"CV Shortcuts" Part 1.

Welcome to "CV Shortcuts" ...a series of short videos which will show you how to tune your Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders to make them even better!
Each video will feature just a few CV's ,showing what they do and how to adjust them for better performance.
In Part 1, we start at the beginning , and address the loco , then set the maximum speed to a more realistic level. Some momentum is added and the start voltage adjusted. This will keep those new to DCC , a bit busy experimenting for a week or two, before we dig a little deeper into motor control!
I hope you enjoy the videos and please let me know any suggestions !
Cheers Gregg :-).

[@frankwhittle4364]

Brilliant Gregg, just what the doctor ordered. Frank. Keep safe down there

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Frank! Will do and same to you. Part 2 in a week or two. Cheers Gregg.

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video Greg you are doing a great job with showing how ajusting the CVS can make the locomotive run more realistically. 👍😀😀😀🚂🇬🇧

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Tony! Lots more to come so stay tuned for part 2. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers Gregg.

[@peterpocock9062]

Thanks Greg, this style of instructional video is long overdue. Thankyou. I will make sure my fellow club members are clued in to your presentations. I'll look forward to your next missives. Pete, Albany WA.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks very much Peter! There is lots more to come, this is just the basics to get us started. Once you've done a few changes, it becomes much easier:-). Look forward to having you and your club on board. Cheers Gregg.

[@peterpocock9062]

No worries Gregg (spelt correctly this time, blush) I've let the members know, it will be interesting to hear their views!

[@peterainsworth8466]

On the main and from the cab....thank you for that Gregg. That will appeal to most hacks out there like myself. Programming is the part of the hobby that shits me to tears so I'm looking forward to this series.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Peter, yes no laptops needed here..LOL . Once you have done a few it will become much easier and you'll enjoy how your locos runa lot better! Stay tuned and thanks for watching! Gregg.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Enjoyed Part 1.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Sir! More on the way soon. Gregg .

[@garylamb3688]

Thanks Greg, I have been using DCC for years but never really understood the tech terms in the manuals. When I worked at Rio rail ops in the Autohaul project we never knew what the engineering people were taking about, all we needed to know was how to turn it on and operate it must be universal with boffins. Part one has really helped me and have applied it already to my loco fleet so thanks for that mate, looking forward to the rest of the series

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Gary, thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoy the videos! A few of my fellow signal guys went over to the Pilbara and my nephew is in charge of a track gang over there. Autohaul is interesting but I prefer seeing a driver on board! Plus all the smarts didn't seem to help with the runaway !! I'm down with a cold this week and lost my voice , so part 2 will be delayed a week or so, but 'm glad you have seen some results already. Cheers Gregg.

[@dennisbailey6067]

Good stuff Gregg,it helps when someone like you have gone through the trial and error.There is one,nonliker. What's not to like.Maybe they are scared to learn?

[@SantaFeBob]

Excellent video. Looking forward to the next one. Thank you for showing how it is done.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bob! I'm filming part 2 this week I hope? Cheers Gregg.

[@upsd402]

I love the half rant, I am surprised that the decoder makers have not found a way where the decoder in a consist talk to each other. By the power consumption (current draw). It would be interesting to modify a worm drive to enhance the speed matching. Love how you made it simple, I might have to watch this video several times. I do have a PowerCab with a Smartbooster 5. I think I can program it. Love the video, from CV challenged Terry in Rainy Nebraska, Cheers Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL ..thanks Terry! Yes , that would be cool ! Much easier if they fixed the drives but I don't see that happening soon? You'll have no issues with the power cab and booster sir, and you'll be a master in no time! Part 2 on the way soon. Cheers Gregg.

[@peavinedownunder8726]

Thanks for developing this series, now I can commence tweaking my locomotives for more realistic performance 👍👍👍

[@FishplateFilms]

My pleasure! You won't know your engines in a few weeks time! Thanks for watching. Gregg.

