Phoenix BigSound PB17 User manual

BigSound™ PB17 Handbook
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]
©201 Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc.

Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................3
Getting Acquainted............................................................................................................4
Changes in the PB17...................................................................................................4
The Sound Board Connectors......................................................................................5
Initial Checkout.................................................................................................................6
The Basic Bench Test..................................................................................................6
Trigger Checkout...............................................................................................................7
Reed Switch Speed Checkout......................................................................................7
Other Trigger Checkout...............................................................................................7
Default Trigger Assignments.......................................................................................7
Standard Sounds and Effects.............................................................................................
All Systems.................................................................................................................
Diesel Systems............................................................................................................
Steam Systems............................................................................................................
Triggered Sounds and Effects............................................................................................9
All Systems.................................................................................................................9
Diesel Only.................................................................................................................9
Steam Only..................................................................................................................9
Adjusting Settings Without a PC.....................................................................................10
Configuration Overview............................................................................................10
Configuration Notes..................................................................................................10
Option Selection Example: Steam Speed from Voltage.......................................11
Option Selection Example: Manual Signaling.....................................................11
Start Voltage Adjustment ..........................................................................................12
Rate Adjustment........................................................................................................12
DCC................................................................................................................................13
DCC Checkout..........................................................................................................13
DCC Function Defaults.............................................................................................13
Control Variables (DCC CV).....................................................................................14
Installation Guidelines.....................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................16
Technical Specifications..................................................................................................17
Access Jack Diagram.......................................................................................................17
Appendix A: Wiring Diagrams........................................................................................1
Common Symbol Key...............................................................................................1
Basic DC...................................................................................................................19
Basic DCC.................................................................................................................20
CVP Airwire 900 G3.................................................................................................21
Aristocraft/Crest Revolution......................................................................................22
Locolinc®.................................................................................................................23
G Scale Graphics RailBoss 4.....................................................................................24
Basic Ride On...........................................................................................................25
Appendix B: The Computer Interface..............................................................................26
Warranty..........................................................................................................................27
January 201
- 2 -

Introduction
Dear Model Railroading Friends,
Thank you for choosing Phoenix Sound Systems to fill your railroad with
sound. The PB17system maintains and expands on the abilities of the PB9,
adding a fifth trigger input and increased battery charging efficiency. The PB17
will run on DC, DCC, Battery – almost any way you can think of to run and
control your locomotives.
The PB17 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 1.2.96 and ROM library files to version <filename>-r11.rom or newer
to load and save PB17compatible files.
We know you’re eager to do some listening, so continue through the initial
checkout. The Phoenix BigSound™ PB17 board comes with high input voltage
tolerances to keep pace with larger trains and bigger power supplies. The board
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 Listening!
January 201
- 3 -

Getting Acquainted
Changes in the PB17
The PB17 sound board is electrically identical to the original PB11 board.
We know there will be some unavoidable confusion. The main difference to
note is the return of screw terminals. We have also returned the line level audio
output to the P1 terminal block.
IF YOU APPLY POWER TO THE SPEAKER TERMINALS THE AMPLIFIER WILL BE
DAMAGED AND OTHER COMPONENTS MAY BE EFFECTED AS WELL. THIS IS A BAD
THING TO ALLOW TO HAPPEN. THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
A second change is the removal of the second trigger ground since the
screw terminals are more capable of multiple wire connections. Please be aware
that this will shift your trigger connections over by one space if you are familiar
with our previous sound board layouts.
January 201
- 4 -

The Sound Board Connectors
Terminal Purpose Terminal Purpose
1 Power/DCC 14 Trigger Ground
2 Power/DCC 13 Trigger Input 1
3 [Volume] Ground 12 Trigger Input 2
4 Volume Level 11 Trigger Input 3
5 [Volume] +5V 10 Trigger Input 4
6 Audio Line Level Out 9 Trigger Input 5
7 Speaker
Speaker
Connector: Pin Purpose Color Termination
P3:1 Battery - Black Battery
P3:2 Battery + Red Battery
P4:1 Ground Black 2.5mm Jack
P4:2 Expansion White –
P4:3 Computer Signal Yellow 2.5mm Jack
P4:4 +5V Red 2.5mm Jack
P4:5-11 FACTORY US
P4:10 Ground
P4:11 Audio Line Level Out
January 201
- 5 -
P1
P3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
14
13
12
11
10
9
10
11
+
P2
P4
1
2
3
4

