Function Key Features
NEW.
Some functions are different on the version 4 decoders than the version 5 decoders, please check the appropriate function list.
New to version 5 decoders we have developed a gear change feature on the industrial shunters and diesel multiple units.
Normally on F7 you have to change gear by first pressing F7 to take it out of gear then F7 again to put it into the next gear to make the locomotive or DMU go faster.
On version 5 decoders with steam sounds on, if you accelerate to high from standstill you will get a wheel slip sound and that will keep playing until you reduce the throttle.
Not every locomotive has this function but only a few do not.
Normally on F11 there is a wagon buffer clash feature that simulated the sound of loose coupled wagons, this is speed related at low speed.
The features marked Alternate can play different sounds when pressed to add variety.
The sounds are randomly selected.
Random sounds are played whilst the locomotive is running or stationary and come on automatically whilst in operation.
This can be a little too often especially when a large number of locomotives are running at the same time so can be turned off using a function button, see function list for the correct function button.
This will not turn off the randomly selected sounds with the alternate feature function key.
Latching means that the sound will come on when the F key is pressed and continue until the F key is pressed again.
"Guards whistle" will play once when pressed on and again when pressed off.
It has a dual purpose of drawing the drivers attention and letting passengers know that the train is about to depart.
'Buffer clash' can be set on the function button while shunting your locomotive up to the stock and will activate as you stop the locomotive as it 'Buffer clashes' with the stock, releasing the function button and pressing again when the locomotive is at a stand still will activate the coupling hook sound.
Cylinder drain cocks only works at very low speeds and will automatically stop working above a set speed but will come back on again unless turned off.
Not all locomotives have this feature, please check the locomotives function list for more information.
Regarding Automatic uncoupling works in the following manner:- drive the locomotive with its train forward over the uncoupler (magnet or ramp depending on your type of coupling) and stop with the coupling between the locomotive and first carriage over the uncoupler.
Press the corresponding function button and the locomotive will move in the reverse direction allowing the couplings to unlock and then move forward disengaging the coupling.
This can also work in reverse with Kadee couplings where the carriage is still over the magnet.
When the locomotive pushes the carriage back from over the magnet and when clear press the function button and the locomotive will move forward and then reverse to couple to the coupler.
Shunting mode has a cut in the maximum speed of 50% or less depending on the setting used.