SoundBytes XXXVIII

Wow, does the time fly! We are now entering June and it seems like we just came back to work from the Christmas break! In this edition of SoundBytes, we will share some good news regarding C-19s. We will also take you along on a recording trip to Arizona. Last, in lieu of our Tech Tip, we will introduce a new regular addition to SoundBytes, a Dealer Spotlight!

C-19s are here!

We have received the much-anticipated C-19 Consolidations here in our facility in Durango. These models are packed with incredible detail. Because of this, they are going fast. We are now starting to sell out of the non-weathered, sound equipped locos, so be sure you have yours reserved at your favorite hobby shop. They have been inspected and being organized for faster packing and shipping. They will begin shipping out to dealers first thing next week!

Recording Trip!

Jarrette and Dan took a couple of days to go to Globe, Arizona to record some locos for potential upcoming projects. Some of the locos we were given access to were a GP-20, a B39-7 and an E-8. The GP-20 is equipped with a 567 Turbo prime mover, a popular sound we have not yet been released to a decoder. The B39-7 is equipped with a FDL-16 prime mover, but with more modern exhaust and the famous electric “Whoop” air compressor! Lastly, the E-8 has the original dual 567 prime movers.

This was a fun trip as they ran the locos up a grade pulling cars, while Jarrette and Dan rode in the cab along with the train crew.

We want to express our many thanks to the Arizona Eastern Railroad in Globe Arizona for their accommodations they made for us.

The staff was fantastic and a special thanks to Gary Hernandez and Earl Knoob. For those located in the southwest, come ride behind the E-8 on their Copper Spike Train from December to April. You can find out more by going to http://www.copperspike.com/. Be sure to watch for new announcements with these new sounds!

Dealer Spotlight

This is a new segment to SoundBytes. We have many great dealers out there and we want to promote these fine dealers. For this column, we will start with Arnie’s Trains in Westminster, CA.

Arnie's Trains was started by Jerry Arnold and Greg Arnold (Son, aka "Arnie") in 1975 on Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA. Jerry worked the store full time and Greg worked part time. The original store was 800 sq. ft, which quickly grew to 2400 sq. ft. In 1985 Arnie’s Trains moved to the corner of Edwards St. and Westminster Ave into a brand new larger space. In 1997 it was time to expand and move to the current 3600 sq. ft show room on Industry Way. Unfortunately Jerry passed away just as Arnie’s Trains was opening the new location. Greg continued doing business in the manner Jerry had always believed. Arnie’s has always and will always give the customers the old fashion honest and courteous good service. The business took off immediately being again blessed with the help of employee Dave Rickhoff and his wizardly knowledge of model trains. Greg’s good fortune continued when a young man by the name of Matt Haynes joined the Arnie’s team with youthful enthusiasm as part owner.

George and Nancy visited Arnie’s in October 2009 to recruit this great establishment as a direct SoundTraxx dealer. The SoundTraxx DCC has taken off at the store since. As a result, Arnie’s recently hired Kevin to help with SoundTraxx Tsunami installs and general DCC questions.

Greg gives thanks everyday for the opportunity to make a prosperous living selling model trains to a wonderful customer base.

Arnie’s Trains is located at 6452 Industry Way in Westminster, CA. The web address is http://www.arniestrains.com/ and phone number is 714.893.1015.

Thank you for supporting our dealers.

Blackstone Models Updates, Allison Goes International, and Using Multiple Lamp Types on TSU-AT1000 Decoders

We have been really busy here lately at SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models. In this edition, we will discuss Blackstone Models shipments, Allison’s trip to Calgary, and for our Tech Tip, we'll talk about how to use more than one type of lighting device on a single TSU-AT1000 decoder.

Blackstone Models News

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity here. We have been shipping out the passenger cars and the second release of the drop-bottom gondolas to our dealers throughout the world. Now that this has settled down, our much-anticipated C-19 locomotives have arrived and we are busy with the tedious task of inventory and inspection.

We are sold-out here of all weathered and non-sound versions, so check with your favorite dealers for availability of these units. The Blackstone Models design team has done a great job with these locomotives ensuring, each is as accurate as possible to the prototype. These will start shipping out to dealers in the first part of June, so be sure your hobby store has yours reserved!

