SoundTraxx Tsunami2 TSU-2200 User manual

Rev. A 06/27/16
Tsunami2™Digital Sound Decoder
Steam 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, SoundTraxx DCC, Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Auto-Exhaust,
Hyperlight, Hyperdrive2, SoundCar, and Intelligent Consisting are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.

Contents
All Aboard! ......................................................................................4
Overview .............................................................................................................. 4
Using Tsunami2.................................................................................................... 5
CV Programming Tutorial ................................................................................... 11
Introduction to Programming .............................................................................. 13
Basic Programming.......................................................................18
Configuring the Address ..................................................................................... 18
Configuring the Decoder..................................................................................... 19
Configuring Throttle and Braking ........................................................................ 21
Configuring Lighting Outputs .............................................................................. 27
Configuring Sound Effects.................................................................................. 32
Configuring Automatic Sounds ........................................................................... 40
Advanced Programming................................................................46
Configuring Audio Control .................................................................................. 46
Configuring Dynamic Digital Exhaust ................................................................. 52
Configuring Function Mapping............................................................................ 55
Configuring Hyperdrive2..................................................................................... 61
Configuring Advanced Consist Operation........................................................... 65
Miscellaneous Features.................................................................69
Configuring Analog Mode Operation .................................................................. 69
Troubleshooting............................................................................73
Sorting Out Decoder Difficulties.......................................................................... 73
Appendix A: Decimal-Hex-Binary Conversions .............................76
Appendix B: Tsuami2 Steam CV Reference...................................77
Appendix C: License Agreement ...................................................78
Appendix D: Service and Warranty Policy ....................................79
Appendix E: Declaration of Conformity.........................................80

All Aboard!
Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 4
All Aboard!
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your SoundTraxx Tsunami2 Digital Sound Decoder (DSD) for
steam locomotives! Tsunami2 is the newest wave of SoundTraxx innovation and builds upon
the previous generation of Tsunami to offer the highest quality sound for model railroading. This
user’s guide shows you how to operate Tsunami2 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.
Tsunami2 Installation Guide
Provides instructions and strategies for
successful sound installations.
Tsunami2 Steam Quick Start Guide
Gives an overview of the decoder’s default
settings and highlights some of the features.
Tsunami2 Steam Technical Reference
Offers a list of all included CVs and details
making adjustments to settings.
Tsunami2 Steam Sound Selection Reference
Lists each included sound effect for configuring
a prototypical operating experience.
These documents can be downloaded from our website at www.soundtraxx.com.

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Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 5
Using Tsunami2
The Tsunami2 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, Hyperdrive2 advanced motor control, Flex-Map function mapping technology, two
volume mixers, exhaust cutoff control, independent and train brake functions, and Fireman Fred
sound effects. Tsunami2 also provides selectable whistles, bells, exhaust chuffs, airpumps, and
couplers to allow more versatility in creating your ideal model railroading experience.
You can start using Tsunami2 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 programming Tsunami2 to its full capacity.
Default Function Assignments
The first time you operate your Tsunami2 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 and spool
up the dynamo. Reverse the locomotive direction to
turn off the headlight and turn on the backup light.
Pressing F0 a second time will turn off the dynamo,
headlight, and backup light.
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, Dynamo
F0(r) Backup Light, Dynamo
F1 Bell
F2 Whistle
F3 Short Whistle
F4 Cylinder Cocks
F5 Cutoff+
F6 Cutoff-
F7 Dimmer
F8 Mute
F9 Grade-Crossing Signal
F10 Blowdown
F11 Independent/Train Brake
F12 Brake Select
F13 Couple/Uncouple
F14 Switching Mode
F15 Wheel Chains
F16 Water Stop
F17 Fuel Loading
F18 Ash Dump
F19 Wheel Slip
F20 Injector
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 Not Assigned

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Tsunami2 Steam 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 Whistle
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. Tsunami2 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” whistle. Contrary to most function keys, the duration of
the whistle blast is determined by how long you press F2. In other words, the whistle blast will
start when you press F2, and stop when you release F2. Press F3 to issue the single “toot” of
the “short” whistle. The short whistle will be the same length every time you press F3, unlike the
long whistle.
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 whistle blast, and pressing F2 again to turn off
the function will stop the whistle blast. To issue momentary whistle 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
Activate Cylinder Cocks
As you begin to accelerate from a stop, turn on F4 to purge the condensed water from the
cylinder. The sound of the condensed water in the cylinder being expelled outwards with the
steam, can be heard (“swish-swoosh”) as the engine moves.
Adjust the Exhaust Cutoff
As the locomotive continues to accelerate, less steam is needed in the cylinders to keep the
train moving. The engineer moves the power reverse lever or Johnson bar closer to the center
of the quadrant to shorten the amount of time steam is emitted into the cylinders.

