We get a lot of enquiries about the superb sound modules we use, so to give everyone more information, below you will see the various options and functions that are available.
Firstly we only use Zimo chips, the 645R for the sound version.
Secondly, we would mention that both F1 and F2 are the keys to starting off.
F1 turns the sound on or off, and introduces random sounds as well, such as the injectors working, fireman shoveling, and safety valves lifting. These can also be set manually using the appropriate key.
F2 is the brake. If F2 is on, then the loco won’t move. Obvious perhaps, but we have been caught by this and we know one or two others have as well. Check each time as it is very easy to forget that F2 is enabled
The information below explains all this and much more, we hope it is of use.
Operating Your ZIMO Sound Decoder.
As supplied, the decoder will operate in ‘Full Gear’ i.e. steam admitted for the whole of the piston stroke, but you can switch between the available sounds using your DCC controller by following the straightforward instructions below.
This project uses ZIMO’s ability to switch between ‘full gear’ sounds, typical of starting a heavy train, or steam ‘cut-off’ sounds as the driver reduces the duration of steam input to the cylinders.
These are all fully configured within the project, waiting for you to operate the ‘reverser’ control (F5). You can revert back at any time.
All the CVs have been optimised to the 57xx/87xx Pannier Tank model, but you may want to make minor adjustments to perfect it for your individual tastes.
There are many Functions, most of which have an individual sound attached. Some will perform a physical function and some will do both depending on equipment installed. Please study the list below.
In any of the driving sound sets, increasing the speed step by 1 or more will produce an acceleration sound for a few seconds. If you wish continuous acceleration, ease the throttle setting upwards rather than 0-128 in one jump!
Similarly, in each sound set, a reduction of 1 speed step or more will stop the exhaust beats and the loco will ‘coast’ (or drift) for a few seconds before resuming exhaust beats. Continuous drifting can be simulated by easing the throttle settings down, one step at a time.
All sounds may be modified (including changing or removing them) individually, and the volume levels of each one may also be varied to suit your own needs. For this, and much more information on your decoder’s outstanding abilities, please download the latest Small Decoder Manual from: www.zimo.at/web2010/
Reverser Control – F5
This project has two reverser positions in each direction. The default setting is ‘full gear’ but a cut-off of around 60% is available with the F 5 key which operates as a reverser. The exhaust sounds are modified as follows:
Full Gear. This is the one to use to start with a heavy train on the hook. Steam is admitted to the cylinders for the full piston stroke. The chuffs are loud and harsh as steam at virtually boiler pressure is exhausted. This configuration gives the maximum power, but is the least efficient setting.
Cut-Off. With a light engine movement, or when a train has been ‘lifted’, the driver will reduce the duration for which steam is admitted to the cylinders. The steam still provides power for the rest of the stroke by expansion. This reduces the pressure of the exhausted steam, resulting in softer more subdued Chuffing.
We have provided the reverser so that you can change the sounds to simulate reality more closely. In model form, there’s nothing to stop you from using it to vary the exhaust sounds simply to add interest.
Special Zimo Function on F17, Light engine
The Inertia and Momentum settings by default are set high, producing acceleration and deceleration rates expected from a heavy train. A light engine, or very lightly loaded train, can accelerate more rapidly, so when engaged F17 will instantly reduce inertia and momentum to provide more brisk acceleration and deceleration.
Tip. You can also use F17 to reduce the stopping distance without using, or use in conjunction with the Brake Key
Working Loco Brakes
F2 will give the sound of brake applications. F2 can be ‘dabbed’ or held for varying duration. The sound will respond accordingly.
If the throttle is reduced in advance, as a real driver would do, before operating the Brake Key, a braking force which will actually reduce the road speed of your model will be applied. This force will continue to increase the longer F2 is held. Short dabs will provide speed trimming, held down continuously will result in a controlled ‘Emergency Stop’.
PowerCab users please note that the Horn/Whistle button operates the same sound/function as the F2 Key, but set as ‘momentary’. This enables the precise operation of the brakes and should be used in preference to the actual F2 key.
Other systems may have F2 set to operate as ‘momentary’ by default, or can be set to do so.
Shunt Mode
Shunt mode in on F Key 26. Inertia and momentum are reduced to zero plus speed is halved. This gives very fine control if required. The sounds will change automatically to suit the circumstances.
