Indroduction

So for those unfamiliar  with dcc systems etc.. A decoder is a small micro chip that powers the model train like a mini computer, the data values are easily adjusted by the user when changing the cv values. ( the read data.)

DCC ( Digital Command Control ) is the system used to operate a multitude of operations at just a single touch.

These CV settings are stored in a small micro chip ( DECODER ) these vary from 6-pin, 8-pin, 18-pin, or 21-pin which is the plug that fits into the loco model. 

Albeit, this can be very daunting from looking outside the realms of model railways and for the hobby starter, but I can honestly say that I don’t know all the answers and yes most parts of CV programming do leave one with a what am I doing moment.

Yet it is a true factor that decoder CV setting, do need to be adjusted to get the optimised performance out of a model the decoder is running. All decoders are designed to run a model without any CV setting so this is a plug and play unit.

Yet many manufacturers do recommend setting CV for the best performance for your model.

Over the years I have tried to immerse the learning of how this works to my advantage - personally I found just playing with the manufactured setting out the box was my benchmark

Until you learn something that someone has done that make the performance better or learning to remap function buttons to keep lights on a model etc.. So this is where I pick up, I now enjoy the models more and the way they run or the lighting effects that I can play around with on the loco without any taking apart to rewiring these delicate models.

Remember these settings are called CV's  ( Controllable Values )  that can be tweaked safely,  I know many dare not enter the chip memory files but its okay, and I understand a lot of people are very cautious about changing CV settings. As long as the model is correctly wired as from manufacture or to NMRA compliance then the decoder will perform as intended using a DCC system for the decoder to read on.

Always refer to your decoder manufacture instructions and those manuals of your operating system.

         If all goes drastically up in the air. 😩 

        Enter CV8 = Data 8 on your handset and this will reset the factory setting on the many decoders.

Generic Values.

This data sheet explains all the basic CV settings on every decoder.

Personally, I would recommend trying to change these vales to get the best out of your model.

Start and Stopping settings.

This data sheet will give you slow start up and smooth slowing down the more you increase the values.

Again do change your decoder values to see what is best for your model.

With experience I have noted that the same loco with a different decoder responds either smoother or a little jumpy and the same set decoder in the same class of loco acts beautifully so this is why it is good to change these settings.

CV Function Mapping

This is a function Data map that will identify each function button and what it operates.

This is very useful if you Press F2 and a light momentary flashes - here you can resign the F2 function to F4 to operate that light that flashed and so on etc.

REMEMBER TO ADD YOU VALUES HERE TO GET THE DATA FOR THE CV YOU EDIT.

E.G. - to add two separate functions to operate as one -

white wire and purple/violet from decoder  to operate under F1 CV35 = DATA 1 & 8 = 9 

                Enter CV35 - DATA = 9