rolling thunder technical reference manual manual_0.3.pdf · rolling thunder consists of one...

Release 0.3

Rolling Thunder Technical Reference Manual

2

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Rolling Thunder consists of one transmitter in a Paragon 3 Rolling

Thunder equipped locomotive and one Rolling Thunder receiver

connected to a bass sub-woofer. The transmitted sounds range from 1hz to

1khz allowing great bass response never achievable in Ho model

railroading.

DCC Characteristics

14 bit addressing

7 bit addressing (1-127)

Operations mode support for all CV settings

Configuration Variable Access Acknowledgement in Service mode

Direct, Address Only, Physical Addressing and Paged CV Addressing

Modes support in Service Mode including Write and Verify

DC characteristics

DCMaster uses Direct Mode for CV Programming

All CV’s Programmable and Readable

General Characteristics

Locomotive Mute Silences the Bass Sub-Woofer

Locomotive Volume Controls the Bass Sub-Woofer Volume

ThunderTune

Tune you Thunder Sounds; Set the parameters best for your layout

Full Graphical Display; Use Computer with Windows and USB Port

Read Locomotive Track Voltage as the Locomotive Moves

3

Operation

Connect your Rolling Thunder receiver to your train track power

using the supplied power cable. Connect your bass sub-woofer to the

rca jack on the receiver and power on the sub-woofer. Once power is

supplied to the receiver, the front led will blink rapidly about 5 seconds.

During this time, if service mode is detected, the receiver will accept

any service mode commands. If service mode is not detected, the led

lights solidly, indicating proper functioning. When a Rolling Thunder

equipped locomotive reaches the vicinity of the receiver, the receiver

starts to play the low frequency sounds received from the locomotive.

As the locomotive moves away from the receiver, the sounds will

diminish and go off until another Rolling Thunder equipped

locomotive approaches the receiver. The distance of reception may be

changed by varying the transmitter power CV213 in the locomotive.

Each Rolling Thunder locomotive should be set to a unique transmit

frequency. CV212 and CV213 allows for 58 unique locomotive transmit

frequencies.

Pressing the switch next to the led enters DCC programming in

operations mode for the receiver. Pressing the switch causes the led to

flash rapidly, indicating the receiver is ready to receive DCC commands.

The bass sub-woofer is disabled during DCC programming. Several

commands cause the receiver to reset (CV213, CV8=8) while all other

CV writes will not cause a reset. Pressing the switch while the led is

rapidly flashing in DCC programming mode exits DCC programming

mode and the bass sub-woofer is enabled.

4

Operation

Factory Reset

Hold the switch for 3 seconds while apply power forces a receiver

factory reset.

Operations Mode CV Programming

After the receiver is powered up using track power and stops flashing,

press the button to enter DCC programming. The bass sub-woofer is

disabled during DCC programming. Several commands cause the

receiver to reset (CV213, CV8=8) while all other CV writes will not

cause a reset. Pressing the switch while the led is rapidly flashing exits

the programming mode.

Multiple Transmitters

Program the Rolling Thunder locomotive to a unique channel

(CV212). The factory default is channel 1. Each transmitter must have

a unique address. The receiver has a digital filter for the receive signal

strength. As the locomotive gets closer and further away from the

receiver, the signal strength increases or decreases. Once the receiver

strength attains this level, the receiver locks to the locomotive. Once the

signal strength reaches the signal level of CV135, the volume starts

increasing at the rate specified by CV130, until the volume reaches

maximum volume specified by CV131. The receiver scans the selected

channels if insufficient signal strength is found. The signal strength

necessary is set by CV141. The channels scanned are set by CV142 and

CV143. For a single transmitter system, CV142 and CV143 are set to

channel 1, the default transmitter channel.

5

Operation

The receiver only scans channels in the selected frequency sub-band,

which is controlled by CV213. The transmitter and receiver must both

be set to the same sub-band.

Default Receiver Mode: Single transmitter operating on channel

one.

Please Note: The CV Defaults may vary from Locomotive to

Locomotive.

