PROJECT
ARTICLES by Fred Miller, MMR
The below listed
articles are provided in Adobe®.pdf format. Click on the
Article title to download the project article.
All About Digitrax Sound Decoders
This
is a revised document describing the characteristics and uses of Digitrax DCC SFX sound decoders.
The document now includes the new Series-6 Standard and Premium decoders. A
copy of the document in .pdf format is available for download
here.
Sounds for Traction Modelers
-
Generic Traction Sounds: This article describes
the use of the Digitrax DCC SFX sound decoders to provide custom sounds.
The discussion is based on the otherwise unavailable traction (trolley and
interurban) sounds. The referenced TRACTION V1 sound project for
Digitrax Sound Decoders is available without charge. Just click
here to start a download of a zip
file containing "TractionV1.spj" or
email your request. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available
sounds in the project is available to download
here.
-
Peter Witt Streetcar
Sounds: This article describes a new Digitrax DCC SFX Sound Project
support of sounds for the Bachmann HO Peter Witt Streetcar. The project
file PETERWITT is available
without charge. Just click hear to start a download
of a zip file containing "PeterWitt.spj" or
email
your request. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the
project is available to download
here
-
Birney
Streetcar Sounds: DCC SFX Sound Project for the Birney Streetcar as
described in my Sounds for a Birney Streetcar article in the May
2012 issue of the NMRA Magazine. The article describes a new Digitrax DCC SFX Sound Project
support of sounds for the Bachmann HO Birney Streetcar. The project
file for BIRNEY STREET CAR is available
without charge. Just click here to start
a download of a zip file containing "BirneyStreetCar.spj" or
email
your request.
-
Several
different Sound Projects are available for PCC Streetcars. The
projects are available without charge. Just click as directed to start a download
of a zip file containing the spj file or
email
your request.
-
A combination (both Pre
and Post War cars) DCC SFX Sound Project
PCCSET.SPJ is available in one project. The user can select which
sound set with a CV setting (CV60-Scheme). The sounds and
performance are the same as the below individual projects. This
Sound Project was described in my article PCC Sounds for PCC Streetcars
in the June 2012 issue of Model Railroader magazine. Just click
here to start a download of a zip file
containing "PCCSET.spj"
-
Air
(Pre War) PCC Streetcar Sounds: This DCC SFX Sound Project PCC-I.SPJ supports sounds for an Air PCC Streetcar such as the Con-Cor HO PCC car.
Just click here to start a download of a
zip file containing PCC-I.spj A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the
project is available to download here
-
All-Electric
(Post War) PCC Streetcar Sounds: This Digitrax DCC SFX Sound Project
is available in two versions, both supporting sounds for an All-Electric PCC Streetcar such as the Bowser HO
PCC car. The project
file PCC-II.SPJ is compatible with the
use of a MTS M4T motor decoder in parallel with a Digitrax sound Sound
Bug, while PCC-III.SPJ is more general and is suitable for the Digitrax SDN144
combination motor/sound decoder or a Digitrax SoundBug and any other motor
decoder. Click on the project name to start a download of a zip file
containing the spj file. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in these
projects is available to download
here
SPJHelper
Development Software
This program was developed as an
aid in the construction of "Sound Projects" for the Digitrax SFX sound
decoders. The latest version (6.1) supports the new Digitrax
Series-6 Premium decoders. The program operates in two modes: one for simple
non-technical design of Sound Projects, and the other for the experienced
programmer wishing to use easy access to the necessary tools. A
FREE
Version of the latest SPJHELPER software can be accessed from
here.
SPJViewer Software
This
software is a subset of the full SPJHELPER. It provides a quick and easy
way to display the components of an existing SPJ (Sound Project) file. It
shows what Digitrax SFX decoder is necessary and displays the
characteristics of the sound clips included in the SPJ. The sounds can be
played and no changes are made to the SPJ. No other software is necessary. A
FREE
Version of the latest SPJVIEWER software can be accessed from
here
General Purpose
SFX Decoder Sound Player
This article describes
a Sound Decoder Project which provides a flexible tool to play layout
background sounds on Digitrax SFX sound decoders. Three different
voices can be initiated by DCC Throttle Function Keys, CAM switch inputs
and automatic timed delays. The SPJ file to load into a decoder is
available in a zip file here.
SFX Sound
Decoder to Amplifier Interface
This article describes
a circuit to enable playing Digitrax SFX Sound Decoders through an
external amplifier, for example, powered speakers for PCs. or the
line-input on a PC.
SFX Sound
Decoder CAM Debouce Circuit
The CAM input to a Digitrax SFX Sound Decoders can be
more useful than just the steam engine "chuff." This article
describes a circuit to "debounce" the input for useful triggering of other
decoder functions.
Make
your own Miniature Plug Sets
This article describes
an easy and inexpensive way to make your own miniature plug and socket
sets. These are particularly useful for connections to onboard
decoders.
Design and Construct Custom Trackwork.
This article describes
a technique of designing custom track work using a PC for developing plans
and templates for construction.
Movable Trolley Wire Frogs for Freight
Switching Operations.
This article describes
an approach to build trolley overhead which enables "back-polling" into
sidings with trolley freight equipment.
Modifications to DCC Throttles for test
track.
This article describes
modifications to the Digitrax DCC UT-1 throttle to enable automatic
DCC locomotive reversing on a test track or other configuration requiring
automatic changes in direction.
Test Track Reversing Circuit
This article describes a
simple and inexpensive circuit for automatic locomotive reversing on a
test track or other configuration requiring automatic changes in
direction. Although designed for DC controlled locomotives, it can be
used with DCC and a modified UT-1 throttle (See above article)
HO Powered Uncoupling Ramp
This article describes
the construction of a circuit which provides a timed pulse to the Kadee
under-track electric uncoupling ramp.
Speed Modifications to Digitrax BD-1
Detector modules
This article describes
modifications to the Digitrax BD-1 DCC detector module to speed up the ON
and OFF reaction time to less than a second.
Fire Flicker Circuit
This article describes
the construction of an inexpensive circuit to cause an LED to flicker to
simulate a fire or welding torch.
Random Lights
Circuit
This article describes a
modification to the Fire Flicker Circuit which can be used to randomly
light 1 to 8 lamps as in house lighting, etc.
Return
to Fred's Home Page
|