Allison Goes International (written by Allison)

With Jarrette and I headed to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the SuperTrain show, I finally got to go "International!" 

Our flights from Albuquerque to Calgary were flawless. I was so excited to fill out my “immigration” papers on the flight from Denver to Calgary. After set-up on Friday, we headed west to Banff, Alberta. Even though I live in the Rockies, the Canadian Rockies near Banff were one of the most spectacular sights that I have ever witnessed. 

While we were in Banff, we were lucky enough to get to see a special Canadian Pacific passenger train, pulled by a pair of F7s and a GP-38. It was pretty cool to get really close to diesel locomotives, especially ones that are as old as the F7s. I even took some video on my camera of them. It was the first time I got excited about a train, other than the Durango and Silverton, of course.

The SuperTrain show was a great experience. We were thrilled to be so well received and it seemed that everyone was very appreciative that we had made the trip. Jarrette and I were impressed to see all of the layouts and other exhibitors, as well as the volume of consumers who passed in and out of our booth over the weekend. We hope to make SuperTrain a regular stop on our annual tradeshow tour.

All in all, it was a great trip and experience. It was very spiritual for me to get to see the Canadian Rockies, as I love the mountains so much. I really hope to go back someday to either do some snowboarding or mountain biking!

Tech Tip: Using Multiple Lamp Types with TSU-AT1000 Decoders

In our previous Tech Tip, we discussed that any type of lighting (3.3V LEDs, 12-14V bulbs and 1.5V bulbs) can be used with the Tsunami decoders. Some of the Tsunami plug-and-play decoders have outputs designed for a model’s specific type of lighting. For example, the TSU-GN1000 has 1.5V-regulated outputs designed for the Athearn Genesis models, which use 1.5V bulbs. The TSU-BW1000 and the TSU-KT1000 have 3.3V-regulated outputs for use Bowser/Stewart and Kato models with factory-installed LEDs, so they don't require additional resistors. The TSU-AT1000 is designed with all the above in mind. 

The TSU-AT1000 decoder is patterned after the light boards that came in Atlas models for years. But over time, the lighting device of choice has changed from 12V bulbs to 3.3V LEDs. The TSU-AT1000 provides the ability to use either option. As an added bonus, there is a provision to use 1.5V bulbs without the need for additional resistors. Therefore, the TSU-AT1000 is considered by many to be the most versatile diesel decoder available. 

The following diagram demonstrates how the many types of lighting devices can be used at the same time, or independently to meet the needs of your model. This diagram illustrates the use of two 1.5V bulbs for the headlamp, a 14V bulb for the backup lamp, an LED for the roof strobe light, and a single 1.5V bulb for a cab interior, or any other light that may be desired.

TSU-AT1000 Diagram with 12V and 1.5V bulbs, and LEDs

The TSU-GN1000 is not designed for easy use with LEDs, but the TSU-BW1000 and TSU-KT1000 can be used with 1.5V bulbs. To use 1.5V bulbs with those decoders, a small resistor is needed to drop the voltage from 3.3V for the LEDs to the 1.5V needed by the bulbs. To determine the resistor value, use Ohm's Law (V = I x R). For a single 1.5V, 15mA bulb, the voltage difference from an LED is 1.8V (3.3V - 1.5V = 18V). Thus the resistor value (R) is 120 (1.8V = 0.15mA x R), so we would use a 120-ohm resistor.

Mixing and matching of lighting types with the Tsunami decoders allows the use of any lighting device to create any lighting effect you want for your prized locomotive.

SoundBytes, XXXVI

It’s time for another edition of SoundBytes. This time, we will talk about upcoming Blackstone Models Releases. We have some Trade Show news to share telling you which shows we will attend over the next few months. Last for our Tech Tip, we will look at lighting and how to wire up the various types of lights available for our models.

Blackstone Models:

We have received the much-anticipated passenger cars along with the new run of drop-bottom gondolas. The passenger coaches are based on the Jackson and Sharp narrow gauge coaches that the Denver and Rio Grande ran from the turn of the century to today’s Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

There are 6 road numbers in these done in Pullman Green with varying details such as roof vents or roof conduits. They are complete in virtually every way, with a full detailed interior. Only thing missing would be a lighting kit. (Stay Tuned)
Also shipping is the second run of our popular drop-bottom gondolas. This is a run of 6 all-new road numbers available both weathered and non-weathered. The first run of these cars sold out before they arrived; so don’t miss your chance to have some of these before they are all sold out.
These cars have started shipping out to our dealers around the world.

