SoundTraxx tsunami soundcar User manual

Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder
SoundCar
User’s Guide
Software Release 1.03**
Rev. D 09/06/17
®
SoundCar™
Digital Sound Decoder™
**Includes previous software versions.

Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
SoundTraxx (Throttle Up!) shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential
damages 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, Tsunami2, Econami, Tsunami, SoundTraxx DCC, Digital Sound Decoder, Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Auto-Exhaust, Hyperlight,
CurrentKeeper, Intelligent Consisting, BeastBanter, and SoundCar are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.

Table of Contents
All Aboard! ...........................................................................................1
Overview................................................................................................................1
Operation..............................................................................................2
Using Your SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder .......................................................2
Basics of Programming ......................................................................5
Programming Procedure .......................................................................................5
Basic Programming...........................................................................11
Step 1: Conguring the Address..........................................................................11
Step 2: Conguring the Decoder .........................................................................12
Step 3: Function Mapping....................................................................................14
Step 4: Conguring the Lighting Outputs.............................................................17
Step 5: Setting the Momentum ............................................................................22
Sound Programming.........................................................................23
Step 6: Modifying Sound Effects..........................................................................23
Consist Programming.......................................................................31
Step 7: Consist Operations .................................................................................31
Miscellaneous Features....................................................................36
Step 8: Conguring the SoundCar’s Miscellaneous Features.............................36
Troubleshooting ................................................................................40
Appendix A.........................................................................................42
Appendix B.........................................................................................43
Appendix C.........................................................................................44
Appendix D.........................................................................................45

Table Directory
Table A. Whistle Signals...................................................................3
Table B. CV 29 – Conguration Register 1 ....................................12
Table C. Quick Reference for CV 29 Values ..................................13
Table D. SoundCar Function Mapping Table..................................14
Table E. Hyperlight Control Mode Settings ....................................19
Table F. Sound Mixer CVs..............................................................24
Table G. CV 115 – Airhorn/Whistle Select......................................24
Table H. CV 227 – Bell Select........................................................25
Table I. CV 117 – Rolling Stock Type Select ..................................29
Table J. CV 21 – Consist Function Control Group 1 ......................33
Table K. CV 22 – Consist Function Control Group 2......................34
Table L. Automatic Sound Function Enable ...................................37
Table M. CV 13 – Analog Function Enable 1..................................39
Table N. CV 14 – Analog Function Enable 2..................................39

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 1
Overview
Congratulations on the purchase of your SoundTraxx® Tsunami®
SoundCar™ Digital Sound Decoder™ (DSD). This User’s Guide will walk
you through the various aspects of programming your SoundCar DSD, as
well as provide some tips for troubleshooting. For advanced programming
techniques, refer to the Tsunami SoundCar Technical Reference, which
provides a comprehensive list of CVs available for use with the SoundCar,
including a description of the exact function and make‑up of each CV.
Technical Bulletins and Application Notes covering various topics are also
published periodically, and can be downloaded for free from our website at
www.soundtraxx.com.
Note: Pay careful attention to the installation instructions and follow the
recommendation on the placement of the decoder in your model so that the
Intelligent Consisting sensor is easily accessible.
All Aboard!

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 2
Using Your SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder
Operation
Now your train doesn’t have to be limited to locomotive sounds! The 16‑bit
SoundCar DSD is the only DCC decoder to replicate railcar sounds like the
clickety‑clack, generator, brake cylinders, and more. The SoundCar DSD
uses sounds recorded from actual trains. Whether you want to include cab
cars, freight cars, reefers, passenger cars, or a caboose (or all!) in your train,
the SoundCar can reproduce the prototypical sounds appropriate to each car.
Your SoundCar DSD has been shipped with all CVs pre‑programmed so you
can begin using it immediately without having to make adjustments.
The SoundCar lets you use the function keys to re‑create the sounds
of typical actions that a train crew performs during operation, while
incorporating automated sequences for other prototypical train sounds like
the clickety‑clack, at spots, ange squeals, and wheel noise. Additionally,
certain related sounds, such as brake set up, application and release, are
grouped together and controlled by a single function key.
Default function assignments are as follows:
Function Key Effect
F0 Headlight On/Off
F1 Bell
F2 Airhorn/Whistle
F3 Short Airhorn/Whistle
F4 Spook the Livestock*
F5 FX5 Function Output
F6 FX6 Function Output
F7 Dimmer
F8 Audio Mute (4x Intelligent Consisting Enable)
F9 Generator
F10 Uncoupling and Glad Hand Release
F11 Apply/Release Brakes
F12 Coupler Clank
Note: Previous software versions do not support the "Spook the Livestock"
sound effect.
Although it’s not technically a function key, the emergency stop button also
activates the sound effect of the air being dumped from the brake line.
While these are the default settings, you may make changes to the function
mapping later. For now, set your controller to address 3, place the
SoundCar‑equipped model on the mainline, and start toggling through the
available functions to activate the effects.
Turn On the Lights
Press F0 on your cab to turn on the headlight of a cab car. Reverse the
direction and the headlight turns off as the backup light turns on. While
waiting on a siding, press F7 to dim the headlight for an oncoming train.
If you wired the FX5 and FX6 function outputs for Hyperlight lighting effects,

