Projects

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.