SoundTraxx Blunami BLU-2200 User manual

Rev. B 02/11/23
Blunami™Digital Sound Decoder
Electric User’s Guide
Software Release 1.0

Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
SoundTraxx (Throttle Up! Corp.) shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained
herein, nor for incidental or consequential damage resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of
this material.
This document contains information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied
or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Throttle Up! Corp.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
SoundTraxx, Econami, Tsunami, Tsunami2, Blunami, SoundTraxx DCC, Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Auto-
Exhaust, Hyperlight, Hyperdrive2, SoundCar, CurrentKeeper and Intelligent Consisting are trademarks of
Throttle Up! Corp.

Contents
All Aboard!..................................................................................... 4
Overview .............................................................................................................. 4
Using Blunami ...................................................................................................... 5
CV Programming Tutorial ................................................................................... 10
Introduction to Programming .............................................................................. 13
Basic Programming ..................................................................... 17
Configuring the Address ..................................................................................... 17
Configuring the Decoder..................................................................................... 18
Configuring Throttle and Braking........................................................................ 20
Configuring Lighting Outputs .............................................................................. 26
Configuring Sound Effects.................................................................................. 31
Advanced Programming .............................................................. 42
Configuring Audio Control .................................................................................. 42
Configuring Dynamic Digital Exhaust ................................................................. 48
Configuring Function Mapping............................................................................ 51
Configuring Hyperdrive2..................................................................................... 57
Configuring Advanced Consist Operation........................................................... 61
Miscellaneous Features ............................................................... 64
Configuring Analog Mode Operation .................................................................. 64
Operating With a CurrentKeeper™..................................................................... 67
Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 68
Sorting Out Decoder Difficulties.......................................................................... 68
Appendix A: Decimal-Hex-Binary Conversions ............................ 71
Appendix B: Elecric CV Reference................................................ 72
Appendix C: License Agreement .................................................. 73
Appendix D: Service and Warranty Policy.................................... 74
Appendix E: Declaration of Conformity........................................ 75

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 4
All Aboard!
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your SoundTraxx Blunami Digital Sound Decoder (DSD) for
electric locomotives and trolleys! Blunami is the newest wave of SoundTraxx innovation and
builds upon the previous generation of Tsunami2 to offer the highest quality sound for model
railroading. This user’s guide shows you how to operate Blunami and customize each decoder
setting to fit your preferences, while providing some helpful troubleshooting tips along the way.
We suggest referring to the user documents listed below as you read this user’s guide.
Blunami Installation Guide
Provides instructions and strategies for
successful sound installations.
Blunami Electric Technical Reference
Offers a list of all included CVs and details
making adjustments to settings.
Blunami Sound Selection References
Lists each included sound effect for configuring
a prototypical operating experience.
Decoder Selector
Assists in selecting the correct decoder and
speaker for many models in all scales.
Videos Page
Provides instructional videos and product
demonstrations.
Electric Sound Samples
Offers sound file previews of trolley, heavy
electric locomotives and airhorn selections.
Reference Documents
Includes helpful information such a glossary
terms and specific installation information.
Technical Notes
Provides notes about wiring practices and DCC
compliance tests.
CurrentKeeper Reference
Includes supplemental information about
operating and programming with this device.
Factory Installed Decoders
Visit this page for specific CV values and
feature information for factory installed models.
These resources can be viewed and downloaded from our website at www.soundtraxx.com.

