Diesel Version 5:CV 147
| Throttle Mode | |
|---|---|
| Range of Values | 0-2 |
| Default Value | 1 (Prototype Mode) |
Contents
NMRA CV 147 (Throttle Selection)
There are 3 different throttle modes in the WOWSound decoder to choose from, TCS offers Traditional Throttle Mode (slot car mode), Prototype Mode, and Manual Notching. Each mode offers different levels of control and prototype authenticity. The WOWDiesel decoder defaults to Prototype Throttle mode which gives the most prototypical performance by taking advantage of TCS's revolutionary Proto-Notch™ technology.
The easy way to select a throttle mode is to use menu 4.1 of Audio Assist™.
Additionally this CV can be manually programmed by entering the value of the desired throttle mode into CV147
| Throttle Mode | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional Throttle mode | 0 |
| Prototype Throttle Mode | 1 |
| Manual Notching Mode | 2 |
Traditional Throttle Mode
Traditional throttle mode is how sound decoders traditionally operate, where the prime move notch is related directly to the speed, every x speed steps (of 128 speed steps) is a different notch, so the faster you go the higher the notch you will be in.
The speed setpoints that the prime mover changes notches are controlled by CV165 - CV172 where CV165 controls when the locomotive goes into Notch 1 and CV172 controls what speed step the locomotive goes into Notch 8
By default TCS WOWSound decoder operate in Prototype Mode.
Traditional throttle mode is also available though and can be selected using Audio_Assist™ menu 4.1 or by programming CV147 Throttle Type
Prototype Mode
TCS brought Auto notching to the model train hobby with the Advent of the WOWDiesel decoder, it is arguably the coolest feature of the WOWSound decoder.
Auto notching allows the decoder to decide what notch to be in, no longer do you have a notch based on just the speed like in Traditional Throttle Mode. With Auto Notching the prime mover sound is constantly changing as it goes up hills, around curves, picks up more cars, and coasts down hills! You can even calibrate the locomotive in Audio Assist™ so it knows what the ruling grade is on your layout and will be in notch 8 as it traverses it!
To calibrate your WOWDiesel locomotive so that it knows the ruling grade and downhill grades on your layout enter Audio Assist™ and go to the calibration menu (menu 3.2) and follow the audio prompt from the decoder. It will ask you to run the locomotive in a coasting condition and then a notch 8 condition. (PRO TIP: While on the calibration menu you can calibrate the coasting point by pressing function 1 or the notch 8 point by pressing button 2, even if the menu is telling you to do otherwise)
Behind the scenes Audio Assist™ is saving the calibration data to CV152 BEMF Calibration Low and CV154 BEMF Calibration High both CV's can be programmed tweaked manually. TCS recommends calibrating using Audio Assist and then manually tweaking the CV's if need be.
Manual Notching
Manual Notching is for users who like to run prototypically without letting the decoder have all the fun of Auto Notching.
In Manual Notch mode you can manually select the notch by pressing the notch up or notch down buttons (by default they are functions 10 and 11 respectively). Meanwhile you can still control the speed as your normally would. This gives full control of both the speed and notch to you simultaneously!
The manual notch buttons are always active regardless of which Throttle Mode is selected. However when not in manual notching mode manual changes are overridden when a speed change is made. For example if you are in Traditional throttle mode and running down a hill you may want to manually notch down, when you reach the bottom of the hill changing the speed will revert the notch back to what it was at the top of the hill. While in manual notch mode speed changes do not override the manual notch setting.
See the video below for more information and a demonstration.
