Phoenix Sound Systems SM18ST User manual

SM18 Series Decoders:
SM18, SM18ST & SM18AR
Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc.
3514 West Liberty Road
Ann Arbor MI 4 103
www.phoenixsound.com
phone: +1 ( 00) 651-2444
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
©2019 Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc.

Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................3
The SM1 Systems............................................................................................................4
Decoder Connections..................................................................................................4
Trigger Inputs........................................................................................................4
Programming Jack.................................................................................................4
Initial Checkout.................................................................................................................5
The Basic Bench Test..................................................................................................5
Trigger Checkout.........................................................................................................5
Default Trigger Assignments.......................................................................................5
DCC..................................................................................................................................6
DCC Function Defaults...............................................................................................6
Control Variables (DCC CV).......................................................................................7
Chart 1: Function Output Assignment (CV 35-46)................................................
Chart 2: CV29 NMRA Configuration Values........................................................
Standard Sounds and Effects.............................................................................................9
All Systems.................................................................................................................9
Diesel Systems............................................................................................................9
Steam Systems............................................................................................................9
Triggered Sounds and Effects..........................................................................................10
All Systems...............................................................................................................10
Diesel Only................................................................................................................10
Steam Only................................................................................................................10
General Installation Guidelines........................................................................................11
The SM1 : Bachmann Large Scale Socket......................................................................12
Plug In Installation..............................................................................................12
Speaker................................................................................................................12
K-27 Optical Chuff Jumper.................................................................................12
The SM1 ST: Screw Terminal.........................................................................................13
Installation...........................................................................................................13
Speaker................................................................................................................13
The SM1 AR: Aristocraft Socket....................................................................................14
Mostly Plug In Installation..................................................................................14
Speaker................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................15
LED Indicators..........................................................................................................15
Technical Specifications..................................................................................................16
Access Jack Diagram.......................................................................................................16
Appendix A: Wiring Diagrams........................................................................................17
Basic DCC.................................................................................................................17
CVP Airwire Converter.............................................................................................1
Crest Revolution DCC...............................................................................................19
Appendix B: The Computer Interface..............................................................................20
Warranty..........................................................................................................................21
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Introduction
Dear Model Railroading Friends,
Thank you for choosing Phoenix Sound Systems for your railroading
enjoyment. The SM1 marks our first All-in-one sound and motor decoder for
DCC Operation. The SM1 series of sound and motion decoders consists of
three models, the SM1 , SM1 ST and SM1 AR. Model specific information
can be found in the corresponding section of this manual.
The SM1 is designed for simple plug in self installation in locomotives
equipped with the Bachmann standard Large Scale Socket.
The SM1 ST is equipped with screw terminals rather than pins for the
Bachmann Large Scale Socket and is a general use configuration for
locomotives without any form of socket.
The SM1 AR is intended for Aristocraft locomotives and appears as
something of a hybrid between the other two variants. The front end of the
decoder – track inputs, motor output is a 12 pin connection to plug into the
Aristocraft socket. The rear of the decoder consists of screw terminals for
function outputs and a plug for the Aristocraft speaker socket.
The SM1 system, like all of our systems from the 2K2 onward, can be
loaded and customized using a PC. You will need to upgrade your PC software
to version 1.2.106 and ROM library files to version R12 or newer to load and
save SM1 compatible files.
The SM1 is protected against incorrect wiring and over-voltage gremlins.
However, if you notice static electric sparks when you touch things you should
ground yourself by touching something conductive before handling your board.
Also be careful not to put the board on metal surfaces or model parts when
powered. Basic electrical component handling precautions are always a good
idea.
Happy Modeling.
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The SM18 Systems
The SM1 system is a combined motor and sound decoder consisting of
two stacked circuit boards. The smaller upper board handles sound while the
larger lower board controls the motor, lighting and function outputs of the
system. While the physical connection points vary among the SM1 models, the
purpose and positions a the same across the series. Following is information
common to all three SM1 variants, with type specific information and
illustrations in there own sections of this guide.
