROSD CARD AND .SFX8 FILES
THE SHOCKWAVE 3 SOUND MODULE’S MICROSD CARD
The ShockWave 3 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 3 sound module uses the microSD Card to store its digitized sounds, as well as various
configuration and hardware settings. It is therefore very easy to add or change the sounds on a
ShockWave 3 sound module by simply plugging in a different microSD Card with new files.
When the ShockWave 3 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 “external
drive” will appear in Windows Explorer. The name of this drive, or its disk label, is ALWAYS
SHOCKWAVE3.
DO NOT re-label the ShockWave 3 microSD Card as any other name. This specific disk label is searched
for by the ShockWave 3 PC Software to detect the necessary files on the module.
However, the ShockWave 3 sound module can be connected to the PC with, or without, its microSD
Card. When launching the ShockWave 3 PC Software, 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 3 sound module will still be detected. However, the Red LED will flash quickly to indicate
the microSD Card is missing.
WHAT IS A .SFX8 FILE?
The ShockWave 3 sound module uses files on its microSD card with a .sfx8 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.
A .sfx8 file is a composite sound file containing all of the sound clips for a particular model plus
important configuration and addressing data to enable the sound module to correctly access each
individual sound clip when it needs to. A .sfx8 file is sometimes called a sound set file.

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© Model SoundsTM Inc.
FILE STRUCTURE ON THE MICROSD CARD
The files on the ShockWave 3 microSD Card must be in a certain format and folder structure.
In the microSD Card Root Folder there is the following file :
SELECT_YOUR_SOUNDSET_HERE.txt. This file must contain its first two lines as follows:
First line naming the folder containing the .sfx8 file(s) you wish to use.
Second line naming the.sfx8 file in that folder that you want the ShockWave 3 sound module to use.
Example:
ShockWaveSoundSets44\Aircraft
SpitfireMerlinSoundSet.sfx8
In this example, when powered up, the ShockWave 3 module will expect there to be a file named
“SpitfireMerlinSoundSet.sfx8” in the ShockWaveSoundSets44\Aircraft folder on the microSD Card.
In this way you can have many .sfx8 sound files on the microSD Card and they can be changed at will
by simply editing the SELECT_YOUR_SOUNDSET_HERE.txt. Each time this information is changed the
module should be powered down and then powered up again.
Further lines may appear in the file after the first two lines, but these additional lines will be ignored by
the sound module.
In the microSD Card System folder, there will also be a System Sounds file called SystemSounds44.sfx8.
This file should not be removed or renamed.
CHAPTER 3 –RADIO COMPATIBILITY
The ShockWave 3 sound module is compatible with any R/C industry standard transmitter and receiver
that outputs 1- 2ms PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) pulses. Any R/C radio can be used on any
transmission frequency. It cannot be used with receivers that output only proprietary serial bus signals
such as Futaba S-Bus, Spektrum X-Bus , FlySky IBus etc.
We DO NOT recommend the use of pistol grip style radios which are popular with some model boaters.
The extremely small range of throttle trigger movements on this type of radio make it very difficult to
start up and shutdown the engine sound unless you are using a separate switched radio channel for
engine sound startup and shutdown.
If you want to use the throttle control to startup and shutdown the engine sound, it is recommended
to use an airplane style stick radio instead.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 12 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 4 –WHAT ARE SYSTEM SOUNDS AND THE SYSTEM SOUNDS FILES
System sounds are those sounds used by the ShockWave 3 sound module itself as prompts, status
indicators or for voice guided instructions.
System Sounds are stored in in the System Folder on the microSD card in a SystemSounds44.sfx8 file.
These files are supplied by Model Sounds Inc. and should not be renamed or deleted.
ASSOCIATING SYSTEM EVENTS WITH SYSTEM SOUNDS
The association of system trigger events with the various System Sound clips is defined in the relevant
section of our ShockWave 3 PC Windows software application and is documented in the reference
manual for that software.
SWITCHING SYSTEM SOUNDS ON AND OFF
The ShockWave 3 sound module will come delivered with the system sounds enabled by default.
If you wish to switch off ALL System Sounds announcements you can do so using BUTTON1 on the
sound module board.
Wait until the red and green LEDS have stopped flashing for the initialization sequence, then press
BUTTON1 and release it quickly within 1.5 seconds. The System Sounds will then ALL be turned OFF.
If you wish to switch them on again, press BUTTON1 down and hold it there for longer than 1.5
seconds, then release it. The System Sounds will be turned ON.
System sounds can be individually enabled and disabled by editing the SystemSounds44.sfx8 using our
ShockWave 3 PC Windows software application.
ADJUSTING THE VOLUME OF SYSTEM SOUNDS
You can adjust the volume of the System Sounds using BUTTON2. Follow these steps.
1. Whilst a system sound is playing, adjust the on-board rotary volume control until you get the
sound volume you want.
2. Now press and release BUTTON2. When the button2 is released it will store the volume setting
you have just set in the sound module’s non-volatile memory. This value will be remembered
subsequently when you power on the sound module again.