Initial Checkout
The Basic Bench Test
Each system is tested before shipping but we recommend that you hook
things up on your workbench, play with the system and get comfortable with the
components before installation.
The power supply connects to Terminals 1 & 2. A power source of any
polarity is acceptable. The maximum peak input voltage is 30 volts. If you are
using a volume switch plug it into Terminals 3,4 & 5. The speaker connects to
Terminals 7 & .
Until the battery is charged, you will not get sound until the external power
supply reaches near 6 Volts. Also, since the board runs off the battery below 6
Volts, you will not get idle sounds and you will not be able to adjust the starting
voltage until the battery is charged.
Maximum battery charging occurs above 6 Volts (30 minutes will bring the
battery up enough for normal operation). With a charged battery, the sound
system should play the idle sounds for approximately 30 seconds after turning
off the power supply and then shut down.
Diesels will rev up and down as you adjust the supply voltage. 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 terminal
11 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 voltage and diesel can be changed to
look for wheel rotation. We initially set them up the way most modelers will use
them.
January 201
- 6 -

Trigger Checkout
Reed Switch S eed Checkout
In order for steam to leave the idle state you will need a reed switch
connected to terminals 13 & 14; you may wish to hook one up and experiment
with the magnets to get an idea of the sensitivity of reed switches. This will help
you decide how to mount them in the locomotive or car. Whenever the trigger
(13) is connected to the trigger ground (14) the system sees motion. The first
closure should play the start toots and the starting bell.
Other Trigger Checkout
If you will be using reed switches and track magnets or other triggers, such
as non-DCC remote control receiver outputs or 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. If you are using RC outputs, connect them as
per the appropriate wiring diagram and test their response for range and
reliability. The chart below shows the default trigger terminal assignments.
Default Trigger Assignments
Terminal Diesel Steam
9 Chatter Chatter
10 Detector Blowdown
11 Bell Bell
12 Crossing Horn Crossing Whistle
13 Unassigned Chuff, main
14 Trigger Ground Trigger Ground
January 201
- 7 -

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.
January 201
- -

Triggered Sounds and Effects
The PB17 board has five trigger inputs. The Auxiliary Input Board [P5T]
allows you to trigger additional sounds using reed switches or outputs from
remote control receivers. The following section describes sounds which may be
assigned to triggers or DCC functions. Of course, any sound can be assigned to a
trigger. See the tables on pages 6 and 12 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.
Secon Chuff Trigger: Plays a second set of chuffs independent of the main
chuff trigger.
January 201
- 9 -

Adjusting Settings Without a PC
All of the following adjustments can be more easily made using the Phoenix
Computer Interface. You can still do a great deal of configuration without the
Computer Interface. The functions that can be configured without the interface
are summarized in the table below:
Input
(terminal)
Open
(Not Connected)
Groun e
(Connected to terminal 13)
10 Bell/Horn(Whistle) Programmed Manual
11 Input Sense Active Low Active High
12 Chuff (Steam)
Slave Mode (Diesel)
Normal
Off (normal)
Double (Mallet)
On
13 Train Speed by Voltage Trigger
TO GROUND TERMINALS CONNECT A WIRE BETWEEN THE TERMINAL YOU WANT
TO GROUND AND TERMINAL 14.
Configuration Overview
To configure the PB17without using the computer interface insert a
“shorting plug” into the access jack before powering up the system. This will
connect the computer data line (yellow) to ground (black). Any 2.5mm MONO
plug will function as a “shorting plug”. Pick the configuration options you want
by connecting the appropriate terminals (10-13) to terminal 14 (ground). When
power is applied the PB17will sense the short in the access jack and will adjust
configuration to match the state of terminals 10-13.
Configuration Notes
For Locolinc® — You need to invert the sense of the triggers. (Whistle will be
“on” except when you hold the button if you don’t do this). Follow the
Manual Signaling example but in step 2 connect terminal 10 & 11 to
ground.
For Double Hea ing — When you don’t want any signaling from the second
diesel locomotive enable slave mode; for steam locomotives set the
whistle and bell to manual and do not connect the whistle and bell
triggers.
January 201
- 10 -

