SoundTraxx Tsunami Installation Manual

Digital sound decoder. software release 1.00
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Tsunami™ Digital Sound Decoder
Installation Guide
for the New User
Software Release 1.00
Rev. A 11/18/05

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Summary of Contents for SoundTraxx Tsunami

  • Page 1 Tsunami™ Digital Sound Decoder Installation Guide for the New User Software Release 1.00 Rev. A 11/18/05...
  • Page 2 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 dam- ages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents All Aboard! ................1 Overview ....................1 Features ....................2 Installation ................4 Pre-Installation Checklist ...............4 Step 1: Select Your Locomotive ............6 Step 2: Test the Stall Current ..............7 Step 3: Plan the Installation ..............8 Step 4: Isolate the Motor ..............14 Step 5: Modify the Tender or Body Shell ..........16 Step 6: Secure the Speaker In Place ..........18 Step 7: Install the Exhaust Cam (Steam) ..........19...
  • Page 4: All Aboard

    Once you’ve had some experience using and programming your decoder, the Tsunami Technical Reference will provide a list of all the CVs available for use with Tsunami decoders. This reference also explains their exact function and make-up for those who wish to have a complete reference for advanced programming techniques.
  • Page 5: Features

    All Aboard! Tsunami Features Tsunami Digital Sound Decoders have a great number of new features designed to enhance your operating experience. Many features operate similarly to previous SoundTraxx decoders, but some features will require a little explanation. Some of the enhancements include: Decoder Features •...
  • Page 6 Silent High Frequency Motor Drive Lighting Features All of our Hyperlight effects are available in our Tsunami decoders. One new addition, the Dyno-Light, provides the missing element in the operation of the Dynamo, or steam generator. This mimics the effect of the gradual increase in brightness as the generator spools up and supplies power to the headlight.
  • Page 7: Installation

    Pre-installation Check List It will be a great temptation to begin connecting wires immediately. Before you install your Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder, there are some simple precautions you should take. First, read the instruction sheet that came with your decoder carefully! It will always be the source of the most recent information.
  • Page 8 SoundTraxx P.N. 810123 is an NMRA-compatible 8-pin socket useful for converting harnessed decoders to a more ‘plug and play’ format. SoundTraxx offers two sizes of 1.5 Volt micro-bulbs for use with the included lighting effects. P.N. 810022 is a 1.3mm diameter bulb and P.N. 810024 is a 2.2mm diameter bulb.
  • Page 9: Step 1: Select Your Locomotive

    Don’t pick a noisy engine, or one which experiences some arcing or sparking when in operation. The best sound will come from locomotives powered with can motors. Older, open-frame motors may produce an offensive, interference sound. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 6 Page 6...
  • Page 10: Step 2: Test The Stall Current

    Step 2. Test the Motor Stall Current Test the locomotive’s stall current to ensure that it is compatible with the Tsunami model you have selected. 1. Place the locomotive on a section of track powered by a conventional DC power pack set to the same track voltage as your command station (typically 12-14 volts).
  • Page 11: Step 3: Plan The Installation

    fit, as a bigger speaker will provide more volume and deeper bass. Figure 2 shows a typical Tsunami installation in a die-cast locomotive. Following as many of the guidelines above as possible, we’ve mounted the flat side of the decoder against the tender shell to help dissipate some heat.
  • Page 12 Figure 4 - Typical Diesel Sound Installation Figure 4 shows a typical Tsunami installation for a diesel locomotive. In this instance, the speaker is mounted in the fuel tank, with the module itself under the fan grills. If the fan grills are open, some airflow can be created by drilling some small holes in the bottom of the frame without compromising the sound quality since the speaker is isolated in the fuel tank (a natural baffle!).
  • Page 13 Alternatively, up under the fan grills or in the cab can be good locations. SoundTraxx offers a variety of high quality, miniature speakers suitable for use with the Tsunami Digital Sound Decoders (see the table on page 12) as well as baffle kits for some of the more popular models.
  • Page 14 Tsunami’s amplifier is designed to drive an 8 ohm load. If you choose to use Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide...
  • Page 15 If not wired correctly, multiple speakers can overload the amplifier. Note: Do not use Tsunami with speakers whose (total) impedance is less than 8 ohms. Doing so may result in erratic operation or even component failure!
  • Page 16 DSD and various sub-components. This will help you determine which type of connector is best suited for your needs. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 13...
  • Page 17: Step 4: Isolate The Motor

    Be aware that some locomotives may make contact between the motor and frame only when the body is reinstalled. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 14...
  • Page 18 You will also need to disconnect the wires leading to any lights you wish to use. Using an ohmmeter, check that each lamp lead is electrically isolated from the frame as well as the left and right rail pickups. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 15...
  • Page 19: Step 5: Modify The Tender Or Body Shell

