Digitrax SDXH187K1B Series 7 DCC Sound Decoder - HO Drop-in Board for Kato SD38-2 and Others

Digitrax decoders ship to us with a preloaded sound scheme but are reprogrammable like other decoder options that we offer.  The Digitrax Sound Depot offers several additional sound file options for unique prototypes for modelers to choose from.  You can also find hundreds of Custom Sound Files by John McMasters on the AnPRR@groups.io site.  These are proprietary sound files created by the author and are offered free of charge with all rights reserved.

Digitrax offers the Digitrax PR4 USB to LocoNet Interface with SoundFX Decoder Programmer that can be used in combination with the ESU 53900 LokTester DCC Decoder Test Station to load sound files, update decoder firmware, program CV values, test and troubleshoot decoders or installations, and even to create your own custom sound files.  Please note, you must use the Digitrax PR4 USB to LocoNet Interface with SoundFX Decoder Programmer to load sound files or update firmware on the Digitrax Sound Decoders.  You can program CV's on any Digitrax decoder in Service or P.O.M. mode using your Digitrax Zephyr or Evolution Command Station, any NMRA-compliant programming device or software such as JMRI/Decoder Pro.

SBS4DCC will preload any sound file from the Digitrax Sound Depot or Custom Sound Files by John McMasters with the initial purchase of an Digitrax Sound Decoder for no additional charge upon request.  SBS4DCC will pre-load other third party OEM and non-OEM files in most circumstances but a processing fee may apply.  Please CONTACT US to discuss your specific project or needs.

There are two ways to request that SBS4DCC pre-load a sound file when you purchase a Digitrax decoder from us. 

The preferred way is to enter the Sound File Name (having the format "ALCO Century 420", etc.) in the space above labeled "REQUEST A PRELOADED SOUND FILE (NUMBER OR NAME):".  You can enter a prototype model or prime mover type if you are unsure but using the file name guarantees you will get the exact file you want.

The second way is enter the same information noted above in the comments field at checkout but those notes will print on the shipping label so best to use the space provided.

As always, CONTACT US with questions.

Drop-in light board replacement, fits Kato SD38-2 and other HO locomotives.

SoundFX®v3 Sound System Features

• Your locomotives will sound “in scale” like the real thing with SoundFX v3
• Customizable with 16, 12 or 8 bit .wav file sounds
• Works with SoundFX 8 and 16 bit sound projects
• Up to 4 simultaneous voices
• Download sounds with a Digitrax Sound Programmer and SoundLoader II 4 megabit
• On Board Sound Memory
• Cam input-synchronized steam-chuff option for steam locos
• Scalable Speed Stabilization configured for sound operation
• SoundFX v3 does not require an external CAM rate sensor to vary workload.
• Smart Power Management- no more booster or programmer shutdowns!
• Program CVs using any Digitrax Compatible Control system without having to buy any extra equipment.
• Works with many Power Extender models, up to 15V maximum on track
• Digitrax FX3 Functions-Control lights and functions for prototypical lighting effects and on/off control
• Configurable FX3 Pulse Function available on all function outputs
• Digitrax LocoMotion® System – Lets your trains run like the real thing!
• 2 Digit and 4 Digit Addressing
• Basic, Advanced & UniVersal Consisting
• SuperSonic motor drive for silent operation
• Direct and Operations Mode programming
• Decoder Reset by CV8, with or without speed table reset
• Transponder Equipped ready for transponding ID on your layout
• Power-on Motor Isolation Protection, helps prevent damage to your decoder
• DCC Compatible
• FCC Part 15, Class B RFI compliant
• Operates on DCC track voltage 9V minimum to 18V maximum

Series 7 Enhanced Decoder Features

• Customizable with 16, 12 or 8 bit .wav file sounds
• Works with all SoundFX 8 and 16 bit sound projects
• Up to 4 simultaneous voices
• Download sounds with a Digitrax Sound Programmer and SoundLoader II
• 4 megabit On Board Sound Memory
• Cam input-synchronized steam-chuff option for steam locos
• Scalable Speed Stabilization configured for sound operation