6

SYSTEM CVs

CV Description Initial Yours

1 Primary Address 1

7 Manufacturer Version ?

8 Manufacturer ID 38

11 Packet Timeout 2

17 Extended Address MSB 192

18 Extended Address LSB 128

29 Configuration Bits 0

130 Volume Rate of Change 2

131 Maximum Volume 128

132 Minimum Volume 0

133 RSS Digital Filter Coefficient 4

135 Signal Strength Volume Increase 135

136 Signal Strength Volume Decrease 111

140 Signal Search Dwell Time 80

141 Lock Signal Strength 100

142 Start Scan Channel 1

143 End Scan Channel 1

213 Transmitter/Receiver Frequency/Power 192

7

SYSTEM CVs

CV1

Receiver Primary Address

Description

The Receivers Primary Address is Stored Here

Values

Bits 0-6 contain an address with a value between 1 and 127

Initial Value

1

Related CVs

None

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0

The decoder responds to all valid commands if the address matches

the value in CV1 and CV29 Bit 5 is set to 0.

Programming CV1 will program CV19 (Consists Address) to zero

and programs CV29 Bit 5 to 0 (Extended Addressing Off).

8

SYSTEM CVs

CV7

Receiver Manufacturer Version Number

Description

The Decoders Read Only Type/Revision is Stored Here

Values

Initial Value

Related CVs

None

Bit 7 Bit 0

D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

This value cannot be modified.

9

SYSTEM CVs

CV8

Receiver Manufacturer ID

Description

The Decoders NMRA Assigned Number is Stored Here. Broadway

Limited is assigned ID 38.

Values

Initial Value

38

Related CVs

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0

Setting CV8 to 8 resets all CVs back to their original manufactured

values

Receiver Note: The receiver will automatically reset when this CV

is changed.

10

SYSTEM CVs

CV11

Receiver Packet Time-Out Value

Description

Maximum Time in Seconds Between Valid DCC Packets.

Values

0-255

Initial Value

2

Related CVs

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

This value determines the maximum time elapsed in receiving a valid

DCC packet.

11

SYSTEM CVs

CV17 and CV18

Receiver Extended Address

Description

This Value Contains the Decoders Extended Address and is Valid

Only if CV29 Bit 5 is 1

Values

Values From 0 to 10239 are Valid

Initial Value

1100 0000 1000 0000 (Engine 128)

Related CVs

CV29 Bit 5 Bit 15 Bit 8

1 1 A13 A12 A11 A10 A9 A8

CV17 Extended Address MSB

Bit 7 Bit 0

A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0

CV18 Extended Address LSB

CV17 Valid Values are 1100 0000 thru 1110 0111

CV18 Valid Values are 0000 0000 thru 0000 0000

12

SYSTEM CVs

CV29

Receiver Configuration Bits

Description

Decoder Configuration Feature Bits

Values

Initial Value

0 (Primary Address)

Related CVs

CV1, CV17, CV18

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 EA 0 0 0 0 0

Bit 5: EA (Extended Address Mode Enable)

0 = Decoder Responds to Primary Address CV1

1 = Decoder Responds to Extended Address CV17, CV18

Bit 4: Not Used

Bit 2: Not Used

Bit 1: Not Used

Bit 0: Not Used

13

SYSTEM CVs

CV130

Receivers Volume Rate of Change

Description

Rate Volume Increases or Decreases with Signal Strength

Values

Initial Value

2

Related CVs

CV131, CV132, CV133

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

This value sets the rate of change of volume once the receiver detects

the Rolling Thunder Equipped Locomotive. The volume is

increased by this value. A larger number means the volume

increases much quicker.

14

SYSTEM CVs

CV131

Receivers Maximum Volume

Description

Volume at Maximum Signal Strength

Values

Initial Value

128

Related CVs

CV130, CV132, CV133

Bit 7 Bit 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Once sufficient signal is found, the volume increases to this

maximum value.

15

SYSTEM CVs

CV132

Receivers Minimum Volume

Description

Volume at Minimum Signal Strength

Values

Initial Value

0

Related CVs

CV130, CV131, CV133

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Once the signal falls to an insufficient value, the volume decreases by

CV130 until this value (CV132) is reached.

