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Decoder settings
tant parameters of the LokSound decoder. A full list of CVs can
be found in the respective manual available for download on our
website www.esu.eu
3.1. Basics of DCC programming
The hardware determines some features such as the number of
function outputs as well as the maximum permitted current of
the motor output. Therefore they are not programmable. Never-
theless, there are plenty of possibilities to influence the behaviour
of the LokSound decoder by adjusting the software-governed
properties. Within the decoder there is at least one memory space
reserved for each adjustable parameter in which numbers or let-
ters can be stored.
You could visualise the storage spaces as index cards in a large file
box. In order to make sure you find the right card again, they all
have numbers and / or names outlining the properties of this par-
ticular card such as "locomotive address" or "maximum speed".
Just imagine you can write information onto these cards. Adjust-
ing the settings means nothing else but erasing one entry and
replacing it with another. Moreover, you are able to do that at any
time. However, you cannot write onto every card: some bits of
information such as the manufacturer's code are firmly encoded.
Thus, you can determine the content of the storage spaces in the
decoder even during operation and, of course, the decoder will
follow the instructions. Via the procedure known as "Program-
ming", you can enter the desired data into the storage spaces.
3.1.1. Configuration Variables (CV)
The LokSound decoders follow the CV concept developed in the
US. CV stands for "Configuration Variable" and indicates that the
storage cells described above are not only variable but they also
determine the behaviour of the decoder.
3.1.2. Standardization in the NMRA
The NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) has defined
which CVs determine certain parameters of a decoder. The DCC
standard allocates fixed numbers for certain CVs (adherence is
obligatory). This greatly simplifies things for the user since decod-
ers of most manufacturers comply with this standard and there-
fore dealing with CVs requires the same process with the same
CV-numbers regardless of the manufacturer.
The DCC concept permits you to enter numbers ranging from 0 to
255 into CVs. Each CV carries only one number.
While the position number is predetermined, the range of values
may vary. Not all CVs must accept values ranging from 0 to 255.
The permitted values for LokSound decoders are listed in the table
starting on page 10, showing the most important available CVs.
3.1.3. Bits and Bytes
Most CVs contain numbers: CV 1 for instance contains the lo-
comotive address. This can be any number between 1 and 127.
While most CVs expect numbers to be entered, some others are
rather like a "collection point" of various "switches", that admin-
ister different functions in one CV (mainly "on" or "off): CVs 29
and 49 are good examples: you must calculate the value for these
CVs yourself. The value depends on which settings you want to
program:
Have a look at the explanations for CV 29 in the table on page 11:
firstly, decide which options should be active. The column "Value"
has two numbers for each option. If the option is switched off,
the value is 0. Otherwise, it is a number between 1 and 128. Add
all the values for the respective options to arrive at the correct
value for this CV.
3.1.4. Programming methods
LokSound decoders support all NMRA programming modes as
there are the programming track modes (Direct Mode, Register
Mode, Paged Mode) and the mode for the main ("POM", "Pro-
gramming on the Main").
3.1.4.1. Programming on The Main
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