All Aboard!
Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 7
You can shorten the exhaust cutoff of the locomotive by turning on F5. The cutoff can be
shortened three times to replicate various operating conditions. Each time it is shortened the
exhaust chuff will change in both pitch and length to replicate a lighter load on the locomotive.
As the engine crests a grade, shorten the cutoff a fourth time to simulate drifting. The
locomotive will begin to drift and the exhaust chuff will fade as the engineer closes the throttle.
The snifter valve will drop and the sound of air being sucked through leaky valve packings will
start.
As the engine approaches the bottom of the hill, more steam is needed to keep the train
moving. Turn on F6 to decrease the cutoff and exit drifting. The snifter valve will lift and the
exhaust chuff will return as the engineer slowly opens the throttle. As more steam is needed,
decrease the cutoff even further by turning on F6 again. The cutoff can be lengthened three
times. Each time the cutoff is decreased, the chuff will change in both pitch and length to
replicate a harder working locomotive.
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.
Turn on F11 to apply the independent brake before bringing your locomotive to a stop. The
locomotive brakes typically squeal just before the wheels stop turning. 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
You can apply the brakes on all locomotives and cars at the same time to control the speed of
the entire train at a consistent rate. 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. While the train brake function is turned
on, pressing F11 again will release the train brakes and turn the air compressor back on 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.

All Aboard!
Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 8
Blow Down the Boiler
There’s sure to be particle buildup in the boiler of your engine. To clean the boiler’s mud ring,
turn on F10 to open the blowdown valve and blow out the sediment. Turn off F10 to close the
valve.
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.
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.”
Apply Wheel Chains
Turn on F15 to place chains around the locomotive wheels. Press F15 again to remove the
chains from the wheels.
Activate Water Stop
When your locomotive is stopped, turn on F16 to open the water hatch and fill the tender. Turn
off F16 to stop filling the tender and close the hatch before departure.
Refuel the Locomotive
While your locomotive is stopped, turn on F17 to open the coal chute doors and begin loading
coal into the tender. Press F17 again before departing to stop loading coal into the tender and
close the coal chute doors. These sounds can also be configured for oil fired, wood fired and
coal stoker fired locomotives. For more information about selecting the fuel type, refer to
“Configuring Sound Effects.”
Ash Dump
Turn on F18 to clean out the firebox and ash pan after running your locomotive for a while.
Press F18 again to stop the cleaning sequence.
Activate Wheel Slip
While the locomotive is moving, turn on F19 to play the wheel slip effect. The sound of the
wheel slip can be heard as short staccato bursts of exhaust chuffs, followed by the sound of the
engineer backing off the throttle to regain traction. Press F19 again to stop the wheels from
slipping.
Operate the Injector
Turn on F20 to turn on the injector and fill the boiler with water. Press F20 again to stop the
injector fill sequence.
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 sound 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 continue to play messages at random while F22 is turned on. Press F22 again to turn

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Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 9
off the function. The current message will finish and radio will be silent. To manually issue a new
radio message, toggle the cab chatter function from off to on by pressing F22 twice.
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-FX6 Lighting
If you have additional lights wired to the FX3-FX6 function outputs, use function keys F24-F27
to activate them. Depending on board format, Tsunami2 offers up to six 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.
Automatic Sound Effects
Tsunami2 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.
Power Reverser or Johnson Bar
Changing the direction of the locomotive will automatically play the sound of the power reverser
being moved forward or backward. Each time you increase or decrease the exhaust cutoff with
F5 and F6, the power reverser can be heard adjusting the position of the valves.
The locomotive can also be configured with a manual reverse lever, also known as a Johnson
bar. Refer to the “Configuring Sound Effects” section for more information.
Auto-Exhaust
2-cylinder exhaust for a light steam locomotive is the decoder’s default setting, and the chuff
rate is automatically regulated by the back-EMF sensor in response to the demand on the
motor. For example, the chuff volume and timbre will respond to changes in grade; the chuff
becomes more rapid when the motor is spinning faster, and less rapid when the motor is
impeded. To adjust the Auto-Exhaust chuff rate which synchronizes the chuff with the motion of
the wheels, refer to “Configuring Sound Effects.”
The Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE) processor will automatically adjust the exhaust volume and
timbre to simulate the engine working under varying load conditions. You can also use F5 and
F6 to manually adjust the exhaust cutoff if desired, as mentioned on page 6. Refer to
“Configuring Throttle and Braking” to set acceleration and deceleration rates, and refer to
“Configuring Dynamic Digital Exhaust” to adjust a given parameter of the DDE processor.
Furthermore, you can select 3-cylinder or articulated type exhaust in place of 2-cylinder exhaust
for a range of exhaust chuff sound effects. Refer to “Configuring Sound Effects” for details
regarding exhaust selections.
Snifter Valve
Just as you start to move the locomotive, you’ll hear the Pffffffft! of the snifter valve opening. As
you come to a stop, you’ll hear the clink! of the snifter valve dropping.

All Aboard!
Tsunami2 Steam User’s Guide 10
Side Rod Clank
The “clanks” and “clunks” of the side rod occur with the exhaust chuff. You can use exhaust
cutoff control to mute the exhaust chuff and elevate the volume of the side rod clank if desired.
Airpumps
The airpump maintains air pressure during operation. To simulate charging the train line, the
pump cadence will revert to its most rapid setting when the coupler function is turned on, when
the train brake function is turned off, and every third time the independent brake function is
turned on.
Blower
The blower simulates draft being maintained near the exhaust nozzle in the smokebox during
operation.
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.”
Fireman Fred
Each time the engine is brought to a stop, Fireman Fred may attend to a randomly selected task
(or tasks), including shoveling coal, oiling the side rods, checking the frame and more.