Trade Show News

Jarrette and Allison will be on the road in Calgary, AB Canada at the Super Train Show on April 16th and 17th 2011. We will be showing our SoundTraxx products as well as pre-production samples of the upcoming Blackstone C-19s. This will be the first venture out of the USA in a while, so we are excited to get to visit a new area and meet with new modelers. Allison is excited to write our next post as she “Goes International!” No telling what adventures she will have!

For more information, please visit their website, http://www.supertrain.ca/  If you are in the Calgary area, be sure to come by and visit. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, we will be happy to help you answer these for you.

Coming up in May, Jarrette will be at the Sherman Hill Club Train Show in Cheyenne, WY on May 21st and 22nd 2011. Then, George will be at the National N-scale Convention in Hershey, PA in June to show off some exciting products for N-scalers! If you are able to come by any of these shows, be sure to stop by and say hi and see what we have to show.

Tech Tip:

We get asked many times about how to wire in locomotive lighting with the Tsunami decoders. The Tsunami decoders are designed to operate virtually any model lighting you can think of. While the specific design of the decoders may favor one specific type of lighting, in this post, we will first address the TSU-1000 and the TSU-750 decoders.
The Tsunami decoder will support the many variants of model locomotive lighting. The biggest question we get is whether the types of lighting can be mixed and matched. In a word, Yes! If you have LEDs for headlamps, there is no reason you cannot have 1.5v bulbs for auxiliary lighting, like ditch lights on modern diesel locomotives. When wiring up the lights, be sure to note that the blue wire is not only the common, but also it is the positive lead to the functions. The function output wires on the TSU-1000 and TSU-750 are the negative leads. Wiring in an LED, it is important to wire in the blue wire to the anode (+) leg of the LED. LEDs and low-voltage light bulbs, like 1.5v bulbs, will need a resistor to prevent premature burnouts. For LEDs, a 1000-ohm (1k) resistor will be fine for most applications, but for small light bulbs, the resistor will need to be calculated and figured out.

Another common question we get is what the output voltage is to the lights. For the TSU-1000 and TSU-750, this is answered by knowing the track voltage supplied by your DCC system. If your DCC system supplies 14.5v to the rails, then the output will typically be rectified track voltage.
So to calculate light bulb resistors, use Ohm’s law; V=IR, of (V)oltage equals Current (I) times (R)esistance. So to calculate for a dropping resistor, using 14.5v on the track, for a 1.5v 15ma bulb the equation looks like this: 14.5-1.5=13v so 13v=.015 x R. Solve for R so 13/.015 = 866 ohms. So go to your favorite electronics store and get a few resistors at the nearest standard value to 866 ohms.
Next time we will look at some of the drop-in decoders and how their light outputs are configured.

SoundBytes XXXV

Its time for another edition of SoundBytes. In this edition, we will discuss the arrival of some Blackstone Models products. We will talk about the NMRA divisional meet in Phoenix this weekend. Last, for our tech tip, we will discuss the function mapping for steam decoders.

Blackstone Shipment
They are on their way!! We have received word that the passenger cars and the second run of drop-bottom gondolas are in Long Beach, CA. Barring any delays at Homeland Security, we should be seeing these arrive here in a few short weeks! With all shipments, we will ship to our dealers as quickly as we can. Passenger cars have sold well, with many of the cars at low available quantities. This includes the popular “Silverton 3-Pack”, so be sure to order now to ensure you get the cars that you want. We are also receiving the second run of the drop-bottom gondolas at this time. Last time, the run sold out before they arrived, so be sure to get yours while you still can, quantities are limited! Check here for news of their arrival. C-19s are in production now, so we will be seeing them soon as well!


Jarrette’s Going To Arizona
On March 12th, this Saturday, The Arizona Division of the NMRA will hold their meet in the Greater Phoenix Area.