This will adjust the volume of System Sounds relative to the volume of the main sounds since the main
volume control is a master volume control that adjusts the volume of ALL sounds played back on the
module. If you alter the volume control position in this way, remember to return it to its original
position in order to restore the main sounds volume to its correct level.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 13 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 5 –CONNECTING THE SHOCKWAVE 3 MODULE TO YOUR PC
You DO NOT need to connect the ShockWave 3 sound module to a PC in order to use it or set it up.
It is fully configured and ready to use when you receive it. If you want to change any of its many
configurable settings or change the sounds, then you will need to connect it to a PC and install the
optional ShockWave 3 PC Windows software application. Alternatively, you can simply plug in another
microSD Card that you purchase from us with the new sounds and configuration settings already
installed.
HOW TO CORRECTLY INSERT THE MICRO-USB PLUG INTO THE MICRO-USB CONNECTOR
The USB connector on the ShockWave 3 sound module is a micro-USB 2.0 type, which is very common
on cell-phones and other mobile devices, so you may already have a micro-USB 2.0 to standard
USB A-type cable. USB A-type is the end of the cable that plugs into a USB port on your computer.
The micro-USB plug on the cable is also compatible with the micro-USB 2.0 portion of a micro-USB 3.0
connector.
The correct orientation of
the micro-USB plug on the
cable is with the curved
corners of the plug facing
downwards as shown here:

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© Model SoundsTM Inc.
POWER UP THE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER FIRST
Whilst the module will connect to the PC and be powered by the USB connection without the
transmitter and receiver being connected and powered on, you will not be able to perform any R/C
related activity in the ShockWave 3 PC application.
The ShockWave 3 sound module waits for a 3 to 20 second (default is 6 seconds) initialization period
when in both regular and USB modes.
This is to make sure the sound module has stored the correct values for the various R/C pulse widths
whichever mode it is in. Therefore, please make sure your transmitter is switched on before the
receiver is powered up when it is connected to the sound module.
If you use a throttle cut-off switch that changes the throttle pulse width once it is armed, then that
switch must be armed BEFORE the sound module’s initialization period is complete. Otherwise, if it is
armed afterwards, the sound module will think there is a step change in the throttle pulse width and
will likely immediately play the engine sound at full speed as a result.
When connected to a PC USB port, the blue LED will flash whenever there is USB bus activity.
In particular, the Windows operating system will issue a request once per second to query the status of
the mass storage device to see if it is still ready or has been disconnected. Therefore, the blue LED will
flash on and off at least once per second.
The ShockWave 3 USB interface requires no special USB drivers –the USB drivers it requires are
already part of any Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, or Windows 7 Operating System. When you connect
the ShockWave 3 sound module to the PC for the first time, you will see a message indicating that the
required USB drivers are being installed. Shortly afterwards it will say “Your New Hardware is ready to
use”.
The ShockWave 3 PC Windows software application is available as a separate purchase for download
only. This software is not required by everyone so, by not including it with the sound module, we are
able to keep the price of the sound module lower for everyone. The manual for the Software
Application is in the Manuals folder in the ZIP file that is downloaded. The software can be ordered on-
line from our web site.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 15 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
TRANSFERRING FILES BETWEEN THE PC AND THE SHOCKWAVE 3 SOUND MODULE
If you want to transfer files and configuration data between the PC and the ShockWave 3 module, it is
necessary to remove the microSD Card from the ShockWave 3 module and insert it into the supplied
microSD to standard SD card adapter and insert that into an SD card reader slot on your computer. If
your PC does not have an SD card reader, and you do not have a USB microSD card reader, we can
supply a USB microSD Card reader as an optional extra. Insert the microSD Card into the USB reader
and plug the reader into any spare USB port. Be careful not to lose the microSD Card!!
The ShockWave 3 module conforms to the USB 2.0 Full Speed (12MBits/sec) specification. If you save
files to the microSD Card whilst it is in the ShockWave 3 module, it will be much slower than when the
microSD Card is in the USB card reader which conforms to USB 2.0 High Speed (480MBits/sec)
specification which is 40 times faster than USB 2.0 Full Speed.
Launch the ShockWave 3 PC application AFTER the microSD to SD Card reader has been plugged in.
The ShockWave 3 PC application will search all disk drives, internal and external, for one that has the
disk label “SHOCKWAVE3”. Be patient –it may take 5 seconds or so for the ShockWave 3 sound
module to be fully recognized by the operating system and the ShockWave 3 PC software.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 16 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
CHAPTER 6 –HOW TO WIRE THE SHOCKWAVE 3 MODULE
WIRING FOR ONE THROTTLE WITH RECEIVER BATTERY
Although some modellers favour using their ESC BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) to power their
receiver, we do not recommend that set-up for high power systems. Depending upon the wiring,
currents involved, and the quality of the ESC BEC, it can introduce radio interference on the receiver
power leads. For this reason, we recommend using a separate battery to power the receiver, as shown
in the next diagram.
When installing, be sure to run separate power lines to the battery just for your sound module. If the
power lines are shared with motor or ESC lines, the electrical noise generated by them may interfere
with the sound module.
