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NOTE: Detailed information on the
PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G is available
as a PDF fi le on our Webshop under
the respective item number. The file con-
tains a full description of all functions
and operating possibilities for the new
SmartDecoder 4.1 G.
Description
The PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G decoder is
a powerful and compact multiprotocol
decoder for G scale locos, that can be used
with standard DCC, Selectrix, and Motorola
digital systems as well as in DC or AC analog
mode. It automatically detects the operating
system in use. This load regulated decoder
operates on an 18.75 kHz frequency and
are designed for standard DC motors as
well as bell-shaped armature motors (i.e.
Faulhaber, Maxon, Escap) that draw up to
1.2 A. Temporarily higher current levels up to
2 A are easily tolerated. The decoder is both
RailCom® and RailCom Plus®-ready and
recognizes ABC automatic stop sections and
ABC reduced speed sections.
The motor voltage can be controlled either
by a simple three-step motor speed curve,
with minimum, midpoint and maximum
voltage settings, or by a user-loadable speed
curve, with 28 individually-set speed steps.
The decoder provides two directional
lighting outputs, as well as seven additional
special function outputs. Slow-speed switch-
ing mode, with extended slow-speed range,
along with three accelleration and braking
rates, can be controlled via function keys.
Installing the PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G
The decoder may be mounted with the
screws provided.
Make sure that there is no short circuit
caused by the mounting screws. When you
install the decoder, make sure that there are
no conductive connections anywhere inside
the vehicle.
Connection of the
PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G
Install the decoder carefully according to
the connection plan in this manual. Use an
ohmmeter to check whether the installation
is correct. Check for crossed wires and short
circuits before and after reinstalling the
shell.
The decoder is protected against shorts and
overload. However, if during the installation
cables are reversed or if shorts occur be-
tween functions (e.g. wheel set and motor),
the protection will not work anymore and
the decoder will be damaged. We disclaim
all responsibility and guarantee in case of
misuse or damage of the decoder.
Place the model on your programming track
with programming mode activated on your
DCC system. During programming or when
reading the model’s DCC address, a small
amount of current will fl ow through the
model, which does not affect the decoder;
even in the event of a short circuit.
A short circuit in the area of the motor,
lighting, pick-up wiper, or wheelsets can
destroy the decoder and electronics of
the model!
Special functions A1 bis A8
The special function outputs A1 to A8 of
the decoder are placed on the right screw
terminal of the decoder (wiring scheme
digital). The power consumers connected to
this terminal will be provided with current
by the U+ terminal. You can find detailed
information about all connections in the
detailed instruction manual.
SUSI interface
At the SUSI interface of the PIKO SmartDe-
coder 4.1 G you can either use a PIKO sound
module with SUSI or a suitable single-func-
tion decoder.
You can fi nd which CV should be pro-
grammed for its respective function output
in the operating instructions. The decoder is
factory set to send data to the PIKO sound
module via the SUSI interface.
First-time use of the decoder (state of
delivery)
Enter address 3 on your DCC control system.
Depending on your DCC system‘s data
format, the decoder will operate using 28
speed steps or in Motorola mode. When
using a RailCom Plus®-enabled DCC system
or with an mfx®-capable DCC system, the
decoder is recognized and can be operated
immediately. If the decoder is used on a con-
ventional analog layout, it can be controlled
with a DC or AC power pack. The decoder
will automatically detect the layout’s oper-
ating mode.
Note:
In DC analog mode, your model will
only start at a higher voltage than what you
may accustomed to when operating analog
models. You will need to turn the throttle up
for the model to start operating.
Function outputs in analog mode
It is possible to program the decoder so
that function keys F0 - F12 (as they are
assigned in the function mapping) can also
be activated in analog mode. To do this, CVs
13 & 14 must first be programmed with a
DCC central control unit. The corresponding
values can be found in the CV table of the
detailed operating instructions. The light
function F0 is factory-set to “on.”
Motorola
The decoder has 3 Motorola addresses to
activate functions F1 - F12 on a Motoro-
la-format DCC system.
Configuration CVs
In addition to the decoder address, the
indexed CVs of a locomotive decoder are the
most important CVs. These are the CVs 29,
50 and 51 in the PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1G.
As a rule, an indexed CV contains various
basic settings of a decoder, such as reversing
the direction of travel. CV calculation exam-
ples can be found in the detailed operating
instructions.
RailCom®, RailCom Plus®
will be automatically recognized by a Rail-
Com Plus®-enabled DCC control system (i.e.
PIKO SmartControl) and a locomotive icon,
decoder name, and its special function icons
will appear on the control system’s screen.
With RailCom Plus® technology, no locomo-
tive data has to be stored in the DCC central
PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G, Multiprotocol loco decoder for G scale locomotives
