6. Properties of the eMOTION XXL
The eMOTION XXL Decoder is a compact and small-sized driving and function decoder designed for the G-
Scale garden railroad operation. The decoder features an output for one electric motor and 8 programmable
function outputs.
The eMOTION XXL Decoder has exceptional driving characteristics in both digital and analog operation. The
performance in analog is outstanding and delivers steady operation from 7 to 8 Volts and up. Optional an
additional power buffer may be used which eliminates power interruptions on contaminated tracks in digital and
analog operation.
On which type of layout is the L Decoder to be used?
The eMOTION XXL Decoder supports the operation on all digitally controlled layouts according to the NMRA
standards, irrespective of the manufacturer. The use of the internationally accepted standard of the National
Model Railroad Association (NMRA) ensures that the eMOTION XXL Decoder works with all NMRA/DCC
compatible digital central stations. The eMOTION XXL Decoder may be utilized according to NMRA/DCC as
well as with regular analog DC.
6.1. General Information Regarding DCC Systems
In analog operation the speed of the locomotive is controlled by the level of the track voltage. All locomotives
connected to the throttle will drive with the same speed and direction. Multiple train operation can only be
accomplished by separated track sections with separate power supplies.
A digitally controlled layout, however, is powered by a steady track voltage. This track voltage is supplied by an
overlay of digital signals which carry digital commands for speed and switch commands. All locomotives and
switches have a decoder with a programmed address, comparable to a phone number. Thus multiple
locomotives may be controlled independently to each other although they a located on the same track. In
addition light and other functions may be operated comfortably. The most popular digital systems are
NMRA/DCC and Motorola. These systems are not compatible because they use different commands.
This means, a locomotive with a Motorola decoder may not be used on a NMRA/DCC layout and vice versa. In
G-Scale generally the NMRA/DCC system is used (e.g. LGB
®
MTS). In addition there are some niche products
as Selectrix (Trix) or FMZ (Fleischmann). Basically decoders by different manufacturers utilizing the same DCC
system may be operated jointly. All functions like driving, light or switch commands are identical. Many systems
however may feature functions additional to the DCC standard which may only be used with decoders of the
same manufacturer.
To ensure the proper operation of the decoders, the decoders need to be individually programmed according to
the CV-table. CV stands for configuration variables and the table holds the individual data for the properties of a
decoder. CV1 holds the address of the decoder; others define the maximum speed, the brightness of a light
bulb or the braking characteristics of the locomotive.
Please find the explicit list of all CVs at the end of this manual.
6.2. Operation with LGB
®
MTS-I, MTS-II and MTS-III
The LGB
®
MTS digital systems I and II basically work with 14 speed steps. The third generation of LGB
®
MTS
supports 28 speed steps, however only in connection with the DiMAX Navigator. The eMOTION XXL Decoder's
factory default setting is 14 speed steps to ensure flawless operation with LGB
®
MTS and other digital systems.
In case you use a LGB
®
MTS III central station in connection with a DiMAX Navigator or in case a digital
system is used which supports 28 speed steps, the eMOTION XXL Decoder may be set to 28 speed steps by
changing CV29 accordingly.
In addition you may have to change the decoder settings for serial or parallel function data processing (see
chapter 3.3.1)
eMOTION XXL Decoder 17