Jarrette will be giving clinics on using the Tsunami decoders there. If you are interested in attending, please visit their website: http://azdiv-nmra.org/

Tech Tip:
Last time we discussed function mapping and used a diesel as an example. This time we will discuss function mapping using a steam decoder. Here is the mapping chart as shown in the Tsunami Steam User’s Guide that can be found here: http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals.php.
Function mapping works the same way with the steam decoder as it does with the diesel decoder. The CVs on the left show correspond with the function numbers and the chart defines which functions are available to use.


By adding up the value assigned to each sound effect or lighting effect, you will determine the final value for a given function CV. One big thing you will find is that F0f, CV 33, has both the value of 1 and 64 in bold as the default setting. That is because when F0 is active and the locomotive is in the forward direction, the headlamp and the dynamo will be active. The dynamo is the steam-driven electric generator that powers the lights on the steam locomotive. One of the Hyperlight features we have is the Dyno-light that spools up the light while the dynamo spools up. If the dynamo sound is not active when the headlamp is on, the light will not illuminate since it needs the electricity generated by the dynamo. If desired, the dynamo sound can be mapped to a different function button. To help explain how these CVs are set up, we will add the FX5 to the F0f button. FX5, in this example will be wired to the class lights on the front of the locomotive. Looking at the chart, F0f is set by CV33. The headlamp has a value of 1, FX5 has a value of 16 and the dynamo has a value of 64. To activate all three of these at the same time, add up the values. CV 33 would then be set to 81. Without changing CV39 also, F5 will turn on the lamps as well, so lets change F5 to control the Water Stop. By setting CV 39 to 64, we can see that now the F5 will activate the water stop sounds. Last, F9 also controls the water stop, so since we don’t use F9 much, lets set CV 43 to 0, so it now will not control any sound or lighting effect.
Playing with these settings can help you set up a function-mapping scheme for your railroad that works the way you want. Next time, we can really have fun and play around with function swapping!

SoundBytes XXXIV

In this edition of SoundBytes, we will re-cap George’s trip to Maryland for the Great Scale Model train Show in Timonium, Maryland. We also have a lot to show including the painted samples of the passenger cars and C-19s. Also, we are releasing a Durango and Silverton caboose to be available for purchasing at your local hobby shop. For our Tech Tip, we will discuss function mapping.

Maryland Trip.
George went for a few days to Maryland to visit some of our dealers in the area, as well as to be at the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium, MD. While there, he took some time to visit the B&O Railroad Museum.

This was a fun side trip to see some of the steam locos from the 1800s

and some more modern steam

and diesel locos as well.
This was definitely worth the time on this trip. For more information, visit http://www.borail.org/

On this trip, George visited Trains, Etc. in Lorton, VA
The Moose Caboose in Sykesville, MD,
Model Rail Craft in Havre de Grace, MD,
and trains, Toys and Hobbies in Wilmington, DE.

While there, he was also able to visit a truely great model railroad. Howard Zane, http://www.zanestrains.com/, MMR and author, has his 2850 sq ft. HO Piermont Division layout in his basement.

This was impressive to say the least. Best of all, he uses mostly SoundTraxx sound decoders, except for a few factory-installed by other manufacturers. This layout has been featured on Allen Keller’s series of videos two separate times. Here are a few shots of this layout.


We would like to extend our thanks to Howard Zane and his family for their hospitality in allowing George to come visit this superb layout.

Blackstone Models News!
We have received here in Durango the decorated samples of some of our upcoming projects for Blackstone Models. We have received samples of our passenger cars. One of the exciting features about these cars is they will have full painted and detailed interiors! We are expecting these to arrive here in early spring.


Last to show are the painted samples of the C-19s. We have received all of them here and we are carefully reviewing these to ensure they are as accurate as possible. Here are a few shots for you to whet your appetite with! These are expected to arrive at our facility in early summer.


Last, the second run of Drop-Bottom Gondolas is expected to arrive here in early spring.

New announcement!
Now shipping to the dealers: The Durango and Silverton special run caboose models the 0540 as she appears today for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. These limited run cabooses are available to all through their local hobby shops. Part number is B340961 and retail price is only $79.95! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to have one of these limited edition cars.