[@jean-lucwillme1872]

Thank You Gregg for the video. We paid these machines high price but the manufacturers are not very helpfull. Luckily you are providing advice. Thans for the coming videos. 👋

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Jean-Luc! Our trains are very technical these days....which is good and bad..LOL. I hope you enjoy the videos. Cheers Gregg.

[@johnmcintosh3626]

Can't wait for the next in the series

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks John! COming up soon! Cheers Gregg.

[@Carder58]

Thank you Greg for this. I now realise that the sequence that we need to change the cv settings is important. I look forward to the rest of the series..Steve

[@FishplateFilms]

You're welcome Steve! Yes, there is a sequence of sorts, and also for future CV adjustments. Thanks for watching. Gregg :-)

[@PaulAFulcher]

Informative video Gregg thanks for posting !!👍

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Paul! Hope you got something from it. Gregg :-)

[@wimbletrain]

Excellent video Gregg, I learnt a lot from just that short lesson! Looking forward to the next one. Cheers, John

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you! Lots more to come so stay tuned. Cheers Gregg.

[@Walshy196]

Thanks Greg very informative

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks David. Glad you liked it. Gregg .

[@jimsmoter4510]

Gregg, thanks for CV shortcuts Part 1. Much easier to understand for some of us when someone walks us through it.

[@FishplateFilms]

You're welcome Jim! One would hope I know a bit after 15yrs of playing with these decoders..LOL Thanks for watching and your support. Gregg.

[@billtimmons7071]

Nice one Gregg. I love the momentum setting ... on one of my locos when I back the throttle off it just coasts so I have to act like a prototype hogger - I have to think ahead. My other locos when I back the throttle off they kinda just stop. I need to set momentum on all my units to get consistent operation. Nice instructional video for NCE which I also have. Thank you sir.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bill! The momentum really brings them to life, and if you dial in heaps , say 200 or more , you have to use the F11 brake feature to stop! And yes , you'll need to set all your loos to the same settings! Glad you enjoyed the video , and you have 2 more to study now..LOL Cheers Gregg.

[@johnmacdonald6220]

This info is priceless. Thank You

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks John! Stay tuned for a lot more:-) Cheers Gregg.

[@signman9328]

I just got my PowerCab and am waiting for an Athern Genesis with Tsunami so this will be a very helpful vid to refer back to! Thanks.

[@FishplateFilms]

You're welcome! Just remember to read the Tsunami manual info in the Genesis paperwork! They have set a few CV's for general use that can trick you up...like the F11 brake feature! But all are the same for motor and speed settings! Thanks for watching. Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

I got your message regarding the Tsunami 2 , but I can't reply to it for some reason? Maybe the ESU "Fanboys" have jammed the system..LOL IMO , after almost 45 yrs of model railroading , and having had DCC for almost 20 yrs, the Tsunami 2's and Econamis are the best decoders out here for overall performance and versatility! Iv;e used both and ESU are great decoders, but they do lack some features that I prefer to have ...like a 7 band EQ to get the most out of your speakers, motor drive equal or better than ESU ? The original Tsunamis did fall behind a little in that regard, but could be adjusted to run almost as good as an ESU. Read the manual , watch my videos and you'll see how good Tsunami decoders are! CHeers Gregg.

[@signman9328]

@@FishplateFilms Thanks---I may be PM'ing you if I get stumped once I get my loco!

[@39djscottie]

Well done Gregg! An issue that needed to be addressed for quite so time for old antilog hoggers like me. Thanks Gregg, looking forward to the next video. Cheers, Scottie

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Scottie! You'll get the hang of it in no time sir! You'll need a torch or headlamp fo the next one!! Cheers Gregg.

[@Nealeb1970]

Nice work Gregg, looking forward to the BEMF video, still a bit tricky getting that right

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Neale! You'll need a torch for the BEMF :-). Cheers Gregg.