Decoder Connections
DO NOT PLUG THIS MODEL INTO AN ARISTOCRAFT
SOCKET LOCOMOTIVE. USE IN AN ARISTOCRAFT SOCKET
VOIDS THE WARRANTY AND MAY RESULT IN DECODER FAILURE.
The Bachmann Large Scale Socket and Aristocraft socket may appear
similar, in fact they have the same physical layout, however they are not
interchangeable. The J2 connections on aristocraft sockets were never
standardized and vary among the main aristocraft circuit board designs. For
example, socket pin J2:1 may connect to the speaker on one but on another it
may be connected to the decoder B+. Other decoders which may plug into the
Aristocraft socket have no connections to the J2 pins.
The Decoder + connection on J2 is only active on the -ST and -AR models.
Trigger Input
The SM1 series has two trigger inputs, intended for chuff synchronization.
Trigger 1 is located at J1:5 and Trigger 2 at J2:2.
Programming Jack
The programming jack plugs into the upper circuit board at the back,
between the two circuit boards as in the P14 system.
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Rail 2
Rail 2
Motor +
Rear Light
Smoke
Ground
Decoder +
Chuff Trigger
Front Light
Motor -
Rail 1
Rail 1 Speaker
Chuff Trigger 2
Speaker
Unu ed
Unu ed
F5
F4
F3: Cab Light
F2: Marker Light
F1: Firebox Light
Decoder +

Initial Checkout
The Basic Bench Test
Each system is tested before shipping but we recommend that you hook
things up and get comfortable with the components before installation.
For the SM1 , simply plug the board in to the socket. For the SM1 AR,
plug the board into the socket and plug the speaker connector into the speaker
socket With the SM1 ST, connect the track inputs to your track pickups and
plug the speaker plug into the socket on the speaker leads; motor outputs should
connect to the motor.
Diesels will rev up and down as you adjust your throttle. A steam engine
system on the other hand will sit in idle (Coal Shoveling and Air Compressor
play periodically) until it sees motion contacts connecting Trigger1 to ground.
Each closure produces a Chuff. At first Chuff, the directional toots play and the
bell starts ringing.
Steam can be configured to run off of DCC speed steps and diesel can be
changed to look for wheel rotation. We initially set them up the way most
modelers will use them.
Trigger Checkout
In order for steam to leave the idle state you will need a trigger connected to
J1:1 and ground; you may wish to hook one up and experiment. Whenever the
trigger (J1:1) is connected to the ground (J1:7) the system sees motion. The first
closure should play the start toots and the starting bell.
If you will be using reed switches and track magnets or other triggers, such
Hall Effect devices, to trigger sounds you may wish to test them out before final
installation. For reed switches, hook one lead to ground and the other to the
desired trigger; sweep a magnet by the switch to trigger. The chart below shows
the default trigger terminal assignments.
Default Trigger Assignments
Trigger (Location) Diesel, Electric & Other Steam
Trigger 1 (J2:2) <unassi ned> Chuff
Trigger 2 (J2:2) <unassi ned> Conventional: <unassi ned>
Articulated: Second Chuff
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DCC
DCC Function Defaults
Address: 3
Function Assigned Effect
F0 Headlight/Reverse Light Enable
F1 Bell
F2 Manual Whistle
F3 Output F1 [Bachmann Firebox Light]
F4 Smoke On/Off
F5 Output F3 [Bachmann Cab Lights]
F6 Output F4
F7 Volume Up
F Volume Down
F9 Blow Down
F10 Station Announcement
F11 Chatter
F12 Shutdown
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Control ariables (DCC C )
The SM1 firmware supports the following Control Variables, which can be
modified through by programming, in service mode, ops mode or in the Phoenix
Computer Interface CV Programmer.