Tech Tip:
The Tsunami decoders have the ability to shift around the function controls to your liking. For example, the short horn can be re-mapped to F5, rather than F3 if you so choose, or the F11 Brake to F8 to more easily access this function by pressing one button instead of two or more. This allows you to arrange any arrangement you desire to best utilize your cab’s controls or match your prototype, and it’s easy to do!
Looking at the Function Mapping chart, Table F in the Steam and Diesel User’s Guide, we see that CV 33 controls what comes on when F0 is active and the loco is in the forward direction.
In the case of the diesel, only the headlamp, a value of 1, is active. If the ditch lights (Which are set to alternate using FX5 and FX6) are desired to turn on and off with the headlamp, then add in 16 and 32 to the 1 that was there, for a total of 49, which will then be programmed into CV 33. So by doing this, the Headlamp and ditch lights will be on when F0 is active going in the forward direction. This also frees up F5 and F6 for other sound effects. Looking at CV 39, which then controls F5, we can activate bell, dynamic brake, short horn, or radiator fans (Or engine RPM +). Just add up the value(s) for any given effects and put the total into the CV. Alternately, if independent control of the ditch lights from the headlamp using only F5 were desired, you would then set CV 39 to 6 (2+4=6). It also applies for CV 40 for F6.
Using this scheme, almost any combination of lighting and sound effects can be contrived. In the next edition, we will show another way of opening up any sound to any function using CV 30.

SoundBytes XXXIII

Here we are with the first SoundBytes for 2011. It has been a while, but we hope everyone had a Happy New Year! In this edition, we will discuss the impending arrival of the Blackstone Tank cars, talk a bit about the tradeshow season and upcoming trips, and finish with new products coming from SoundTraxx. For our Tech Tip, we will show our Decoder Selector’s Newest Feature, the Application Notes.

Blackstone News!
The Tank cars are here! We received these much-anticipated models this week. These models are all sold out at the factory, but many of our dealers may still have stock available for purchase. Please check with them for availability.

Shipping will start next week to the dealers.

Trade Show Season
This month has flown by us. We just got back from a busy Amherst show this past weekend. We thank the many who braved the cold temperatures and snow to come out and see us. We talked with many of you and we always appreciate feedback from our customers.
George is on his way to visit the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium MD.

He will be showing some samples of the C-19, Passenger Coach and the Tank Car. Listen for announcements during the show to hear which booths he will be at, so you can come by and ask questions and see some of the new products and see demonstrations. While there, he is planning on visiting the B&O Railroad Museum. We’ll report back on his trip in a later installment.

Available Soon!
We have started to build the TSU-1000 decoders for the EMD SD70ACe and the GE GEVO locomotives. These have authentic recordings of these specific locomotives.

These will be shipping soon, so be sure to order these from your favorite dealer!


Now Shipping!
We have released the first few of the SoundTraxx Mobile Decoders! These are equipped with the fine motor control you have come to expect from the Tsunami, but without sound. All Tsunami motor control features are there, including the F11 brake acting as a brake, just without the sound! These can help make speed matching more convenient without having to read through different manufacturer’s manuals trying to get it close. Retail price starts at $19.95, so get yours today! More information can be found here: http://www.soundtraxx.com/MotorDecoders/MotorDecoders.php

Tech Tip:
We have posted a decoder selector to help with your decoder selection. We now have a new feature included with the selector, Application Notes. These are documents that will give a full step-by-step installation of a decoder into the specific models. These will have a list of tools, supplies and which decoder and speaker to use. These are also rated by skill level, so you may not want to try a skill level 5 on your first decoder install.
The decoder selector can be accessed here: http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step1.php
When you find your model, click on the model’s highlighted name and it will then open up a .pdf for you to read through and use as a guide!
If anyone wants to participate in helping get some of these documents done, please contact George at georgeb@soundtraxx.com for details and to inquire as to whether we have a given model in progress or not. Also, be sure the photos are clean (on a white or grey backdrop, no messy workbenches please) and in focus. We will give full recognition to you for your submissions.

Happy Holidays!

We would like to wish each and every one of you out there a safe and Happy Holidays from the crew at SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models! We will close for the Holidays on Dec 23rd and re-open Jan 3rd, 2010. Thank you for a successful 20th year in business!