[@jasonpeachrick2037]

These are great!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Jason! Gregg .

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Great information thank you this is going to be a good series

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Joe! Part 3 coming up soon. Cheers Gregg.

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Great Video Gregg, now to go try it. Bob

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bob! The next one on BEMF will be more up your alley!! If you don't have sound on some units, then you won't notice these changes, but you still need to match them with sound equipped units if you change them:-) Cheers Gregg.

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Will be waiting for the next class.

[@richardredcastle7911]

Excellent Gregg, looking forward to following along and learning all about this CV mumbo jumbo.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Richard! It can be a bit confusing...and frustrating at times! But we'll get there! Cheers Gregg.

[@johnbutler8388]

Thank you Greg that was a good video I'm about to get my feet wet I'm going to dig right in and get on it I'll make a video of it see what I can do thank you

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks John. Glad you liked it and good luck!

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Hi Gregg , Just finished watching your latest video, mate you're are a freak that was the easiest way I've seen yet on how to set up locos on DCC, My son has just recently got married and moved out of home and I've lost my number one engineer and we have spare bedroom now so I'm going build a small yard with some lite industry . This will be perfect to purchase a few switchers to handle the yard work and set them up according to your Cv"s set up , once again really appreciate your short cuts. Oh I haven't told the wife yet about the grand plan any suggestions may help LOL Shaun

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Shaun! I'm glad you found the video useful and got the hang of CV's! Part 2 will be up soon and you'll have even better results at the end of that! Tell the wife I said it was OK for you to use the spare room..LOL. I'll send Lord Stan around to convince her?? Cheers Gregg.

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

@@FishplateFilms Thanks Gregg sorry l didn't get back to you earlier lm away with work at sunny down town Grafton ,lm try to get some train spotting in if it stopped raining

[@sleepingwithtrains1862]

Thanks Gregg, this will help me a lot to understand those CV. 👍

[@FishplateFilms]

My pleasure and thanks for watching. Gregg :-)

[@michaelmcdougall4527]

Thanks 🙏🏼 👍🏻👍🏻

[@FishplateFilms]

No worries Michael! Thanks for watching. Gregg .

[@OtterCreek]

Very cool, looking forward to the BEMF video and hoping I can translate it into my HOn3 K-27's

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! Yes , the BEMF works great in steam locos and you will apply the same technique! Cheers Gregg.

[@100SteveB]

It is mad to think that worm drives are still used, especially in these days of DCC where you have so much control over the motor speed and torque. My only guess is that they stick with it for the braking it gives the loco. I am guessing that without the worm drive the weight of a long train could actually push a loco along once the power was let off, causing it to generate it's own power. But with all this modern electronic wizardry, i am sure they could simply dump that into a couple of suitable resistors. That should restore some of the engine braking lost when not using a worm drive.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Steve, you are right about the braking, that is the main reason worms are used in machinery like conveyors , mixers etc. Back in the 50's /60's, they was a HO company that did a crown wheel type drive in a series of "F" units, The motor was in the lead unit and a tailshaft ran out the back under the loco and joined to as many "B" units you wanted...each with geared trucks! You could push the units along and the motor turned !!!!! Apparently they could break rolling stock in half with the traction and ran super slow! You could make the drive a little "stiff" by the cut of the gears, but still allow it to be push or pulled and thi, plus the natural friction of the gears and motor , would give you some braking? BUT .yes, how about real dynamic braking as you say , with a resistor bank with variable output from the decoder!! Thsi would definitely be doable in O gauge and HO with some work? I hope I see it before I cark it..LOL Cheers Gregg.

[@robingagnon9659]

Great stuff! this is going to be a great series, thanks for doing this Gregg! So you are 15 years old then...hahaha

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Robin! Some say I act 15 from time to time..LOL. I hope you enjoy the videos and get some tios from them. Gregg :-)

[@1johnmcwilliams]

Great video Gregg, this series will improve everybody's modelling. No more racetracks hopefully!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks John! That's my mission ....no more race tracks! There's a lot to cover, so stay tuned. Cheers Gregg.