Figure 2: Wiring for Single Throttle with Separate Receiver Battery
Loudspeaker wires should be
tightly twisted together
Note : Centre wire IS NOT connected
if ESC has a BEC
8 Ohm
RX
Battery
4.8-6 Volts
+_
MOTORESC
Signal wire colour is white
Battery wires should be
tightly twisted together
Any spare radio
channel can be used
Receiver
THROTTLE
ANY AUX. CHNL
MAIN BATTERY
4.5 VOLTS MIN.
26 VOLTS MAX.
when fully charged
+
_
MSI Supplied
male-male-female
Y servo lead ShockWave 3
MODULE
SOUND3
SOUND2
SOUND1
THTTL2
THTTL1
BATT -VE
SPKR
SPKR
BATT +VE
SW 3/4
SW 1/2
THT2_O
THT1_O
AUDIO OUT
THT4_O
THT3_O ACCESSORY
(GNSS) PORT
Y Servo lead
female connector
Optional User Supplied
Power Switch
MSI Supplied
male-male servo lead
Note : When using a separate battery for the receiver, if the ESC has an active BEC
(Battery Eliminator Circuit), the centre wire of the servo lead MUST BE CUT. This avoids the
receiver battery and the ESC BEC “fighting each other”, which will likely damage the ESC.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 17 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
See wiring diagram next for alternate loudspeaker wiring using two loudspeakers in series.
WIRING FOR ONE THROTTLE WITHOUT RECEIVER BATTERY
If you must use the ESC BEC to power the receiver, then the wiring is as follows:
Figure 3: Wiring for Single Throttle Using ESC BEC
Loudspeaker wires should be
tightly twisted together
8 Ohm
Receiver
THROTTLE
ANY AUX. CHNL
MOTORESC
Battery wires should be
tightly twisted together
Any spare radio
channel can be used
MAIN BATTERY
4.5 VOLTS MIN.
26 VOLTS MAX.
when fully charged
+
_
Single Loudspeaker
Connections
Solder Joint
Covered with
Shrink Wrap
Alternate Connections for
Two Loudspeakers
4 Ohm
4 Ohm
MSI Supplied
male-male-female
Y servo lead
ShockWave 3
MODULE
SOUND3
SOUND2
SOUND1
THTTL2
THTTL1
BATT -VE
SPKR
SPKR
BATT +VE
SW 3/4
SW 1/2
THT2_O
THT1_O
AUDIO OUT
THT4_O
THT3_O ACCESSORY
(GNSS) PORT
Y Servo lead
female connector
Signal wire colour
is white
Optional User Supplied
Power Switch
MSI Supplied
male-male servo lead
WIRING FOR ONE THROTTLE WITH AUXILIARY BATTERY FOR SOUND MODULE
If your main battery, e.g. your flight pack, exceeds 26 Volts then you are recommended to use a
separate battery for the sound module. A small 6S LiPo 1000mAH pack would serve well. You could use
a voltage regulator to drop the flight pack voltage down to 26 Volts, but these are generally inefficient
and may require heatsinking. The wiring for a separate auxiliary battery is shown here. Usually high
voltage, high current, ESCs don’t have BECs, but if it does, cut the servo lead centre wire, as before.
Wiring diagram on next page …

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 18 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
Figure 4: Wiring for Separate Receiver Battery and Separate Sound Module Battery
8 Ohm
Receiver
THROTTLE
ANY AUX. CHNL
RX
Battery
4.8-6 Volts
+_
MAIN BATTERY FOR
MOTOR
E.G. 10S LiPo
37 VOLTS
+
MOTORESC
Loudspeaker wires should be
tightly twisted together
Battery wires should be
tightly twisted together
AUX. BATTERY
FOR SOUND MODULE
4.5 VOLTS MIN.
26 VOLTS MAX
when fully charged
+
_
MSI Supplied
male-male-female
Y servo lead
Note : Centre wire IS NOT connected
if ESC has a BEC
Signal wire colour
is white
ShockWave 3
MODULE
SOUND3
SOUND2
SOUND1
THTTL2
THTTL1
BATT -VE
SPKR
SPKR
BATT +VE
SW 3/4
SW 1/2
THT2_O
THT1_O
AUDIO OUT
THT4_O
THT3_O ACCESSORY
(GNSS) PORT
Y Servo lead
female connector
Optional User Supplied
Power Switch
MSI Supplied
male-male servo lead
In this diagram you have the main motor battery feeding the ESC ONLY and the separate sound
module battery feeding the SOUND MODULE ONLY, through a switch.
This arrangement is also recommended whenever the motor has a very high current draw so as to
isolate the sound system from the spiky, interference prone, motor wiring.

ShockWave®3 5.0.2 Hardware Manual Page 19 of 50 Published: July 20, 2019
© Model SoundsTM Inc.
WIRING FOR TWIN MOTORS/ESCS WITH ONE THROTTLE CHANNEL
Figure 5: Wiring for Twin Motors/ESCs With One Throttle Channel
The wiring shown here is
where you have one
throttle-controlled radio
channel on your receiver,
as you will for model
airplanes and helicopters.
You will require a normal
male-female-female Y
servo lead which can be
purchased from your usual
R/C hobby supplier.