16
PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G Sound G, Sounddecoder for G scale locomotives
Digital operation guide
NOTE: Detailed information on the
PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 G is avail-
able as a PDF fi le on our Webshop
under the respective item number.
The file contains a full description of
all functions and operating possi-
bilities 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 ad-
ditional special function outputs. Slow-
speed switching 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 SmartDe-
coder 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 in-
stallation cables are reversed or if shorts
occur between functions (e.g. wheel set
and motor), the protection will not work
anymore and the decoder will be dam-
aged. 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 program-
ming 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.
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 (Image
1). The power consumers connected
to this terminal will be provided with
current by the U+ terminal. You can find
detailed information about all connec-
tions in the detailed instruction manual.
A short circuit in the area of the
motor, lighting, pick-up wiper, or
wheelsets can destroy the decoder
and electronics of the model!
SUSI interface
At the SUSI interface of the PIKO Smart-
Decoder 4.1 G you can either use a PIKO
sound module with SUSI or a suitable
single-function decoder.
You can fi nd which CV should be
programmed 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 conventional analog layout, it can be
controlled with a DC or AC power pack.
The decoder will automatically detect
the layout’s operating 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 set the sound decoder
so that the function keys F0 - F12, as
assigned in the function mapping, can
also be switched on in analog opera-
tion. To do this, CVs 13 & 14 must be
programmed beforehand with a digital
central unit. The corresponding values
can be taken from the CV table of the
detailed operating instructions. Ex works
the light function F0, the engine noise
F1, the interior lighting F4 & F5, the
driver‘s cab lights F6 & F7 and the tail
lights (red) F9 are switched on.
Motorola
®
To be able to reach the functions F1 -
F16 when used with Motorola command
stations, the sound decoder has 4 Moto-
rola
®
addresses. The three following