[@DGModelworks]

Good start to the series Gregg. Well done with the presentation. Just curious, what camera setup are you using for tracking the moving locomotive? ~Deryk

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Deryk! This one is a bit basic, but you get a big change from a easy adjustment. I used my big camera on the tripod, it's a bit clunky for this work as it takes up half the space..LOL. The next one will be on the phone as well , as I need to get up close to the trucks. Cheers Gregg.

[@warpo007]

Tell us how you feel about worm drives next time why don't ya Gregg!

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

I might get the hang of all this speed matching one of these days.

[@FishplateFilms]

Yes you will Scott! Speed matching is a black art, but it's pretty easy once you know the tricks! Cheers Gregg.

[@flyboy2610]

You've been in Australia for 15 years, eh? Where are you from originally, Gregg? What brought you to Australia?

[@FishplateFilms]

I was born here ! I meant I have been using Soundtraxx decoders for nearly as long as they've been here. Born and bred Aussie I'm afraid..LOL.

[@hirsutusi5536]

"Before you cark it!" Do you mean before you 'pop your clogs', before you 'fall off your perch'?

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL...exactly!

[@MichaKoenig]

Hi Gregg, as ever a superb video and thanks for sharing your knowledge. Especially with regards to electrics/electronics I've learned a lot from your channel. May I ask a question/favour please: I've designed a yard with two reversing loops next to each other that are connected by a crossover (coming from Marklin three rail, I thought that's a great idea). It's all on DCC. May I send you a diagram somehow and ask for some feedback/opinion from you? I think I've got a workable solution that shouldn't produce any shorts but a bit of mentoring would be great. No worries if you can't. All best wishes from the UK.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Micha, I could have a look at it for you. Send me your email to the channel DM comments. Cheers Gregg.

[@MichaKoenig]

@@FishplateFilms Hi Gregg, many thanks. DM seems no longer possible so I'll take a plunge and put it here: michael.koenig.gb and you'll need to add the funny circled a and the whole thing is at gmail.com Very much appreciate your time. Micha

[@FishplateFilms]

@@MichaKoenig Thanks Micha, I'll be in touch shortly. GRegg

[@MichaKoenig]

@@FishplateFilms Great stuff.

[@MichaKoenig]

Hi Gregg, any chance you’ll have time to pick this up? All best, M

[@smokeyjoe1034]

Hey Gregg. Do you know if Z, N, O, and G scale models utilize the same type of worm gears that are found in HO scale models? Cheers, Joe.

[@FishplateFilms]

Yes Joe , just about all models use worm drives , with the exception of a few O scale locos. Gregg :-)

[@jasonpeachrick2037]

What is the difference between CV 5 and CVs 66/95? I guess I’m just confused because all three of those CVs adjust maximum speed.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Jason , on Tsunami 2's , CV 5 & 6 are used for the 3 point speed table, where 66 & 95 set the overall max speed in fwd and reverse. If you're using the 3 point table , then you don't use 66 & 95. Hope that helps? Cheers Gregg.

[@jasonpeachrick2037]

@@FishplateFilms Makes sense to me now! Thanks again Gregg.

[@moosetrain]

Do you use 28 steps or 128 steps when you run your engines

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Bob, always use 128 , as it gives you smoother control :-) Gregg .

[@moosetrain]

@@FishplateFilms That's what I use. Thank you

[@jamestungatemodelreviews3921]

Have you ever locked up a decoder to where you cant fix it

[@FishplateFilms]

I've had to reset a couple James, but it turned out I had not unlocked a function. I have burned out 2 with the wrong sized resistors on LED lights! Most issues are resolved with a reset , but it is usually operator error! Cheers Gregg.