11
Digital / DCC Operation
This model is equipped with a
sophisticated digital steam sound decoder
which has been factory-programmed and
optimized. The loco is ready for initial use
with no need for adjustments or
programming. The loco will operate
immediately using a PIKO Digital System or
other NMRA/NEM-compliant DCC system
designed for G-Scale trains. This loco is
not designed to operate correctly on older
digital systems (MTS I, etc.) which use only
“serial” data transmission. Because the
sound decoder also operates the motor,
smoke unit and lights, many settings
(called Configuration Variables or CVs) can
be adjusted to modify how the locomotive
runs as well as how it sounds.
For additional information on these
features, see the complete Owner’s Manual
and Technical Reference at www.piko.de or
www.piko-america.com. Note that a
computer with Adobe® Acrobat Reader
installed is required to view and print
these files. This is available as a free
download from www.adobe.com.
Operating on the PIKO Digital System
or other DCC system
The loco is factory-programmed to respond
to Loco Address 3. The online Owner’s
Manual provides the information needed
to adjust the sound decoder’s numerous
settings (CVs) as desired.
Attention!
The sound decoder in this
model is a highly sophisticated and
technically complex device. The factory-
programmed settings (CVs) are the result
of extensive engineering experience and
testing for optimal performance. Changing
CVs can result in poor performance or
failure of some functions to operate. This
should only be attempted by someone
technically qualified to perform these tasks
successfully.
The locomotive’s sound decoder is factory-
set with the following “default” function
assignments:
Function Default Setting
F0
Headlight On/Off
F1
Bell On/Off
F2
Whistle On/Off
F3
Short Whistle
F4
Steam Release (Hiss)
F5
(Not used)
F6
Smoke Unit On/Off
F7
Headlight Dimmer On/Off
F8
Mute
F9
Inertia Override (temporarily
overrides momentum settings)
F10
Half Speed (for
switching/shunting operations)
F11
Brake Squeal (when moving)
Brake Release (when stopped)
F12
(Not used)
Automatic versus User-Activated
Features
Some features work automatically on
Digital operation, for example, steam
exhaust chuff, air compressor and coal
shoveling (as appropriate for the loco).
Other features, such as bell, whistle and
brake sounds, are user-activated by the
appropriate function button on the Digital
controller.
Volume Control
The volume control knob in the tender also
functions on Digital operation. (See
section above under Analog DC Operation
for important info.) Additionally, using a
Digital system, the sound decoder’s built-in
mixer allows adjustment of the master
volume as well as individual adjustment of
each sound effect. The Owner’s Manual
provides info on these settings.
Track Magnets
If track magnets are installed in the track,
the loco’s built-in sensors will activate the
same bell or whistle sequences described
above under Analog DC Operation.
Popular CV Adjustments
Loco Address
Using a Digital system, the address of the
loco’s sound decoder may be programmed
to any address ranging from 0 to 9,999.
Note that some Digital systems can only
program or operate a more limited number
of addresses.
Speed Steps
The sound decoder is factory-set to 28
speed steps. It can also be programmed to
either 14 or 128 speed steps. If operating
on a system which only supports 14 speed
steps, it will be necessary to program the
loco to 14 speed steps for proper
functioning of the headlights.
Whistle Tone
By programming CV 115 to a value of 0, 1
or 2, one of three different whistle tones
can be selected.
CV Reset
Programming CV 8 to a value of 8 will
accomplish a “reset” of all CVs to the
factory defaults.
