ZS014P CASTLE PROTODRIVE SOUNDFILE FOR ZIMO DECODERS

ZS014P CASTLE PROTODRIVE

This is a premium soundfile for your chosen Zimo sound decoder purchase. Cannot be bought on its own. Does not include decoder. Also available as a reblow or coded download please call.

 

ZS014P User Notes for GWR Castle ProtoDrive V17.09

Please spend a few moments to read these notes which have been produced so that you may obtain the maximum satisfaction from your new sound scheme.

The sounds should work perfectly when the decoder is fitted correctly. Individual locos may require some fine tuning that you can achieve with your DCC controller.

What is ProtoDrive?

This is a system developed to allow you, the user, to change the way that the sounds respond to your driving style or needs. This avoids the need for reprogramming and all the additional costs that would imply.

Operating Your ZIMO Sound Decoder.

As supplied, your new decoder will work in a ‘Full Gear’ configuration, but you will be able to switch between the available sounds using your DCC controller by following the straightforward instructions below.

This project utilises Zimo’s ability to switch between the sounds of a heavy train load or sounds of a light engine. 

These are all fully configured within the project, waiting for you to make your choice.

You can revert at any time. 

All the CVs have been optimised but you may need to make minor adjustments to perfect it for your individual tastes.

There are many Functions, most of which have an individual sound attached. Some will perform a physical function (like turning on the lamps, if fitted), and some will do both (depending on equipment installed). Please study the list below.

Some of the sounds have a finite length and will play from start to finish when selected. Other sounds will ‘loop’ until switched off, whilst others will vary in length, depending on how you operate the F keys on your DCC controller. I’ll leave you with the pleasure of finding out which is which.

In any of the driving sound sets, increasing the speed step by 1 or more will produce an acceleration sound for a few seconds. If you wish continuous acceleration, ease the throttle setting upwards rather than 0- 128 in one jump!

Similarly, in each sound set, a reduction of 1 speed step or more will stop the exhaust beats and the loco will ‘coast’ (or drift) for a few seconds before resuming exhaust beats. Continuous drifting can be simulated by easing the throttle settings down, one step at a time.

All sounds may be modified (including changing or removing them) individually, and the volume levels of each one may also be varied to your own needs. For this, and much more information on your decoder’s outstanding abilities, please download the latest Decoder Manual from: www.zimo.at/web2010/

You can get advice in English by joining, for free: [email protected]

Reverser Control – F5

This project has two reverser positions in each direction. The default setting is ‘full gear’ but a cut-off of around 60% is available with the F 5 key which operates as a reverser. The exhaust sounds are modified as follows:

Full Gear. This is the one to use to start with a heavy train on the hook. Steam is admitted to the cylinders for the full piston stroke. The chuffs are loud and harsh as steam at virtually boiler pressure is exhausted. This configuration gives the maximum power, but is the least efficient setting. Maximum power would be required on a real loco to lift a heavy train. This means that as well as opening the regulator, the driver would allow maximum steam into the cylinders with the reverser fully open.

During acceleration, the exhaust beats will bark aggressively, but the tone and volume will soften automatically after a few seconds as the real driver would advance the steam cut-off to reduce steam entering the cylinders, increasing the efficiency of the engine.

Cut-Off. With a light engine movement, or when a train has been ‘lifted’, the driver will reduce the duration for which steam is admitted to the cylinders. The steam still provides power for the rest of the stroke by expansion. This reduces the pressure of the exhausted steam, resulting in softer more subdued exhaust sound.

Engaging F key 5 will switch the exhaust sounds to a different set of samples, so the exhaust is less aggressive in nature and quieter. This represents the reduced ‘cut-off’ on the reverser on real locos. This mode also has two states, louder during acceleration becoming quieter after a few seconds.

In all, 4 positions of reverser are modelled in the sound project. 

We have provided the reverser so that you can change the sounds to simulate reality more closely. In model form, there’s nothing to stop you from using it to vary the exhaust sounds simply to add interest.

Special Zimo Function on F14, Light engine

The Inertia and Momentum settings by default are set high, producing acceleration and deceleration rates expected from a heavy train. A light engine, or very lightly loaded train, can accelerate more rapidly, so when engaged F14 will instantly reduce inertia and momentum to provide more brisk acceleration and deceleration.

Tip. You can also use F14 to reduce the stopping distance without using, or use in conjunction with the Brake Key 

Working Loco Brakes

F2 will give the sound of brake applications. F2 can be ‘dabbed’ or held for varying durations. The sound will respond accordingly.

If the throttle is reduced in advance, as a real driver would do, before operating the Brake Key, a progressive braking force which will actually reduce the road speed of your model will be applied. This force will continue to increase the longer F2 is held. Short dabs will provide speed trimming, held down continuously will result in a controlled ‘Emergency Stop’.

PowerCab users please note that the Horn/Whistle button operates the same sound/function as the F2 Key, but set as ‘momentary’. This enables the precise operation of the brakes and should be used in preference to the actual F2 key.

Other systems may have F2 set to operate as ‘momentary’ by default, or can be set to do so.

Dynamic Inertia

In either Heavy or Light modes, flipping the throttle quickly to high speed steps will cause the model to accelerate 3 times more quickly from standing than if the throttle is gradually opened. This is automatic, no F keys are involved.

So now, the rate of acceleration is determined by how wide you open the regulator, just as it would on a real locomotive.

Live Volume Control

Provide the sound is switched on and the ‘fade’ button is not active, it is possible to change the overall volume to suit changing needs.

Engage F27 and the sound levels will gradually reduce, eventually to silence

Engage F28 and the sound levels will gradually increase, eventually to maximum.

In each case, disengage the F key when the desired level is attained. Set F27 and F28 as ‘momentary’ if your DCC controller allows you to do so.

Note: If the volume controls appear to not function, check that F19, F27 and F28 are disengaged before making a further attempt.

Rod Clank Volume

Many projects have heavy rod clanking included. You can change the volume of these sounds to suit your requirements.

CV286  = 110 is the project default. Higher values will increase volume, lower values will reduce volume relative to the other sounds.

Function Keys List

There are 26 Function Keys used in this sound project. Please see below.
Some of the sounds have a finite length and will play from start to finish when selected. Other sounds will ‘loop’ until switched off, whilst others will vary in length, depending on how you operate the F keys on your DCC controller. 

Some keys have a control function rather than a sound.

Key Number	Sound or Control Function	Volume  CV
F0	Loco Lamps (If Fitted)	-
F1	Sound ON	-
F2	Brake Key – see text for explanation	CV517
F3	Long Whistle	CV520
F4	Toot	CV523
F5	Reverser (see text)	-
F6	Coal Shovelling (This sound is also a random sound)	CV529
F7	Live Steam Injector	CV532
F8	Blower	CV535
F9	Wheel Flange	CV538
F10	Safety valves lifted	CV541
F11	Hand Brake	CV544
F12	Tender Water Filling -  variable length	CV547
F13	Coupling	CV550
F14	Heavy/Light modes	CV553
F15	Cylinder Drains Opened	CV556
F16	Guard’s Whistle	CV559
F17	Whistle	CV562
F18	Two Whistle Tones	CV565
F19	Fade All Sounds	-
F20	Low Whistle	-
F21	Toot	CV677
F22	Three Blasts Whistle	CV680
F23	‘Guard Says Clear’	CV683
F24	‘Right o’ Way’	CV686
F25	Reserved	CV689
F26	Reserved	CV692
F27	Overall Volume Down	-
F28	Overall Volume Up	-

Volume setting range 1 – 255, higher values give louder sounds. 

Paul Chetter

September 2017