SoundTraxx LC Series Owners Manual - Manual (Page 14)

LC SERIES DIGITAL SOUND DECODER OWNER’S MANUAL 14
Quick Start
Your SoundTraxx DSD-LC 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. The
installation instructions that came with your decoder have a table that summarizes the DSD-LC’s
default operating characteristics as shipped. Let’s try it out!
Simply set your controller to Locomotive 3, place the locomotive on the mainline and away you
go! Be sure to also set your controller for 28 speed step mode or the headlights may not operate
as expected. Now that you have control of your decoder, let’s see what happens!
Ring the Bell
To ring the bell, press F1 on your cab. This is an on/off function, i.e. once on, the bell will
continue to ring until you turn it off. Press F1 again to turn it off.
Blow the Whistle or Airhorn
To activate the Whistle or Airhorn, press F2 on your cab. This function will be activated as long
as you hold down the F2 key, i.e. the longer you press the key, the longer the whistle or horn will
blow. This also allows you to make short or long signals…try a grade crossing whistle!
Turn on the Lights
Press F0 on your cab to turn on the Headlight. Reverse locomotive direction and the headlight
turns off as the backup light turns on.
While waiting on a siding, you can press F7 to dim the headlight for an oncoming train.
Certain DSD-LC models may have one or two additional Hyperlight outputs designated FX1 and
FX2. Press F5 to activate FX1 and F6 to activate FX2. Refer to the instruction sheet that came
with your decoder for more information.
Automatic Sound Functions
Some sound functions happen in response to some action other than pressing a function key.
Steam
If you have steam decoder, you will hear the exhaust chuff automatically in response to the
changes in locomotive speed. The air pumps will pound out a steadily slowing cadence that
simulates the build up of air pressure in the brake lines. Rapid deceleration of the locomotive will
‘release’ air pressure and cause the air pumps to resume pumping.
Diesel
If you have a diesel decoder, you will hear the engine RPMs ramp up through eight distinct
notches as the engine is accelerated and ramp down as the engine is slowed. Pressing
Emergency Stop on your cab will shut the diesel engine sound off altogether. Press F4 to
activate the Dynamic Brakes!
Activating other Functions and Effects
Depending on your decoder and the number of function keys provided on your cab, you might
have additional functions immediately available for you to activate. The default functions for
each decoder are listed on the instruction sheet that came with your decoder. Pressing F8, for
example, will mute all sound effects and is useful for silencing an engine when the telephone
rings.
As you see, no programming is necessary to begin enjoying your DSD! However…
After you have had a chance to play with your DSD-LC for a little while, you may wish to make
some changes such as selecting a new address or altering a sound effect. The following section
will introduce you to CVs and how and why you might wish to change them.