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 3
pressing F5 or F6 will activate your selected effects. You can use those outputs
to incorporate lighting into the interiors of your cab cars and passenger cars.
Ring the Bell
Engineers are required to ring the bell during yard movement. To ring the bell,
press F1 on your cab. This is an on/off function, i.e., once activated, the bell
will continue to ring until you press F1 again to turn it off.
Blow the Horn/Whistle
Engineers are required to blow various signals to warn of approaching trains,
as well as to notify passengers and train crew to the planned movement of
the locomotive. There are signals for crossings, stopping, moving forward,
backing up, and more.
Using airhorn/whistle signals can add a lot of fun to your operating sessions.
Some of the more common signals are indicated in Table A. To activate the
airhorn or whistle, press F2 on your cab; the longer you press the key, the
longer the sound will play. While this feature allows you to make long or short
signals, F3 is designated as a “short” horn so those signals will have that
nice, crisp “toot” regardless of how responsive your cab controls may be.
Table A.
Spook the Livestock
The Tsunami SoundCar now includes realistic livestock sounds, allowing you
to add life to your entire train! The BeastBanter feature lets you to choose
between shipping cattle or sheep in your stock cars. Please refer to the
“Sound Programming” section for more information about this feature.
During shipment of livestock by rail car, animals often become startled by
the movement of the train. Loud and sudden noises such as steam whistles,
airhorns or cylinder cocks can also excite the animals. If you have enabled
the BeastBanter feature (see “Sound Programming" section to learn how to
do so), turning on F4 will trigger the sounds of angry and frightened cattle or
sheep. Turning off F4 will reduce their anxiety level and quite them down to a
contented level.
Operation
Whistle Signals
Note: = Short Blast —= Long Blast
———Approaching grade crossing. (Hold final blast until crossing is occupied.)
— Flagman protect rear.
Brakes applied.
— — Release brakes, proceed forward.
 When stopped, back up; when moving, stop.
    Request signal from trainman.
—Warning signal (used when approaching areas with obstructed views,
approaching passenger or freight trains, and passing freight trains).

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 4
Start the Generator
By default, F9 controls the generator effect. While still in the rail yard, a
crew member turns the generator on before the train leaves the station.
The generator will run automatically until shut off at its nal destination. You
can re‑create this scenario by setting the generator sound effect to play
automatically. In the “Sound Programming” section of this guide, we will
discuss how to congure the generator sound effect for prototypical operation
in refrigerator and passenger cars.
Activating Other Functions and Effects
Depending on the number of function keys on your cab, you may have
additional functions available to activate.
Mute the Sound
As with all SoundTraxx DSDs, pressing F8 will mute all sound effects – great
for when you need to take a quick break from the sounds of your layout.
Pressing F8 a second time will turn the sounds back on.
Brake Squeal/Release
The sound of squealing brakes are typically heard when the train line has
a brake set applied. Pressing F11 while the train is moving will initiate the
brake set, which includes the sounds of the brake cylinder being set up and
the brake shoes squealing as they make contact with the wheels. Press F11
again and the car will respond by producing the sounds of the retainer valve
and bleed‑off as the brakes are released. The brakes can also be set and
released when the train is idle using F11 – perfect for performing a standing
brake test prior to departure. Turn F11 on to hear the brakes set up and then
turn F11 off to release and hear the retainer bleed off.
Since F11 also controls the brakes in SoundTraxx DSDs, you can sync
up the braking effects of SoundTraxx DSD equipped engines with
SoundCar‑equipped rolling stock. See “Miscellaneous Features” for more
information on F11 braking and CVs 3, 4 and 61.
Coupler Clank
Press F12 to activate the sound effect of the coupler engaging. Press F10 to
listen to the knuckle opening and the glad hands separating as the coupler
is released. See how well you can time these sound effects to the actual
coupling and uncoupling of your cars to the train!
Emergency Stop
Pressing the emergency stop button will play the sound of the air being
dumped from the emergency stop valve (also known as the “big hole”
application) to lock up the brakes.
Automated Sound Effects
Give your ngers a rest and let the SoundCar take over with automated
sound effects. Your decoder is defaulted to automatically play the
clickety‑clack and ange squeals in response to the throttle speed. Give them
a listen by increasing the throttle on your cab. Other sound effects, such
as the generator, bell and airhorn, can be programmed to turn on and off
automatically. Refer to the “Sound Programming” section for details.
Operation