DO NOT USE OPS MODE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE COMMANDS
CV Description Default Range
1 Short Address 3 0-99
2 Vstart 1 0-255
3 Acceleration Rate 10 0-255
4 Deceleration Rate 10 0-255
5 Vhigh 255 0-255
6 Vmid 12 0-255
7 Manufacturer Version # {Read Only} 1 n/a
Manufacturer ID {Read Only} 107 n/a
11 DCC Timeout (seconds) {Motor Control} 10 0-255
17 Long Address 192 0-255
1 Long Address 3 0-255
29 Configuration (See Chart 2) 6 0-255
35 Function F1 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
36 Function F2 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
37 Function F3 (See Chart 1) 3 0-
3 Function F4 (See Chart 1) 0-
39 Function F5 (See Chart 1) 1 0-
40 Function F6 (See Chart 1) 2 0-
41 Function F7 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
42 Function F (See Chart 1) 0 0-
43 Function F9 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
44 Function F10 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
45 Function F11 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
46 Function F12 (See Chart 1) 0 0-
49 0 = Speed from Triggers; ≠ 0, speed from DCC 0 0-255
50 The DCC Value where motion starts. 0 0-255
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51 The DCC Rate (Speed vs. Throttle) 100 0-200
52 DCC Timeout (seconds) {Sound System} 10 0-255
53 Seconds in idle before shutdown. 0 = Never 0 0-300
65 Kick start 0 0-255
67-94 User Speed Table (Disabled by default) - 0-255
224 Headlight Full Intensity (percentage) 100 0-100
225 Headlight Dim Intensity (percentage) 30 0-100
226 Auto-Dim Headlight Mode (Rule 17).
Disabled = 0; Enabled ≠ 0
0 0-255
255 Motor Controller Firmware Version {Read Only} 2 n./a
Chart 1: Function Output A ignment (CV 35-46)
Value Description
1 Output F3: J2: [Cab Light - Bachmann Plug In]
2 Output F4: J2:7
3 Output F1: J2:10 [Firebox Light - Bachmann Plug In]
4 Output F2; J2:9 [Marker Light - Bachmann Plug In]
5 Output F5; J2:6
6 & 7 Unused
Smoke; J1:
Chart 2: CV29 NMRA Configuration Value
Bit Value OFF (Value 0) On
Bit 0 1 Normal Driving Direction Reverse Driving Direction
Bit 1 2 14 Speed Steps 2 /12 Speed Steps
Bit 2 4 Digital operation only Digital & Analog Operation
Bit 3 8 Unused By Phoenix Sound Systems Decoders
Bit 4 16 Internal Speed Curve User Speed Table (CV67-CV94)
Bit 5 32 Short Address mode (CV1) Long Address mode (CV 17/CV1 )
Bit 6 64 Reserved By NMRA for future use
Bit 7 128 Decoder type, set as Multi-function (0), not user alterable
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Standard Sounds and Effects
Most sounds play automatically based on train speed. Many sounds can also
be set to play using designated trigger inputs. The following section describes
the standard sound system configuration.
All Systems
Whistle/Horn: Toots when starting (2 forward, 3 reverse) and stopping (one
toot). Crossing whistle sequence plays when you reach the Whistle/Horn
play speed. You must slow down to at least 75% of the play speed in
order to have it play again when you speed back up.
Bell: Plays when you first start moving and just before stopping. You must reach
twice the bell stopping speed in order to replay the bell when stopping.
The bell will not replay unless 35 seconds have elapsed since the last
time it played.
Coupler Clank: Plays when you come to a stop in reverse; will not replay until
you go forward and back up again.
Brake Screech: Plays just before stopping.
Diesel Systems
Air Pop: Plays periodically during idle. Also plays while moving in SFX.
Brake Release: Plays as the engine starts moving.
Compressor: Plays periodically during idle.
Steam Systems
Blow Down: A longer and heavier steam release that clears out the
ashes/clinkers.
Steam Release: Plays after you come to a stop.
