PROJECT ARTICLES by Fred Miller, MMR
Many of the below listed articles are provided in Adobe® .pdf format. Click on the Article title, or the here link to download the article. Some articles have sample sounds which can be played directly from this page, IF Quick Time or Windows Media Player is available and designated to run when selecting WAV files.
Arduino MicroController Projects for Model Railroad Animations
Multi-functon Animation Decoder. (MFAD) This is a DCC decoder used to animate functions in model railroad layout buildings. Each decoder is powered from the NMRA DCC track and receives DCC Function commands from the track connection. A brief descripion in .pdf format can be accessed here. Two videos of demonstration buildings can be accessed here and here.
Sound Animation Decoder. (SAD) This is a DCC decoder used to play up to 8 sound tracks. The decoder is powered from the NMRA DCC track and receives DCC Function commands from the track connection. A brief description in .pdf format can be accessed here.
An Arduino SAD sketch, with default CVs and address set for playing 8 sound tracks can be downloaded from here.
IR Remote Pad Operation of the MFAD. The above described Multi-function Animation Decoder (MFAD) is operated by NMRA DCC commands. Those commands can be issued from DCC throttles or JMRI scripts or panels. However, additional Arduino projects can also be used to issue the commands. A .pdf file, accessed here, describes an IR project which receives commands from an IR Remote Pad (e.g. TV Remote) to control a MFAD.
Arduino
Project to Schedule Animation Decoders
The above article described an Arduino project to control the Multi-Function Animation Decoders (MFAD) through use of a handheld remote device.
This article describes a project which schedules a whole day's worth of animation activities. The Digitrax LocoNet is used to transmit the NMRA DCC commands associated with a displayed "time of day" skit. A .pdf file, accessed here, describes the construction and use of the Scheduler, including a PC program which aids in the development of the day's activities.
Other Arduino based Model Railroad projects to be described soon...
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
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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.SPJ sound project for Digitrax Sound Decoders is available without charge. Just click on the above SPJ filename to start a download or email your request. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the project is available to download here.
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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.SPJ is available without charge. Just click on the above SPJ filename to start a download or email your request. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the project is available to download here
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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 BIRNEYSTREETCAR.SPJ is available without charge. Just click on the above SPJ filename to start a download or email your request.
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Several different Sound Projects are available for PCC Streetcars. The projects are available without charge. Just click on the applicable SPJ filename to start a download or email your request.
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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.
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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. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the project is available to download here
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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 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. A sample .wav file demonstrating the available sounds in the project is available to download here
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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 (6.0) 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.
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 can be downloaded 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.
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)
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.
This article describes the construction of an inexpensive circuit to cause an LED to flicker to simulate a fire or welding torch.
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.