16

SYSTEM CVs

CV133

RSS Digital Filter Coefficient

Description

Digital Filter Coefficient for the Receiver Signal Strength

Values

0-16

Initial Value

4

Related CVs

CV130, CV131,CV132

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

The receiver has a digital filter for the receive signal strength. As the

locomotive gets closer and further away from the receiver, the signal

strength increases or decreases. The signal level needs filtering. The

filter coefficient determines the effect of change on the existing

filtered level. As the value is increased, the filter changes slower. As

this value is decreased, the filter changes faster.

17

SYSTEM CVs

CV135

Signal Strength Volume Increase

Description

Required Receiver Signal Strength to Increase Sub-Woofer Volume

Values

0-255

Initial Value

135

Related CVs

CV130, CV131,CV132, CV136

Bit 7 Bit 0

1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1



strength increases or decreases. Once the receiver strength reaches

this level, the volume starts increasing at the increment in CV130.

Note: This value must be greater than CV136.

18

SYSTEM CVs

CV136

Signal Strength Volume Decrease

Description

Required Receiver Signal Strength to Decrease Sub-Woofer Volume

Values

0-255

Initial Value

111

Related CVs

CV130, CV131,CV132, CV135

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1



strength increases or decreases. Once the receiver strength falls

below this level, the volume starts decreasing at the increment in

CV130.

Note: This value must be less than CV135.

19

SYSTEM CVs

CV140

Signal Search Dwell Time

Description

Channel Scan Signal Dwell Time

Values

0-255

Initial Value

80

Related CVs

CV141, CV142, CV143

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0



strength increases or decreases. A delay is necessary, allowing the

signal strength to build so the strength can be read. Increasing this

value allows more time, but will slow down the scan time, resulting

in a delay to lock upon an approaching locomotive. Too small a

value may not allow any signal lock.

20

SYSTEM CVs

CV141

Lock Signal Strength

Description

Required Receiver Signal Strength to Lock a Transmitter

Values

0-255

Initial Value

100

Related CVs

CV140, CV142, CV143

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0



strength increases or decreases. Once the receiver strength attains

this level, the receiver locks to the locomotive. Once the signal

strength reaches the signal level of CV135, the volume starts

increasing at the rate specified by CV130, until the volume reaches

maximum volume specified by CV131.

21

SYSTEM CVs

CV142

Start Scan Channel

Description

Channel Number the Receiver Starts Scanning

Values

1-29

Initial Value

1

Related CVs

CV143

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

The receiver is capable of scanning channels 1 through channel 29,

searching for a Rolling Thunder locomotive that is withing range.

This scan range can be limited from one locomotive to 29

locomotives. If this value is set to zero, the receiver is disabled. Any

change from zero or to zero requires a reset before the receiver

recognizes the change.

If CV142=CV143 no scanning is done. The receiver is fixed to one

locomotive (Default).

Note: This value must be less than or equal to CV143.

22

SYSTEM CVs

CV143

End Scan Channel

Description

Channel Number the Receiver Starts Scanning

Values

1-29

Initial Value

1

Related CVs

CV142

Bit 7 Bit 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

The receiver is capable of scanning channels 1 through channel 29,

searching for a Rolling Thunder locomotive that is within range.

This scan range can be limited from one locomotive to 29

locomotives.

If CV142=CV143 no scanning is done. The receiver is fixed to one

locomotive (Default).

Note: This value must be greater than or equal to CV142.