Option S l ction Exampl : St am Sp d from Voltag
1. Connect together terminals P4:1 and P4:3. This can be easily done
by inserting a 2.5mm MONO plug (“shorting plug”) into the access
jack.
2. Remove ALL wires from terminals 9-13. This will select all the
options in the “Open” (No Connections) column.
3. Apply power to terminals 1 and 2. The board will make sound at a
constant low volume.
4. Turn power off and remove any option selection jumpers. Hook up
your normal wiring.
ALL OPTION SELECTION JUMPERS MUST BE INSTALLED BEFORE YOU APPLY
POWER.
THIS WILL NOT ONLY SELECT TRAIN SPEED BY VOLTAGE, BUT WILL ALSO SELECT
ALL THE OTHER OPTIONS IN THE “OPEN” (NO CONNECTIONS) COLUMN WHICH
ARE THE DEFAULT OPTIONS.
Option S l ction Exampl : Manual Signaling
The normal setup is for programmed signaling. This automatically gives
you the start and stop toots and a crossing whistle at a high speed. If you want to
do your own signaling because you have a remote control horn button, you need
to switch the horn/whistle to manual mode. In this mode, the whistle blows as
long as the button is held down. This is how you would configure for manual
signals:
1. Connect together terminals P4:1 and P4:3. This can be easily done
by inserting a 2.5mm MONO plug (“shorting plug”) into the access
jack.
2. Select the options – In this case (for Manual Signaling) connect
terminal 10 to 14 (ground).
3. Apply power to terminals 1 and 2. The board will make sound at a
constant low volume.
4. Turn power off and remove any option selection jumpers. Hook up
your normal wiring.
EACH TIME YOU DO THE PROCEDURE YOU GET A COMPLETE SET OF OPTION
SELECTIONS DEPENDING ON WHICH OF TERMINALS 10-13 ARE GROUNDED OR
NOT.
January 201
- 11 -

Start Voltage Adjustment
If you ordered a sound system to match your locomotive you can usually
skip this step.
The Starting Voltage is the voltage at which the train begins to move and the
sound changes from idle to running. In trigger mode there are some sounds that
play based upon the starting voltage, even though voltage does not determine
speed. To adjust the starting voltage you will need to enter configuration mode.
1. Make sure sound system is off.
2. Connect together terminals P4:1 and P4:3 (yellow and black
wires). This can be easily done by inserting a 2.5mm MONO plug
(“shorting plug”) into the access jack.
3. Make sure that the options you wish are also selected (see chart on
page 9, refer to previous Option Selection Examples if necessary).
4. Apply power to terminals 1 & 2. The board will make sound at a
preset low volume.
5. Now you are in configuration mode for Starting Voltage.
6. At this point, the volume switch will adjust the starting voltage.
For each second you hold the switch, the starting voltage will adjust 1
volt in the direction you are holding it. Volume Up increases the start
voltage while volume down decreases.
7. Test your locomotive with the new settings before shutting it
down. You will be in configuration mode and be able to adjust the
starting voltage until the system is shut down.
. When you are satisfied with the settings let the system run for at
least 20 seconds before powering down. The system will not save the
changes until they have been stable for 20 seconds.
9. If you set the Starting Voltage too near zero, the system will never
idle and will not shut down until the battery is depleted. If the system is
not shutting off, nudge the volume switch in the raise position to
increase the setting from zero. If the battery is removed or drained
while in the never shut down condition, it is very difficult to recover
without the computer interface.
10. When you power your system back up, your starting voltage
should be adjusted to your setting of choice and the volume switch will
be back in normal mode and control your sound volume.
Rate Adjustment
The Rate is the relationship between voltage and train speed. To adjust the
Rate follow the above EXCEPT remove the shorting plug after power up. The
volume switch now adjusts the Rate, allowing you to match the operating
characteristics of the engine.
January 201
- 12 -