Generator: Basically runs all the time but the engineer will shut it down if the
engine sits in idle for awhile. Comes back on when voltage approaches
the start voltage.
Air-Pump: Plays in idle to maintain air pressure.
Air-Pump 2: A sustained compressor run that restores depleted air pressure.
Ro clank: Plays at slow speed.
Hiss: Plays at low speed, clears the cylinders of condensation from the steam.
Coal Shoveling: Plays periodically while engine sits at idle.
Injector: Forces water into the boiler. Plays periodically while engine sits at
idle.
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Triggered Sounds and Effects
The following section describes sounds which may be assigned to triggers
or DCC functions. Of course, any sound can be assigned to a trigger or Function
Button. See the tables on pages 5 and 6 for factory default trigger and DCC
Function assignments.
All Systems
Tunnel Fa e: This trigger causes the volume to fade down to a lower setting.
When the input is triggered again, the volume will come back to the
prefade setting.
Doppler: In diesel, when you trigger this input, the next time the crossing horn
plays it will go thorough the pitch shift that you hear as a train is
speeding toward and then away from you. Doppler is speed sensitive. In
steam, triggering this effect will cause the pitch of the chuff to shift as the
engine approaches and a second triggering will cause the pitch to shift
back to normal.
Working/Drifting: An effect that makes the locomotive sound like it is
struggling with a heavy train or coasting into a station.
Diesel Only
Dynamic Brake: A triggered only sound. It is almost a tone which results from
using diesel drive motors as generators.
Rev Up/Down: Causes the prime mover sound to go to the next/previous rev.
The sound will return to the corresponding rev based upon speed
changes.
Ra io Defect (Hotbox) Detector: Plays a detector radio announcement
randomly selected from a list. Can be triggered or set to play
automatically.
Steam Only
Water Fill: In programmed mode the sound plays 10 seconds after trigger if the
loco is stopped; in manual mode the sound plays when triggered.
Coal Loa ing: In programmed mode the sound plays 10 seconds after trigger if
the loco is stopped; in manual mode the sound plays when triggered.
Mallet Mo e: Plays a second set of chuffs, moving in and out of phase with the
main chuff. Only applicable in Autochuff mode; a second chuff tri er is
available for use in tri ered chuff mode.
Secon Chuff Trigger: Plays a second set of chuffs independent of the main
chuff trigger.
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General Installation Guidelines
Speaker – Use the largest speaker that can reasonably fit your available space.
For best acoustics, the speaker should be sealed to the floor so that sound
going out the front of the speaker cannot easily get to the back side.
Access Jack – Unobtrusive but accessible. Typically in the floor of tenders and
boxcars and on the fuel tanks of diesels. Many models have removable
pieces, doors, etc. where you can mount these hidden from view.
Mounting the Deco er – Make sure that the circuit boards will not touch
anything metal. The decoder may get warm enough to soften hot melt
glue so we do not recommend it; do not use conductive silicon adhesive
either.
Spee Sensor – You may need to experiment to get reliable triggering from a
rotating axle with magnets on it. After
mounting the magnets on the axle, hold
the reed switch in various positions and
hook something to the reed so you can
tell when the switch is closed. An ohm
meter with a beeper works great. You can
point the reed switch directly at the axle/
magnets but there will be less motion
tolerance. With the magnets sweeping the
side of the reed switch as shown a
clearance of about 3/16’’ is usually right.
If you are too close you may get extra
closures—one as the magnet approaches,
and one as it leaves.
Mounting Hole Sizes – ¼” hole for reed
switches; 9/32” for access jack. Speaker depends upon type and location.
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The SM18: Bachmann Large Scale Socket
Plug In In tallation
Simply remove the appropriate cover piece of the locomotive (coal load on
most and the central domes on the 2-6-6-2). Remove the Bachmann Dummy
Board. Plug in the SM1 in the socket where the Dummy Board was located.