23

SYSTEM CVs

CV213

Transmit and Receive Frequency and Power

Description

This Value Sets the Receiver Frequency Band and Sensitivity

Values

0-255

Initial Value

128

Related CVs

Bit 7 Bit 0

f 0 p p 0 0 0 0

This value sets the frequency sub-band and sets the receiver

sensitivity. 0db is the maximum power. Value f is the frequency

sub-band, pp is the receiver sensitivity.

fxppxxxx

f = 1 915 mhz

f = 0 868 mhz

pp = 11 -20db (248)

pp = 10 -14db (240)

pp = 01 -6db (232)

pp = 00 0db (224)

24

Rolling Thunder Tuner

Figure One

25


Installation

Install ThunderTune on your PC. Plug in the USB cable and install the drivers following the

operating systems install procedures. Use the supplied drivers when asked. Now connect the

cable’s other end to the receiver. Power on the receiver and your Rolling Thunder equipped

Locomotive. Run the software program . Figure One should now be displayed. Placement of

the receiver will greater very the response. Try different locations as you attempt to tune for

your preference.

Version Information

The Rolling Thunder Receiver Version as well as the Software Version is given here after the

USB connection is enabled.

Power LED

The Power LED mirrors the receivers front red LED.

Receiver

Receiver revision, Rolling Thunder Tuner software revision, the current receiver frequency band

and receivers ID or CV1 (Short Address) is displayed here.

26


Signal Meter

Signal. The Rolling Thunder Receivers Signal Meter displays four needles. The Black needle

is the signal strength needle, indicating the received strength of the transmitting Locomotive.

Before bass sounds are played, the black needle must be to the right of all the other needles.

Lock Point (CV141). The Lock Point needle (Red needle) indicates the necessary signal

strength needed by the receiver to lock on to the Current Channel Scanned. Changing the Lock

Point Slider changes the receiver’s value temporarily. To save the change to the receiver, press

the Update Receiver Button. This button causes the receiver to save all the temporary values.

This value should always be higher than the background noise. Determine the maximum noise

by running Diagnostics with no train transmitters. Determine the largest signal and click the

mouse on that channel. The maximum signal strength is displayed. Make sure the Lock Point is

greater than this value. If the lock point were lower, a scan would force a false lock onto a non-

existent transmitter.

Volume Up Point (CV135). Once the signal strength needle reaches and passes the Volume Up

needle (Violet Needle), the bass volume starts increasing. The Volume indicator’s blue bar will

rise. The Volume Up needle must be positioned to the right of the Volume Down needle. The

bass volume will remain at its current level when the signal needle is in the space between the

Volume Up needle and the Volume Down needle. The Volume Maximum may be set with the

Maximum Volume slider. The Volume indicator indicates the maximum volume set to by the

Maximum Volume slider. The Volume Change Rate Slider may control the rate of change of the

increasing volume.

Volume Down Point (CV136). Once the signal strength needle falls below the Volume Down

needle (Blue needle), the bass volume starts to decrease and is indicated by the blue Volume

indicator. The Volume Down needle must be positioned to the left of the Volume Up needle.

The bass volume will remain at its current level when the signal needle is in the space between

the Volume Up needle and the Volume Down needle. The Volume Minimum may be set with

the Minimum Volume slider. The Volume indicator indicates the minimum volume set to by the

Minimum Volume slider. The Volume Change Rate Slider may control the rate of change of the

decreasing volume.

27


Current Channel

Current Channel LED

When the receiver is locked, the Current Channel LED displays green and the Current Channel

that the receiver is locked is displayed. When the receiver is searching for a transmitter

(Locomotive), the Current Channel will change from Start Channel Scan (CV142) to End

Channel Scan (CV143) and stop and turn Green if a channel within range is found.

Mute LED

If the transmitter that the receiver is locked onto is muted, the mute LED will light, indicating a

muted condition.

Volumes

Minimum Volume (CV132). This value sets the lowest volume level heard when the signal

level is below the Volume Down needle.

Maximum Volume (CV131). This value sets the highest volume level heard when the signal

level is greater than the Volume Up needle.

Volume Change Rate (CV130). This value determines the rate at which the volume changes

when the signal is greater than the Volume Up needle or less than the Volume Down needle.

Power and Filters

Receiver Power (CV213). The receiver’s power amplifier may be decreased which will

diminish the range of reception. Decreasing the power level will decrease the area of reception

to a smaller track area.

RSS Filter (CV133). The receiver signal strength’s digital filter may be altered. A higher value

slows the response, which is better for slow moving trains. However, fast moving trains should

use a lower value, so the track area the bass starts playing is not over shot.