DCC
DCC Checkout
The sound board default address is 3. Connect the sound board to your DCC
source. Select address 3 on your DCC controller. Turn the speed up and down,
sounds should play in coordination with the changing speed commands. Test the
function buttons, the default function assignments are listed in the chart below.
DCC Function Defaults
Address: 3
Function Diesel Steam
F1 Bell Bell
F2 Manual Horn Manual Whistle
F3 Coupler Clank Coupler Clank
F4 Crossing Horn Crossing Whistle
F5 Detector Coal Loading
F6 Rev Up Water Fill
F7 Volume Up Volume Up
F Volume Down Volume Down
F9 Rev Down Blow Down
F10 Station Announcement Station Announcement
F11 Chatter Chatter
F12 Shutdown Shutdown
January 201
- 13 -

Control Variables (DCC CV)
The PB17firmware supports the following Control Variables. These can be
programmed on the program track (service mode) or on the main (ops mode –
see note below).
OPS MODE (“PROGRAMMING ON THE MAIN”) IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR
ADDRESS CHANGE COMMANDS.
CV Description Default Value
1 Short Address 3
17 Long Address 0
1 Long Address 3
49 0 = Speed from Triggers; ≠ 0, speed from DCC 0 (Steam); 1
50 The DCC Value where motion starts. 2
51 The DCC Rate (Speed vs. Throttle) 100
52 Seconds to simulate DCC if DCC signal is lost.
0 = Forever
0
53 Seconds in idle before shutdown.
0 = Never shutdown
0
January 201
- 14 -

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.
Volume Switch an 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 Soun Boar – Make sure that the sound board will not touch
anything metal. Use the foam tape provided; many modelers prefer hook
and loop tape. The sound board may get warm enough to soften hot melt
glue so we do not recommend it; do not use conductive silicon adhesive
either.
Ree Switches – If you use track magnets
and reed switches to trigger sounds
and effects, keep the reed switches
away from the speaker magnet and
the strong motor magnets. Reed
switches should ride about ¼’’
above rail head and be spaced ½’’
on either side of center. Reed
switches may be mounted with
adhesive, double sided tape or any
other non-magnetic method.
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 volume
switch and reed switches; 9/32” for access jack. Speaker depends upon
type and location.
January 201
- 15 -

Troubleshooting
Wrong irectional toots – Swap wires between Terminals 1 & 2 or change the
track polarity using the Computer Interface.
No Soun – Start by rechecking the wiring to the speaker, volume switch, and
power connector. A connection may have been missed or become loose.
Measure the voltage applied to the power connector when you think the
board should be on. It may be something as simple as the volume being
turned down, try raising the volume. Also check the volume switch and
its connectors to make sure there is no damage, broken connections or
that the switch terminals are not touching anything metal.
Low Volume – If the volume is lower than your chosen setting the board may
not be receiving full power at Terminals 1 & 2.
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 such as
those generated by the speaker. Make sure your reed switch is not
mounted too close to your speaker.
January 201
- 16 -

Technical S ecifications
Length – 2.56 in; 65.15 mm
Wi th – 0.93 in ; 23.6 mm
Height – 0.5 in ; 12.7 mm
Maximum Track Volts – 30V.
Max Battery Input (C3) Volts – 30V.
Power Consumption – Varies with volume; can go as high as 1000mA if at max
volume; typical is less than 100mA - medium volume.
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 POWER INPUTS (TERMINAL 1, 2 OR BATTERY +).
January 201
- 17 -

A endix A: Wiring Diagrams
Common Symbol Key
January 201
- 1 -
Diod
Comput r Acc ss Jack
Volum Switch
R d Switch
Loudsp ak r

Basic DC
January 201
- 19 -
3.6V
Battery
Track
Bell Trigger
Speed Trigger
W istle Trigger

Basic DCC
January 201
- 20 -
Track
Speed Trigger