Replace the locomotive cover. You are done. You may wish to add a mounting
hole for the programming jack.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BACHMANN SOCKET ARRANGEMENT HAS
DIFFERENT PIN COUNTS ON EACH END AND CAN ONLY BE INSERTED IN
ONE ORIENTATION.
Speaker
Most Bachmann Socket equipped locomotives have the speaker factory
installed. In the case of the K-27 and 2-6-6-2 there is a speaker mount but no
speaker. These are sized for a 3 inch round speaker (Phoenix part number 20-
770) which can then be wired to the solder pads on the locomotive circuit board
labeled “speaker”.
K-27 Optical Chuff Jumper
The K-27 was the first Bachmann locomotive equipped with the optical
chuff sensor; consequently following locomotives were fitted with a slightly
different circuit to enhance the sensor response based upon the K-27 experience.
As a result, when using the optical chuff sensor in the K-27 a jumper must be
disabled on the SM1 base board. Simply lift the shunt off of the two pins it is
jumping. We recommend putting the shunt back on only one of the pins so that it
does not get misplaced. The jumper is located next to the large horizontal
capacitor on the circuit board, roughly in line with the J1: and J1:9 positions, as
shown below.
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K-27 Optical
Chuff Jumper

The SM18ST: Screw Terminal
In tallation
Open the locomotive as required; location and access depends upon the
locomotive, some steam simply require removing the tender load while most
diesel require the shell to come off. All connections will need to be made
between the track, motor and function outputs as desired. Basic wiring diagrams
can be found in their own section of this manual.
Speaker
Appropriately sized speakers are available from Phoenix Sound Systems
that are wired with the mating connector for the speaker lead from the SM1 ST.
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The SM18AR: Aristocraft Socket
Mo tly Plug In In tallation
Open the locomotive as required; location and access depends upon the
locomotive, some steam simply require removing the tender load while most
diesel require the shell to come off. Remove the jumper plug from the socket.
Plug in the SM1 AR in the socket where the jumper was located. Plug the
speaker lead into the mating socket on the locomotive circuit board, often label
“SPK”. Wire the screw terminals to the functions you wish to control. You are
done. You may wish to add a mounting hole for the programming jack.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ARISTOCRAFT SOCKET WAS NEVER
STANDARDIZED FOR THE J2 CONNECTOR. THEY DO NOT APPEAR TO
BE CONSISTENT ACROSS LOCOMOTIVES NOR MATCH THE BACHMANN
ARRANGEMENT.
USING AN SM18 FOR THE BACHMANN SOCKET INSTEAD OF AN
SM18AR COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE DECODER AND OR THE
LOCOMOTIVE OR ITS COMPONENT PARTS. ANY DAMAGE RESULTING
FROM USING THE WRONG DECODER MODEL IS EXPLICITLY NOT
COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Speaker
Nearly all Aristocraft locomotives have a speaker factory installed. In the
case of these non sound-ready locomotives an appropriate speaker is available
from Phoenix Sound Systems that is wired with the mating connector for the
speaker lead from the SM1 AR.
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Troubleshooting
No DCC response an no soun – Start by rechecking the wiring to the track
pick ups. A connection may have been missed or become loose.
No DCC response but i le soun s play – Check your DCC address. Also,
verify that you have DCC on the track and not just a DC power source.
Motor runs but prime mover oes not rev up – Make sure that you have not
accidentally set the system for speed by triggers rather than DCC speed
commands.
Motor oes not respon but soun s an functions o – Check the wiring to
the motor from the decoder, a connection may not be made. Verify that
the DCC CVs 2, 5 & 6 have not been changed in error.
No Chuffing – If using a reed switch, that the magnets are within range. The
wires coming from the trigger might be broken or loose. Engines with
built-in contacts physical may require cleaning or oiling of the contacts.
The K-27 Jumper may not be set properly. If you think you are in
autochuff, you may actually be in triggered chuff mode with no trigger
connected, verify the chuff trigger setting.