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 5
Using Blunami
The Blunami Digital Sound Decoder is designed to enhance your model railroading experience
by giving you a wide variety of innovative features and incredibly realistic sound for your
models. Some of the features discussed in this user’s guide include Dynamic Digital Exhaust for
electric locomotives, Hyperdrive2 advanced motor control, Flex-Map function mapping
technology, two volume mixers, independent and train brake functions and Motorman Omura
sound effects. Blunami also provides selectable airhorns, bells, air compressors, couplers, and
traction motor effects to allow more versatility in creating your ideal model railroading
experience.
You can start using Blunami right out of the package without making any adjustments. However,
you may adjust settings at any time by making changes to Configuration Variables (CVs). Most
DCC decoder and command station manuals call this “programming”, though this is misleading
and sounds scarier than it is. At no point are you required to learn programming! This user’s
guide will walk you through operating and adjusting Blunami to its full capacity.
Default Function Assignments
The first time you operate your Blunami decoder,
you will be able to activate features and sound
effects by simply pressing the appropriate key on
your cab or command station console. These are
“default” function assignments. The effects listed
in Table A are assigned to function keys F0-F28
by default. This section describes how to activate
each effect with function keys.
Note: You can assign any effect to function keys
labeled as “Not Assigned” in Table A. with Flex-
Map function mapping CVs. Refer to
“Configuring Function Mapping” for more
information about customizing function
assignments.
Note: Pressing function keys F0-F28 will toggle
functions “on” and “off” and activate effects.
Turn On the Lights
Ensure your locomotive is in the forward
direction, then turn on F0 to illuminate the
headlight. Reverse the locomotive direction to
turn off the headlight and turn on the backup
light. Pressing F0 a second time will turn off the
headlight and backup light outputs.
Turn on F7 to dim the headlight or backup light
before passing oncoming trains, or while waiting
on a siding. Press F7 again to return the
headlight and backup light outputs to full
brightness.
Table A. Default Functions
Function Key Effect
F0(f)
Headlight
F0(r)
Backup Light
F1
Bell
F2
Airhorn
F3
Short Airhorn
F4
Pantograph Extend, Retract
F5
Stop Request Bell
F6
Pneumatic Doors
F7
Dimmer
F8
Mute
F9
Grade-Crossing Signal
F10
Not Assigned
F11
Independent/Train Brake
F12
Brake Select
F13
Couple/Uncouple
F14
Switching Mode
F15
Handbrake
F16
Not Assigned
F17
Not Assigned
F18
General Service
F19
Not Assigned
F20
Steam Generator
F21
Sander Valve
F22
Cab Chatter
F23
All Aboard/Coach Doors
F24
FX3 Function Output
F25
FX4 Function Output
F26
FX5 Function Output
F27
FX6 Function Output
F28
FX7 & FX8 Function Output

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 6
Ring the Bell
Turn on F1 to ring the bell. Press F1 again to stop ringing the bell. The bell is generally rung
before moving the locomotive, when approaching crossings, to alert people or equipment near
the track, and as a warning signal when necessary.
Blow the Airhorn
Signaling can make your operating sessions more fun! Engineers signal to notify passengers,
crew, and other trains of common locomotive movements, such as stopping, moving forward,
backing up, and approaching grade crossings. Blunami provides three functions for signaling.
Use F2, F3, and F9 to signal prototypically while you operate, as described below.
Press and release F2 to blow the “long” airhorn. Contrary to most function keys, the duration of
the airhorn blast is determined by how long you press F2. In other words, the airhorn blast will
start when you press F2, and stop when you release F2. Press F3 to issue the single “toot” of
the “short” airhorn. The short airhorn will be the same length every time you press F3, unlike the
long airhorn.
Note: Function key F2 on the NCE Power Cab command station is on/off or “latching”, i.e.,
pressing F2 to turn on the function will start the airhorn blast, and pressing F2 again to turn off
the function will stop the airhorn blast. To issue momentary airhorn blasts with the NCE Power
Cab, press and release the “Horn/Whistle” button instead of using F2.
To issue the long-long-short-long grade-crossing signal automatically, turn on F9 as your
locomotive approaches a grade crossing. Refer to Table B to view some more common signals.
Table B. Whistle Signals
Long = –
Short = ●
Signal Description
– – ●–
Approaching a grade crossing: hold final blast until crossing is occupied
●
Applying brakes
– –
Releasing brakes, proceeding forward
● ● ●
When moving, stop; when stopped, back up
● ● ● ●
Request signal from trainman
– ● ● ●
Signal flagman to protect rear
– ●
Warning signal: use when approaching areas with obstructed views and when
approaching/passing passenger/freight trains
–
Approaching stations, junctions, and railroad crossings at grades
Extend and Retract the Pantograph
The pantograph mounted on the roof of an electric train extends to collect power from an
overhead catenary wire. The spring-loaded extension pushes a contact shoe up against the
underside of the overhead wire to draw electricity and deliver it to the rails.
With the throttle set to zero, turn on F4 to extend the pantograph and deliver power to the
locomotive. When the pantograph function is turned on during operation, you will hear the
contactor camshaft changing position, the generator running, the air compressor building and
releasing pressure, the poppet valve popping off, and the blower fans blustering. These sound
effects are active during operation to indicate power has been received and distributed from the
overhead wire.

