The Tsunami "Technical Reference Manuals" are just that, technical information for each CV. They are intended for more advanced / experienced programmers. For basic programming instructions and examples, users will need the following manuals. They are probably on the CD, but some may want to study them in advance.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/Bachmann%20Quick%20Start%20Guide.pdf

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/OEM%20Steam%20Users%20Guide.pdf

Soundtraxx decoders are made here in Colorado. The next time we get down Durango way we will take a tour.  To see how the decoders are made, visit this page: (scroll down to "May 19".)

http://soundtraxx-soundbytes.blogspot.com/

There is a Tech Tip section on the PTB-100 booster. Another section details setting up the Hyperlights for After Market (AM) versions. 

Jonathan,
I see it just fine. If you want, you could remove the "photos resized to be dialup friendly", saving some space in your posts.

It's called a "signature line", (or area) but it can be used for whatever you want. I use it to display my two "Rules".

Jonathan,
I just visited your album, it loaded fast and the pictures look great. I'm especially impressed with the lighting and detail.  Good job.

Hey, I always say: "It's my story and I can tell it any way I want to".   

Some claim, or have reported, that running on DC with the decoder installed requires a higher throttle setting to start, and/or results in erratic speeds.

If someone runs strictly DC power, then it probably would be practical to remove a non-sound decoder as it serves no purpose.

In case of a decoder failure running on DCC, I suppose you could install the dummy plug/pins so you could temporarily run the locomotive as an analog unit.

It does make a case for plug in decoders as opposed to hard wired.

Please identify if you want it considered as a nominee vote.   

If others agree on a certain locomotive, adds to the votes for the loco. 

I'll have to play "Donald Trump", to tally and determine the winner when the thread dries up.

Jeff,
In Aukland, a "Jigger" is a small 4 wheel motor car used to transport workers to the bush, similar to a "scooter".

A "Jigger" also means "a full tonnage of weight".

A "Jigger Valve" is used to conserve water. 

This is a handy calculator to demonstrate CV 29. Tick the items you want and read the value at the bottom, or change (read) the bottom value and hit "back calc" to see what is set.

http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm

I had a lengthy conversation today with George at Soundtraxx, regarding the "Tsunami Technology" sound decoders factory  installed in Bachmann steam locomotives.

First some definitions.
"OEM" stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which can mean a company that uses the product of another company in manufacturing, (Bachmann), or a company that supplies the component to the factory, (Soundtraxx).   Soundtraxx makes the decoder according to Bachmann's specifications, and Bachmann installs the decoder.  Not being fond of word games, I get tired of typing "Tsunami Technology",  it's easier to just type OEM.

"After Market", or "AM"...For this report, I use this acronym to mean "The after market, separately purchased, user installed, full featured" Tsunami sound decoder.

Unless specified otherwise, the following pertains to the OEM version installed by Bachmann.

1.  The technical reference manual included on the CD packed with each Bachmann sound locomotive IS THE SAME manual that is downloadable from Soundtraxx. Therefore the manual may make reference to features that are not available in the OEM version.

2.  The only lighting functions are directional headlight and taillight. (The AM version has 2 auxiliary lighting effects that can be mapped to function buttons.

3.   Exhaust Synchronization Cam (ESC) connection is NOT provided.

4.   "Fireman Freddy" NOT included in sounds. Sound "equalizer" NOT included.

5.   CVs pertaining to  Extended (4 digit) address, Vstart, Vmax, Acceleration, Deceleration, BEMF, and Advanced Consisting ARE supported.  Vmid is NOT supported.  We did not discuss speed tables.

6.   Only three (3) whistles are available, selection depends on locomotive class. (AM versions have six (6)).

7.   Decoder installed at the factory is specific to locomotive "class"..... 4-4-0 light steam, 2-8-0 medium steam, 2-10-0 heavy steam, refer to the Soundtraxx site for complete list of appropriate classes and decoders.  Whatever the chart says, that's what you can expect to receive.

8.   CV 29 preset to a value of 6 (analog enabled.)  (AM versions preset to value of 2, analog disabled)

9.   Programming CVs:  The Soundtraxx program track booster (PTB-100) is highly recommended but may not be required for some  DCC systems. Due to the diversity of systems, Soundtraxx won't make controller specific recommendations regarding this. If you can't program Tsunami, you need the booster.

Other notes.
George will be adding "blogs" on the site about using the Soundtraxx Programming Track Booster (PTB-100), mapping light functions and other instructions, but they will apply primarily to the AM version.  George patiently walked me through mapping mars and ditchlights to  F9, F5 and F6, including values for CV 51 (Phase A crossing logic) and CV 52 (Phase B crossing logic) to link horn to flashing ditch lights.  That would be cool for my diesels.  The tech reference manual has all charts and details to map the functions.

I think that covers all we discussed. George, being the expert he is, was rattling off all this stuff, while I'm writing as fast as my eyes would allow. Therefore I assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.     

Jack,
I finally contacted Soundtraxx today. Please refer to my new thread "Bachmann Sound Locomotives" in the HO section for information.

Yes, I believe it is. I closed off the end vestibules, as Yampa Valley Mail rarely ran more than one small coach, preceded by an RPO. During heavy traffic, such as Ski Season, they would use a longer coach. 

You were fortunate to find the Harriman cars. A friend sent me the one I mentioned, wish I had a few more of them. Too bad we don't live closer to each other, we could do some serious trading. 

I should expand my philosophy a bit: "One engineer, one throttle, one train. I only run two trains for practice, to hone my dexterity skills with EZ Command. Normally when we run two trains, I use the EZC from Craig station, my wife runs the  EZ Companion throttle on the Phippsburg side.

Having two engineers is twice the fun.

I run long six axle diesels on my 18" layout, never had a problem with pulling cars off the tracks, even at full throttle . The rear swingout is minimal, I'm still using the stock McHenry couplers that came on my Athearn models.

As for "appearance", that is up to each modeler's personal judgement, I think they look great on the curves, very little overhang.

No, I call it a "Thingamabob".  A "whatsits" is your backside. 

Detailed diagram with 254 identified components. Now you don't have to ask about the thingamajig that connects to the whatchamacallit.

http://cprr.org/Museum/Science_of_Railways_1899/Steam_Locomotive.html

Major "working" components, click all the links for other diagrams and animations.

http://home.roadrunner.com/~trumpetb/loco/locoworks.html

More great links on the "Home" page.

Enjoy.   

Me? Pick on PD?  Never, he's a pretty cool character. 

Hey Paul, here's your buddy.
http://users.telenet.be/leukelinks/flash/bug.htm