Phoenix SM18 Series User manual

SM18 2nd Generation 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]om
©2020 Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc.

Table of Contents
Introduction to the SM1 Systems......................................................................................3
Decoder Connections..................................................................................................3
Trigger Inputs........................................................................................................3
Programming Jac .................................................................................................3
Initial Checkout.................................................................................................................4
The Basic Bench Test..................................................................................................4
Trigger Chec out.........................................................................................................4
Default Trigger Assignments.......................................................................................4
DCC..................................................................................................................................5
DCC Function Defaults...............................................................................................5
Control Variables (DCC CV).......................................................................................6
Chart 1: Function Output Assignment (CV 35-50)................................................7
Chart 2: CV29 NMRA Configuration Values........................................................7
Decoder Reset.......................................................................................................7
Standard Sounds and Effects...............................................................................................
All Systems.................................................................................................................8
Diesel Systems............................................................................................................8
Steam Systems............................................................................................................8
Triggered Sounds and Effects..............................................................................................9
All Systems.................................................................................................................9
Diesel Only.................................................................................................................9
Steam Only..................................................................................................................9
General Installation Guidelines.........................................................................................10
e SM1 : Bachmann Large Scale Socket.........................................................................11
Plug In Installation..............................................................................................11
Spea er................................................................................................................11
K-27 Optical Chuff Jumper.................................................................................11
e SM1 ST: Screw Terminal...........................................................................................12
Installation...........................................................................................................12
Spea er................................................................................................................12
e SM1 AR: Aristocraft Socket.......................................................................................13
Mostly Plug In Installation..................................................................................13
Spea er................................................................................................................13
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................14
LED Indicators..........................................................................................................14
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................15
Access Jack Diagram.........................................................................................................15
Appendix A: SM1 ST Wiring Diagrams...........................................................................16
Basic DCC.................................................................................................................16
CVP Airwire Converter.............................................................................................17
Crest Revolution DCC...............................................................................................18
Appendix B: e Computer Interface................................................................................19
Warranty..........................................................................................................................20
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Introduction to the SM18 Systems
e SM1 system is a combined motor and sound decoder consisting of two
stacked circuit boards. e smaller upper board handles motor control while the
larger lower board controls the sound, 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 THE SM18 INTO AN ARISTOCRAFT
LOCOMOTIVE, USE THE SM18AR. USE IN AN ARISTOCRAFT
SOCKET VOIDS THE WARRANTY AND MAY RESULT IN DECODER FAILURE.
e Bachmann Large Scale Socket and Aristocraft socket may appear similar,
in fact they have the same physical layout, however they are not interchangeable.
e 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.
e Decoder + connection on J2 is only active on the -ST and -AR models.
Trigger Inputs
e 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
e 4 pin programming jack socket located on the lower board behind the
right track inputs and motor+ output. e 5 pin connectors are factory use only.
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Rail 2
Rail 2
Mo or +
Rear Ligh
Smoke
Ground
Decoder +
Chuff Trigger
Fron Ligh
Mo or -
Rail 1
Rail 1 Speaker
Chuff Trigger 2
Speaker
Unused
Unused
F5
F4
F3: Cab Ligh
F2: Marker Ligh
F1: Firebox Ligh
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 Trigger 1 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. e first
closure should play the start toots and the starting bell.
Default Trigger Assignments
Trigger (Location) Diesel, Electric & Other Steam
Trigger 1 (J2:2) <unassigned> Chuff
Trigger 2 (J2:2) <unassigned> Conventional: <unassigned>
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/Horn
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
F13 ?
F14 ?
F15 ?
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Control ariables (DCC C )
e following Control Variables can be modified by programming in service mode, ops
mode or through 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) 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-
47 Function F13 See Chart 1) 0 0-
4 Function F14 See Chart 1) 0 0-
49 Function F15 See Chart 1) 0 0-
50 Function F16 See Chart 1) 0 0-
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65 Kick start 0 0-255
67-94 User Speed Table Disabled by default) - 0-255
149 Sound System Speed Source.
0 = Triggers; 1 = DCC; 2 = DC Volts; 3 = AC Volts
Steam = 0
Other = 1
0-3
151 Sound System DCC Rate (Speed vs. rottle) 100 0-200
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
227 Ditch Light Period (.1 sec. increments) 7 0-255
22 Ditch Light Mode
0 = Disabled; 1 = Horn; 2 = Function; 3 = Horn & Function
Diesel = 3
Other = 0
0-3
255 Motor Controller Firmware Version {Read Only} 7 n/a
Chart 1: Function Output Assignment (CV 35-50
Value Description
1 Output F1: J2:10 [Firebox Light - Bachmann Plug In]
2 Output F2; J2:9 [Marker Light - Bachmann Plug In]
3 Output F3: J2: [Cab Light - Bachmann Plug In]
4 Output F4: J2:7 [Ditch Light A]
5 Output F5; J2:6 – [Ditch Light B]
6 & 7 Unused
Smoke; J1:
Chart 2: CV29 NMRA Con&guration Values
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
Decoder Reset
e SM1 can be reset to factory defaults by writing a value of “107” to CV . Writing
any other value will have no effect.
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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. e 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 bac 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 bac 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/clin ers.
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 bac 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
e 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 bac to the
original 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
bac to normal.
Working/Drifting: An effect that ma es the locomotive sound li e 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 trigger is
available for use in triggered 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 spea er that can reasonably fit your available space.
For best acoustics, the spea er should be sealed to the floor so that sound
going out the front of the spea er cannot easily get to the bac side.
Access Jack – Unobtrusive but accessible. Typically in the floor of tenders and
boxcars and on the fuel tan s of diesels. Many models have removable
pieces, doors, etc. where you can mount these hidden from view.
Mounting the Deco er – Ma e sure that the circuit boards will not touch
anything metal. The decoder may get warm enough to soften hot melt
glue, we do not recommend using 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
hoo something to the reed so you can
tell when the switch is closed. An ohm
meter with a beeper wor s 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 jac . Spea er depends upon type and location.
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The SM18: Bachmann Large Scale Socket
Plug In Installation
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. ese 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
e 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. e 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 Op ical
Chuff Jumper