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 7
Decrease the throttle and bring your locomotive to a stop. Then turn off F4 to retract the
pantograph and mute the automatic sound effects. Keep in mind that, in reality, an electric train
cannot move when disconnected from the overhead wire. Refer to “Modifying Sound Effects” for
more information regarding the interlock feature.
Ring the Stop Request Bell
Turn on F5 to ring the stop request bell before stopping at the station.
Open and Close Doors
Turn on F6 to open the pneumatic doors while your train is stopped at the station. Before
departing, turn off F6 to close the doors.
Ring the Trolley Bell
Turn on F10 to issue the single “ding!” of the trolley bell. When the trolley begins to move
forward, ring the trolley bell twice by pressing F10 twice. When the trolley begins to move in the
reverse direction, ring the trolley bell three times. Configure automatic trolley bell signals with
SoundTraxx’ Flex-Map technology. Refer to “Configuring Function Mapping” for more
information.
Apply the Independent Brake
The engineer generally applies the brakes on the locomotive during switching operations and to
control slack between units. You can use the independent brake function to simulate applying
the locomotive brake independently from the rest of the train.
You can simulate applying the independent brake prototypically by turning on F11 as your
locomotive decelerates to a stop. Press F11 again to release the independent brake before
departing. Refer to “Configuring Throttle and Braking” to set the independent brake rate and
allow the independent brake function to reduce speed when activated.
Apply the Train Brake
On the prototype, air hoses are fastened to each piece of equipment to form a single braking
system, referred to as the “train brake” or “automatic brake.” The train brake function allows you
to simulate applying each unit’s brake at once to reduce train speed.
First turn on F12 to select the train brake in place of the independent brake. The air compressor
will cycle on to simulate charging the train line, and indicate that the train brake is selected.
Next, turn on F11 to simulate applying the train brake. Turning off F11 will release the train
brakes and cycle the air compressor to recharge the train line.
You can use F11 to activate the train brake only when the F12 brake select function is turned
on. Turn off F12 to reselect the independent brake for F11 and disable the train brake. Refer to
“Configuring Throttle and Braking” to set the train brake rate and allow the train brake function to
reduce speed when activated.
Mute Sound Effects
Turn on F8 to mute all sound effects when you need to silence your train. The mute function
allows a quick way to turn off sound effects for a phone call, for instance. Press F8 again to
return all sound effect volume levels to their prior settings.
Couple and Uncouple
Turn on F13 to engage the sound of the coupler as you add cars to your train. When you
uncouple, press F13 a second time to open the knuckle and separate the glad hands.

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 8
Use Switching Mode
To improve throttle control for switching operations, turn on F14 to override all momentum CVs
and reduce the current throttle setting by 50%. Press F14 again to reset locomotive speed to the
prior speed step and reactivate all momentum CV settings. For more information about
momentum CVs, refer to “Configuring Throttle and Braking.”
Tie Down the Handbrake
Similar to you automobile, prototype locomotive use a manually applied handbrake to keep
them from rolling away when parked. Turn on F15 while your locomotive is stopped to set the
handbrake. Press F15 again to release the handbrake before moving.
Perform General Service
While your locomotive is stopped, turn on F18 to inspect the engine and perform general
service. After the cab door opens, Motorman Omura tightens nuts and bolts with his wrench and
uses his hammer to check the frame as needed. Press F18 again before departing to stop
performing general service and close the cab door.
Turn on the Steam Generator
Turn on F20 to stimulate the steam generator passing steam throughout the length of the train
from the feedwater supply tank. Steam generators are generally used to heat drinking water and
provide climate control to passenger cars. Press F20 again to turn the steam generator off.
Open the Sander Valve
In the real world, wet rails can cause wheels to slip. When extra traction is needed, turn on F21
to open the sander valve. You will hear the quiet sound of sand being deposited onto the rails.
Press F21 again to close the sander valve.
Listen to Cab Chatter
Turn on F22 to hear railroad radio transmissions being exchanged from inside the cab. The
radio will play messages at random while F22 is turned on. Press F22 again to turn off the
function and mute the radio.
Announce “All Aboard!”
Turn on F23 before leaving the station to issue the conductor’s “all aboard!” announcement.
After the coach doors slam shut, increase the throttle and depart the station.
Turn On FX3-FX8 Lighting
If you have additional lights wired to the FX3-FX8 function outputs, use function keys F24-F28
to activate them. Depending on board format, Blunami offers up to eight lighting outputs to
support Hyperlight effects. To select Hyperlight effects for lighting outputs, refer to “Configuring
Lighting Outputs.”
Make an Emergency Stop
Press the emergency stop button to issue the emergency brake application and bring your train
to an immediate stop.

