Irish DCC sounds.
Wheeltappers DCC Sounds are developed to use the full potential of the ESU Loksound V5 Decoders.
The V5 decoders are more advanced than the v4 which are no longer produced so functions and driving characteristics are greatly improved.
Over the coming months we will be upgrading the V5 decoders with more advanced features.
We, therefore, suggest that you study the Function key list to see the features which are unique to your locomotive.
Each IR class 121,141, 181, 071 (NIR class 111) and 201 uses a General Motors Electromotive Division (GM/EMD) two stroke engine although of differing HP rating and configuration.
The 121 and 141 shared the same prime mover type initially but as engine renewals were required some of classes 121 and141s were re-engined with the same prime movers as in the more powerful class 181s.
You may notice both similarities and differences between classes as certain sounds are common to all types of locomotive but some have subtle differences.
Driving features include HEP (Head End Power) on the 201 class. Engine revs increase with dynamic braking on stopping (201 and 071),directional head and cab lights (201 and 071), cab light will automatically turn off when locomotive moves off if left on (201 and 071), tail light off when pulling a load (071),station announcements (destination can be changed by setting CV155=0-8) and radio communication(071 and 141/181/121)and extended startup with failed start on some locomotives(201 and 071).
A new feature we are adding is the ‘Load’ feature.
This feature simulates the driving and braking of the locomotive under load.
The default setting is for a medium train of around 4 coaches or short freight train.
By selecting Function 17 (F17) you can change to a light engine mode.
This increases the acceleration as the loco has no load and alters the deceleration and stopping distance when the brakes are applied with Function 5 or 6 (F5 & F6) due to the same no load.
By selection Function 18 (F18) the driving characteristics are changed to a heavy load train of more than 4 coaches or a long freight train.
This will over ride F17 and alter the acceleration and deceleration of the train and also increase the braking distance when stopping.
Not all projects have to load feature at the time of writing as this is being added over time.
An upgrade of your current V5 decoders is available as a free download to those that have a programmer or buy post with a small charge for the return postage.
You also have the option of the class 141 with the GM 567CR engine and the class 181 with the GM 645E engine.
The new class 121’s have extensive lighting features like head lights on/off, tail light off when pulling a train, parking mode when on depot or sidings that put all the Red lights on and shunting mode that put Whites and Reds on both ends.
A none sound decoder is available, separate or as a dual package which has the locomotive direction reversed to run nose to nose with the class 121’s.
We are also producing a none sound decoder with all the lighting, running features where applicable on each class with dual running (double heading with a sound decoder) to save having to run with two sound decoders.
Not all classes are available at the time of writing but the web site will be updated as and when available.
You can always contact us on progress.
Steam locomotive sounds have been produced from actual live recordings enhanced by some archival material which adds character to the project.
All recordings have been taken at various locations at various times of the year.
Check the function lists for features unique to each locomotive.
We are always looking at more features to enhance our projects and comments are always welcome.
©wheeltappers DCC Sounds