Additional Series 7 Decoder Features

• SoundFX v3 does not require an external rate sensor to vary workload
• Smart Power Management- no more booster or programmer shutdowns!
• Program CVs using any Digitrax Compatible Control system without having to buy any extra equipment
• Works with PX112-10 Power Extender, up to 15V maximum on track
• Digitrax FX3 Functions-Control lights and functions for prototypical lighting effects and on/off control
• Configurable FX3 Pulse Function available on all function outputs
• Digitrax LocoMotion® System Lets your trains run like the real thing!
• 2 Digit and 4 Digit Addressing
• Basic, Advanced & UniVersal Consisting
• SuperSonic motor drive for silent operation
• Direct and Operations Mode programming
• Decoder Reset by CV8, with or without speed table reset
• Transponder Equipped ready for transponding ID on your layout
• Power-on Motor Isolation Protection, helps prevent damage to your decoder
• Operates on DCC track voltage 9V minimum to 18V maximum
• Preloaded with generic diesel and steam sound schemes
• Compatible with Digitrax PX series Power Xtenders to keep locos and sound running in the presence of dirty/poor track work.

FX3 Function outputs for prototypical lighting effects and on/off control:

• Constant Brightness Lighting with directional or independent control.
• Realistic Effects like Ditch lights, Mars lights, strobes, and many more
• FX3 & Standard Function Qualifiers operate functions based on direction,
• F0 on or off, direction and F0, and whether loco is moving.
• FX3 effects optimized for selectable LED or lamp operation
• Configurable FX3 Pulse Function available on all function outputs.
• Function Remapping for custom function setup.
• Master Light Switch turns off all lights & functions with one keystroke.
• Advanced Consist Function Controls

Digitrax LocoMotion® System-Your locomotives look like the real thing.

• The Digitrax LocoMotion System makes them run like the real thing, too!
• Torque Compensation for smooth as silk silent operation.
• 128 Speed Step operation (14 or 28 steps can also be used).
• Momentum with acceleration and deceleration.
• Normal Direction of Travel is user selectable.
• Switching Speed feature for easier and faster access to yard speeds.
• 3 Step Speed Tables set start, mid and max voltage for custom control.
• 28 Step Speed Tables with 256 level resolution for precise control.

Program CVs using any Digitrax Compatible Control system without having to buy any extra equipment.

Digitrax Real FX3

• Turn functions on and off. 
• Head lights and tail lights are automatically reversing unless you make them independent. 
• All function outputs have FX generators for prototypical lighting effects and have qualifiers for FX effects and qualifiers for standard on/off functions.
• All Digitrax Series 3 decoders have FX3type functions.
• FX3 decoders offer full function mapping so you can choose which function (F0-F12) controls each function lead.
• FX3 decoders offer master light switch capability.
• FX3decoders offer qualifiers for FX function operation qualified by one of the following:  the loco's direction of travel, whether F0 is on or off, loco direction and F0, or whether the loco is moving or not. These qualifiers are also available on function outputs that are used as standard on/off functions.

Motor Isolation Note:  FX3 decoders have motor isolation protection. If the decoder senses that the motor is not isolated, it will not run the motor. In this case, you will be able to control the loco’s functions but the motor will not work.

Here is an explantion of how the CVs that control FX3 effects work.  Most modern Digitrax systems do not use hexadecimal format but it is provided here in case you need it for older systems.

CV 49-52, CV113-116, CV62 & 63: Digitrax Real FX3 Special Light Effects

Decoders with FX3 features have 8 user configurable, independent special effects generators.  These are set up by programming CV values as described below.  If your decoder is not a “series 3” decoder, please check the spec sheet to determine which type of functions it supports.

FX3 functions incorporate FX generators with additional dynamic and static qualifiers.  FX3 functions are fully remappable so they can be controlled by any function key on your system.  A master light switch can be set up to turn off all lights on a locomotive. Functions associated with advanced consists can be controlled, too.