28


Channel Scanning

The Channel Scanning feature is used only if it is enabled. The default is disabled, that is, Start

Channel Scan equals End Channel Scan. If multiple transmitters are on a layout and the layout is

sufficiently large, the scanning feature may be used satisfactorily. As each locomotive enters the

receiver’s reception area, the receiver will lock to it (assuming the other locomotive is

sufficiently away from the reception area and the receiver unlocked), allowing the bass sounds

from different locomotives heard in the area of reception.

Start Channel Scan (CV142). The receiver is capable of scanning channels 1 through 29,

searching for sufficient signal strength. The Lock Signal Strength (CV141) determines the signal

strength that a lock occurs. Once the receiver locks, it remains locked until the signal strength

falls below the Lock Signal Strength and the Minimum Volume (CV136) is reached. The Start

Channel Scan determines the start channel in the search for active transmitters. The Start

Channel Scan must be less than or equal to the End Channel Scan. If the receiver is locked to

non-existent transmitter channels, the Lock Point is set to low. See Lock Point, (CV141) or

Diagnostics.

End Channel Scan (CV143). The receiver is capable of scanning channels 1 through 29,

searching for sufficient signal strength. The Lock Signal Strength (CV141) determines the signal

strength that a lock occurs. Once the receiver locks, it remains locked until the signal strength

falls below the Lock Signal Strength and the Minimum Volume (CV136) is reached. The End

Channel Scan determines the last channel in the search for active transmitters. The End Channel

Scan must be greater or equal to the Start Channel Scan. If the receiver is locked to non-existent

transmitter channels, the Lock Point is set too low. See Lock Point, (CV141) or Diagnostics.

Scan Dwell Time (CV140). The receiver must select a channel and listen for a moment to see if

a transmitter is transmitting on the selected channel before testing the next channel in the scan.

The amount of time the receiver waits and listens is the Scan Dwell Time. If the Scan Dwell

Time is too short, a lock may not occur, if the time is too long, a delay may be noticed before a

lock occurs on a transmitter entering the receiver’s reception track area.

29


Configuration Management

Update Receiver. All parameter changes are updated within the receiver immediately. But the

changes are only temporary unless the Update Receiver button is selected. Once selected, the

parameters are saved and will become the new settings even after power down.

Factory Reset. Pressing this button will change all parameters to the factory default conditions.

All changed parameters will be lost.

Load/Save Parameters. The changed parameters may be saved for later use. The parameters

may be saved to a file name of your choice. In addition, the parameters may be restored from a

file that was previously saved. This feature allows restoration of different configurations. The

parameter file could be loaded and then saved as the new power on defaults.

Transmission Rate. Once the receiver locks to a transmitter, all valid receptions are tracked.

Transmissionr rates should be over 90% for acceptable operations. Clicking your mouse in the

Transmission Rate Box resets the rate to 100%.

Exit. Pressing this button terminates the software interface.

30


Diagnostics

During Diagnostics, the bass sounds are disabled. The diagnostics indicates the receiver voltage

and shows the signal strengths of all channels. Make sure all transmitters are off or ignore the

Channel Signal Levels for the transmitters that are on. Set the Start Scan for 1 and the End Scan

for 29. Note the highest signal level (Figure Two). Position the mouse cursor on the highest

signal level(Channel 10 for Figure Three). Note the Signal Max: 848 (Figure Three). The Lock

Signal Strength (CV141) must be larger than this value. This signal strength is the noise floor.

Set CV141 or the Lock Point Slider to a larger value than the noise floor. Again, this value is

applicable if scanning is enabled.

Figure Two

31


Figure Three

32


Locomotive Track Voltage. Each locomotive’s transmitter may be configured to send the track

voltage read by the locomotive. This ability allows diagnosis of any track areas that may have a

voltage problem or allow a block voltage read. This feature must be enabled on the transmitter.

Set CV213 bit d=1 or the default value would increment by one. Select the transmitter channel

(See Figure Four). The bass sounds are disabled for this feature.

Figure Four

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