    Figure 10 - Examples of Some Tender Modifications In the case of a diesel model, you may need to mill out some of the weight Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 16 Page 16...
  • Page 20 Fabricate styrene baffle Oval Speaker Speaker Mill out the metal fuel tank and create styrene Speaker Gasket deck plate for speaker to mount. Deck Plate Figure 11 - Diesel Modifications Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 17 Page 17...
  • Page 21: Step 6: Secure The Speaker In Place

    Remove the other backing and mount your speaker in the desired location. Figure 12 - Applying the Speaker Gasket SoundTraxx has four different gasket sizes available in packages of four: P.N. 810118 3/4” round gaskets for use with our 3/4” diameter speaker (P.N. 810053) P.N.
  • Page 22: Step 7: Install The Exhaust Cam (Steam)

    If you are intending to synchronize the steam exhaust chuff using a mechanical cam switch, you have a little more work to do. Otherwise, if you are planning to use the Tsunami’s Auto-Exhaust feature, you may skip this step. SoundTraxx offers its P.N. 810038 Exhaust Cam Kit as an easy to install alternative to traditional axle mounted sound cams.
  • Page 23 14. Keep the spring wire as long as possible to provide flexibility. If the wire is too short, it will rub against the synchronizer disk with excess force causing premature wear and possible binding. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 20...
  • Page 24 1/32” to 1/16” and secure the base in place with epoxy. Figure 15 - Contact Wiper Alignment Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 21 Page 21...
  • Page 25: Step 8: Install And Wire The Decoder

    To ensure long-term reliability, solder all connections and insulate with heat- shrink tubing such as SoundTraxx P.N. 810036. Make your connections according to the Master Wiring Diagram and the figures that follow.
  • Page 26 If in doubt, try swapping the polarity of one speaker and see if the sound improves or worsens. Tsunami is designed to drive an 8 ohm load. You must properly wire multiple speakers according to the directions that follow so as not to exceed this load.
  • Page 27 8 ohms. Speaker Plus (+) Speaker Minus (-) 8 Ohms Figure 20 - Wiring Four 8-Ohm Speakers in Series/Parallel Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 24 Page 24...
  • Page 28 YELLOW Figure 21 - Wiring the Decoder for 12 Volt Lamps If you are driving 1.5V microbulbs with your Tsunami decoder, it will be necessary to wire a small current-limiting resistor in series with each of the lamps to prevent them from burning out (see Figure 22).
  • Page 29 Using LEDs Tsunami decoders may be used with LEDs, which also require a resistor to be wired in series, typically about 680-ohms, 1/4W. Unlike lightbulbs, LEDs are sensitive to polarity. The minus (-) cathode end of the LED (the shorter of the two leads) is connected to the function output and the plus (+) anode end is connected to the decoder’s BLUE (function common) wire.
  • Page 30 DSD’s wire harness, which will allow you to easily install the decoder by simply plugging the connector into the socket, with the exception of the speaker and cam connections. SoundTraxx offers P.N. 810123, which is a package of four connectors that meet NMRA specifications.
  • Page 31 Pin 3 Pin 6 Pin 3 Pin 6 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 4 Pin 5 Test the Headlight Connections Figure 26 - Testing the NMRA Socket - Headlight Connections Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 28 Page 28...
  • Page 32: Step 9: Test The Installation

    Variables to get the desired sound and lighting effects. If the decoder does not respond as expected, first re-check your wiring. If no solution is found, proceed to the Troubleshooting section of the User’s Guide. Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 29...
  • Page 33: Support

    Return the Digital Sound Decoder with your dated sales receipt, properly packaged, post- age paid and insured. SoundTraxx is not responsible for product lost or damaged in transit. To help expedite your repair, complete a Service Request Form available from our website at www.soundtraxx.com/support or by contacting our Customer Service Department.
  • Page 34 For prompt factory service, contact: SoundTraxx Service Department 210 Rock Point Drive Durango, CO 81301 Telephone (970) 259-0690 Fax (970) 259-0691 Email: support@soundtraxx.com Tsunami Installation Guide Tsunami Installation Guide Page 31 Page 31...
  • Page 35 ©2005 Throttle Up! Corp. All Rights Reserved. COMPATIBLE WITH THE NMRA DCC STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES New Dimensions in Digital Sound Technology 141 Burnett Drive Durango, CO 81301 (970) 259-0690 Fax: (970) 259-0691 Email: Sales@soundtraxx.com Tsunami Installation Guide Page 32...

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