The SM18ST: Screw Terminal
Installation
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
Mostly Plug In Installation
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 rechec ing the wiring to the trac
pic ups. A connection may have been missed or become loose.
No DCC response but i le soun s play – Chec your DCC address. Also,
verify that you have DCC on the trac and not just a DC power source.
Motor runs but prime mover oes not rev up – Ma e 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 – Chec 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 verify the magnets are within range.
Chec trigger wiring for brea s disconnection. 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 thin 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. If the
reed switch is not mounted to the truc , the distance to the magnet might
change during curves. 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. Ma e
sure your reed switch is not mounted too close to your spea er.
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 Speci+cations
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 – 7A.
Motor Current – 5A.
Amplifier – 3 Watts maximum.
Speaker Loa – 4 Ohms or greater; two 8 Ohm spea ers 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: SM18ST 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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Programming Jack
Output F1
Output F2
Output F3
Output F4
Output F5
Battery
Speaker
Motor +Motor -
Front
Light
Rear
Light

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

Appendix B: The Computer Interface
e Computer Interface is an optional accessory consisting of a CD and USB
Interface for use with a Windows PC. e CD contains the configuration software,
sound library, sound samples and USB drivers. 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.
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Warranty
e materials and operation of the SM1 supplied by Phoenix are guaranteed
to perform correctly for one year when installed and operated according to the
instruction manual. In the unlikely event that your system fails, please call or e-mail
us so that we may evaluate the situation and save any unnecessary shipping. We
prefer to pre-evaluate returns because frequently there is a simple explanation for
any perceived problem you may be experiencing. Repairs and or replacements
covered by this warranty are at no cost. However return shipping may be charged,
especially if you return your system in an engine, tender, box car or the like. A
service fee may be assessed if it is determined that the failure was not due to any
Phoenix supplied components.
Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc. cannot be liable for damage to the system during
shipping to our facilities due to mishandling, inadequate packaging or similar
circumstances beyond our control. Please be sure to package the SM1 system in a
secure, static safe manner.
Please read the handbook and any included installation notes prior to
installation and operation of your system. Contact us if you have questions or are
unsure about any aspect of installation or operation.
Physical modification of the circuit boards in any fashion voids this warranty.
Physical modifications include but are not limited to:
•Drilling of holes in the printed circuit board for any purpose.
•Removal, replacement or modification of any components.
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