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 5
Programming Procedure
Conguration Variable (CV) is the industry adopted and NMRA Standard term
for a decoder’s user adjustable parameters. 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.
Customize your decoder’s settings is easy, and you can adjust settings one
CV at a time by referring to this user’s guide and the SoundCar Technical
Reference. When in doubt, you can always reset the decoder to factory
defaults. Refer to “Resetting CVs” for more information.
Bits and Bytes
All the bits, bytes, and other symbols used in decoder manuals, and
differences between command stations can make CV programming difcult to
understand. Put simply, each CV contains a value that can be changed, and
changing the value of a CV will modify a specic decoder setting. However,
knowing a little more about how CV values are represented will help you
make the right adjustments. CV values can be represented in the three
numeric formats listed below:
Decimal
Decimal representation is the format you will probably use most often.
Decimal values are represented using numerals 0‑9. Each CV contains a
decimal value from 0 to 255.
Binary
Like computers, binary is the numbering system used in Digital Sound
Decoders. Binary values are called “bits” and can be represented as either 0
or 1. Each CV contains eight bits, or one “byte.” Each CV contains a binary
value from 00000000 to 11111111, which easily converts to decimal form.
Hexadecimal
Referred to as “hex,” hexadecimal values are represented using characters A
F and numerals 0 9. Each CV contains a hex value from 00 to FF. Hex allows
you to represent decimal numbers using fewer digits if your command station
has a limiting interface.
Programming by the Bits
Each CV is made up of eight bits and can be set to decimal values from 0 to
255 or binary values from 00000000 to 11111111. Most CVs contain a single
piece of data easily represented in decimal, binary, or hex.
Some CVs use individual bits to control specic features, allowing up to eight
features to be controlled using a single CV. You can set each bit to a binary
Basics of Programming

Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 6
input of 0 or 1 to modify a specic setting. For this reason, “programming
by the bits” allows you to make basic adjustments that are on/off, disabled/
enabled, etc. Because most DCC systems don’t use binary representation,
programming by the bits requires you to convert binary values into decimal
(or hex) values.
This user’s guide represents CV values in decimal form to expedite
programming. However, binary is occasionally used to represent CV values
in the SoundCar Technical Reference for CVs that are programmed by the
bits. For instance, CV 29 (Conguration Data 1) is programmed by the bits
and controls important decoder settings, such as the locomotive direction, the
decoder’s speed step mode, alternate power source, and speed table setting.
The drawing below represents a CV and shows a binary value for each bit.
Bits 1 and 4 are set to 1, and bits 0, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are set to 0, which is a
binary value of 00010010.
Refer to Appendix A to locate the decimal (or hex) values for the binary value
00010010. The appendix shows a decimal value of 18 (0x12 in hex). Now
you simply enter a value of 18 into the CV.
Binary-Decimal Conversions
You can easily convert binary values into decimal form without the conversion
chart if you know the value of the bit when it is set to 1. The decimal value of
each bit when set to 1 doubles sequentially beginning with a value of 1, from
bit 0 to bit 7. So when bit 0 is set to 1, it has a decimal value of 1, bit 1 has
a value of 2, bit 3 a value of 4 and so on. Add these values together for the
value to be entered into the CV as shown below.
Introduction to Programming
This section details CV programming modes, reading CVs, accessing
indexed CVs, resetting CVs to factory defaults, and locking and unlocking
CVs. Due to the varying CV programming methods used by DCC systems,
we cannot provide comprehensive
instructions that address every command
station and must assume you understand
the capabilities of your system on some
level. Consult your DCC system manual or
contact the manufacturer if you need more
detailed programming instructions.
Basics of Programming
Conguration Variable Control CVs
CV 8: Manufacturer ID
CV 15: CV Unlock Code
CV 16: CV Lock ID
CV 30: Error Information
CV 31: CV Index 1
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
When bit is
set to 1, value = 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Therefore: 0 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 0 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 18