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 9
Automatic Sound Effects
Blunami plays a variety sound effects automatically. Automatic sound effects respond
prototypically to aspects of operation, such as certain functions, speed settings, and motor load
changes.
Traction Motors
With the pantograph extended, the whine of the tractions motors is automatically adjusted by
auto-notching and Dynamic Digital Exhaust as you operate. Refer to “Configuring the Decoder,”
“Configuring Sound Effects,” and “Configuring Dynamic Digital Exhaust” to modify automatic
traction motor sound effects.
Contactor Camshaft
The contactor camshaft will change its position at fixed speed points when the pantograph is
extended. Retract the pantograph to mute the contactor camshaft.
Generator
The electrical generator will produces energy when the pantograph is extended. Retract the
pantograph to mute the generator.
Air Compressor
The air compressor maintains air pressure during operation. It will cycle to charge the train line
when F12 is turned on and off. It will also operate for a longer period of time when the coupler
function is turned on and every third time the independent brake is applied.
Poppet Valve or Air Dryer
The “pop!” of the poppet valve is active in the background when the pantograph is extended.
Retract the pantograph to mute the poppet valve. Refer to “Configuring Sound Effects” to adjust
the poppet valve release rate.
Blower Fans
The blower fans will engage and play continuously when the pantograph is extended. Retract
the pantograph to mute the blower fans.
Clickety-Clack
The “clickety-clack” of the locomotive running across rail joints is synchronized in proportion to
locomotive speed. To adjust the clickety-clack sound effect, refer to “Configuring Sound
Effects.”
Electrical Arcing
The occasional “Zap!” of the pantograph loosing contact with the overheard wire can be heard
when operating the locomotive above speed step 10 in 128 speed step mode. The pantograph
must be extended to hear this sound effect.
Motorman Omura
Each time the engine is brought to a stop, Motorman Omura may attend to a randomly selected
task (or tasks), including tightening nuts and bolts, checking the frame and more.

All Aboard!
Blunami Electric User’s Guide 10
CV Programming Tutorial
What is a CV? Configuration Variable (CV) is the industry-adopted term for a decoder’s
user-adjustable memory locations. CVs allow you to adjust various decoder properties and
customize your operating experience. The address, audio settings, motor control, lighting
effects, and function assignments are just some of the properties you can adjust with CVs. You
can modify CVs at any time and the decoder will save your settings even when the power is
turned off. If reading about CV programming already has your head spinning, this tutorial will
help you understand how CVs work.
At first glance, you may feel overwhelmed by the large number of CVs offered by Blunami. Don’t
worry! You don’t need an engineering degree to customize your decoder’s settings. As you have
already seen, the decoder has been shipped with all CVs pre-programmed so you can begin
using your locomotive immediately without having to worry about what adjustments to make.
Making adjustments is easy, and you can customize settings one CV at a time. As you become
comfortable with its operation, move onto a new section and begin exploring the options and
capabilities found there. Detailed information on any CV can be found in the Blunami Electric
Technical Reference. When in doubt, you can always reset the decoder to factory defaults.
Refer to “Resetting CVs (Starting Over)” for more information.
Bits and Bytes
All the bits, bytes, and other symbols used in decoder manuals as well as differences between
command stations can make CV programming difficult to understand. The problem is
compounded further by differences in each command station manufacturer’s user interface. Put
simply, each CV contains a value that can be changed, and changing the value of a CV will
modify a specific decoder setting. Each CV is made up of one byte (i.e., eight bits). However,
knowing a little more about how CV values are represented will help you make the right
adjustments. CV values are commonly represented in the two numeric formats listed below.
Binary
Like computers, binary is the numbering system used in all DCC decoders. Binary units are
called “bits” and can be represented as either 0 or 1.
Decimal
Decimal representation is the format you will probably use most often. Each CV contains a
decimal value from 0 to 255.
We have tried to use the decimal number system in this manual when describing the proper
values to program into a given CV; however, you will occasionally find values listed in the
Technical Reference in both binary and decimal forms. For those more familiar with the binary
method of programming, we have provided a handy-dandy conversion table in Appendix A that
allows one to quickly convert between decimal, binary and hex (for some older command
stations).
Programming by the Bits
Most CVs contain a single piece of data which can be represented in decimal or binary. For
example, CV 128 (Master Volume) can be loaded with any value from 0 to 255 and it will always
and only affect one thing – the overall volume of the decoder.
This user’s guide represents CV values in decimal form to expedite programming. However, binary is
occasionally used to represent CV values in the Blunami Electric Technical Some CVs use individual
bits to control multiple features. This allows up to 8 distinct features to be controlled by a single