Erratic Chuffing – The axle magnets may not be mounted symmetrically.
Also, if the reed switch is not mounted to the truck, the distance to the
magnet might change during curves. The wires coming from the reed
switch might be broken or loose. Engines with built-in contacts
(Bachmann Spectrum) may require cleaning or oiling of the contacts.
Contact Problems are the normal cause for faster than normal chuffing.
Whistle too frequent – The whistle plays based upon the speed reaching the
whistle play speed threshold. If the train slows down in curves or at
grades this may cause additional whistle triggering. Running at a slightly
higher or slower speed may help. If a reed switch is used to blow the
whistle, triggering may occur due to unexpected magnetic fields. Make
sure your reed switch is not mounted too close to your speaker.
LED Indicators
SM1 units have two LEDs which indicate status of the system.
State Status Description
GREEN LED
Steady On Good DC power, no DCC signal
Slow Blink Valid DCC
Fast Flash DCC Error / Bad packed indicator
RED LED
Flash Loss of DCC and or CAN signal
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Technical Specifications
Length – 2.44in; 62 mm
Wi th – 1.42 in; 36 mm
Height, seate – 0.565 in; 14.35 (not including pins)
Maximum Track Volts – 30V.
Total Current – 5A.
Motor Current – 3A.
Amplifier – 3 Watts maximum.
Speaker Loa – 4 Ohms or greater; two Ohm speakers in parallel is fine.
Access Jack Diagram
THE PLUG IS A STANDARD 2.5MM STEREO (TRS) PLUG. THE
SUPPLIED JACK IS FULLY INSULATED FROM THE MOUNTING HOLE.
OTHER 2.5MM JACKS MAY BE SUBSTITUTED – BUT MAKE SURE THAT
THERE IS NO GROUND PATH BETWEEN THE COMMON TO ANY OF THE
TRACK PICKUPS OR DECODER +
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Appendix A: Wiring Diagrams
Basic DCC
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Output F1
Output F2
Output F3
Output F4
Output F5
Programming Jack
Speaker
Motor +Motor -
Front
Light
Rear
Light
Right
Rail
Le t
Rail

C P Airwire Converter
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Output F1
Output F2
Output F3
Output F4
Output F5
Battery
Programming Jack
Speaker
Motor +Motor -
Front
Light
Rear
Light

Crest Revolution DCC
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Output F1
Output F2
Output F3
Output F4
Output F5
Battery
Programming Jack
Speaker
Motor +Motor -
Front
Light
Rear
Light

Appendix B: The Computer Interface
The Computer Interface is an optional accessory that enables complete
customization of all sounds.
The Computer Interface consists of a CD and USB Interface for use with
Windows 2000, XP and Vista. The CD contains software to customize sounds
from the Phoenix Sound library. Connecting the USB interface to the board
through the access jack allows you to download sounds for different engines and
change the following:
●Individual sound volumes
●Manual vs. Programmed response for bells and whistles
(horns)
●Assign sounds to terminals and DCC functions
●Adjust how often a sound plays
●Change shutdown time
●Change and modify chuff rhythm, compression and tone
●plus many other features you will discover as you
familiarize yourself with the system
●Adjust Motor speed settings
●Assign effects and features to function outputs
●Programming of CVs listed as supported without a
Programming track
All adjustments, upgrades and sound loading can be made through the
Access Jack. You will not need to take the model apart after installation is
complete.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SOFTWARE WILL RUN ON ANY PC WITH
WINDOWS 95 OR NEWER. IT IS THE USB INTERFACE HARDWARE
WHICH REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF WINDOWS 2000. IF YOU ARE USING
THE OLDER PHOENIX SERIAL CABLE INTERFACE YOU CAN CONTINUE
TO USE THE UPDATED SOFTWARE WITH YOUR EXISTING SERIAL CABLE
ON WINDOWS 95/98/98SE/ME.
July 2019
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