Live Volume Control
Provide the sound is switched on and the ‘fade’ button is not active, it is possible to change the overall volume to suit changing needs.
Engage F27 and the sound levels will gradually reduce, eventually to silence
Engage F28 and the sound levels will gradually increase, eventually to maximum.
In each case, disengage the F key when the desired level is attained. Set F27 and F28 as ‘momentary’ if your DCC controller allows you to do so.
Note: If the volume controls appear not to function, check that F19, F27 and F28 are disengaged before making a further attempt.
Coasting Sound Volume
You can independently change the volume of the sounds played when the loco is drifting (coasting) to suit your requirements.
CV286 = 180 is the project default. Higher values will increase volume; lower values will reduce volume relative to the other sounds.
GWR Whistles
In common with GWR practice, Pannier Tank locos were fitted with two whistles, one being the high pitched whistle usually associated with GWR and used for all normal signalling purposes. The second, lower tone whistle was provided for communication with the Guard, often regarding the need for the Brake Van’s hand brake to be applied.
Your Minerva model is equipped with the sound of each whistle. There are varied durations of each tone available, 10 in all. Five whistles are already assigned to F keys. You may audition, select and load each of them using the CV numbers and values shown in the Functions List below.
These are the whistle IDs and their descriptions:
145 Minerva Pannier 5 Toots Hi Rev.wav
146 Minerva Pannier Hi Lo Toot Toot 2 Rev.wav
147 Minerva Pannier High Long Rev.wav
148 Minerva Pannier Long and Short Low Rev.wav
149 Minerva Pannier Long and Short Rev.wav
150 Minerva Pannier Low Long Rev.wav
151 Minerva Pannier Low Toot 1 Rev.wav
152 Minerva Pannier Toot Rev.wav
153 Minerva Pannier Toot Toot 1 Rev.wav
154 Minerva Pannier Toot Toot 2 Rev.wav
Function Keys List There are 29 Function Keys used in this sound project. Please see below.
Some of the sounds have a finite length and will play from start to finish when selected. Other sounds will ‘loop’ until switched off, whilst others will vary in length, depending on how you operate the F keys on your DCC controller. Some keys have a control function rather than a sound.
| Key Number | Sound or Control Function | Volume
CV |
Sound ID
CV |
Alternative Whistles
Default in Bold |
| F0 | Lighting Control (If fitted) | |||
| F1 | Sound on/off | |||
| F2 | Brake Key– see text for explanation | CV517 | CV516 | |
| F3 | Short Whistle | CV520 | CV519 | 145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154 |
| F4 | Long Whistle | CV523 | CV522 | 145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154 |
| F5 | Reverser Control | CV526 | CV525 | |
| F6 | Coal Shovelling | CV529 | CV527 | |
| F7 | Injector (This sound is also a random sound) | CV532 | CV531 | |
| F8 | Blower (This sound is also a random sound) | CV535 | CV534 | |
| F9 | Wheel Flange | CV538 | CV537 | |
| F10 | Low Toot Whistle | CV541 | CV539 | 145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154 |
| F11 | Hand Brake | CV544 | CV543 | |
| F12 | Two Tone Toot | CV547 | CV546 | 145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154 |
| F13 | Vacuum Ejector | CV550 | CV549 | |
| F14 | Buffering | CV553 | CV552 | |
| F15 | Cylinder Drains Opened | CV556 | CV555 | |
| F16 | Coupling | CV559 | CV558 | |
| F17 | Light Engine Mode | CV562 | CV561 | |
| F18 | Wagons Snatching | CV565 | CV564 | |
| F19 | Fade All Sounds | – | ||
| F20 | Safety Valves Lifted | CV674 | CV673 | |
| F21 | Five Toots | CV677 | CV676 | 145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154 |
| F22 | Filling Water Tanks – variable length | CV680 | CV679 | |
| F23 | Guard’s Whistle | CV683 | CV682 | |
| F24 | ‘Guard Says Clear’ | CV686 | CV685 | |
| F25 | ‘Right o’way’ | CV689 | CV687 | |
| F26 | Shunt Mode. (Half Speed, No Inertia or Momentum) | CV692 | CV691 | |
| F27 | Overall Volume Down | – | ||
| F28 | Overall Volume Up | – |
Volume setting range 1 – 255, higher values give louder sounds.