Dapol Imperium Decoder

  Hi All,
   
  I have just fitted my Model Rail/Rapido 16xx with a Dapol Imperium  Next-18 decoder. I am just trying to figure out what CV is used to  control the firebox light. Currently it is turned on and off with  Function 1. It only operates as on or off. My aim is to get it to  flash/flicker in a similar concept to the Bachmann 94xx with a Bachmann  decoder with CVs 127 and 128. CV 127 and 128 operate different functions  with the Dapol decoder and there are so many light controlling CVs on  the instructions, I don't know which is the appropriate one to change.  Some advice would be greatly appreciated. 
   
  Regards Connor
 

Connor,

from my reading of the standards for CV codes there are a core number of CVs which must comply with specific rules, beyond those there are many which are left for each Manufacturer to specify the use / values. Things like flicker fall into this latter group AFAIR.

Given this, the old adage "when all else fails read the instructions" is not flippant but essential. Dapol need to specify these CVs for correct use of their product so you should be able to find them in their documentation, hopefully supplied with the chip. 

I mostly use ZIMO and despite a lot of experience with them always find myself going to their documentation + that from YouChoos for the myriad of setting options available.
 





 

Thanks Colin,

It is hard to say as Dapol have listed some CV functions on the instruction sheet with the decoder but they indicated that extra expanded instructions are on their website. Those instructions on the website listed multiple light functions and it is hard to trace.

Connor

On my ZIMO from YouChoos the Fire Box flicker is combined with Coal Shovelling on F3. AFAIR the frequency of shovelling / flicker are hence linked and this appears to be controlled WRT timing by CV521 (F3 looping/short set at 8 on mine).

However may well be entirely different on another chip, but it might give you a clue as to what to look for in the documentation???


Check to see what if anything besides "Light" is controlled by F3 and search on from there.

 

Colin

Thanks Colin if you have a look at the Dapol Instructions it is not too obvious which CV to use.

https://www.dapol.co.uk/pdfs/Imperium_instructions.pdf
This is the link to the instructions that come with the decoder, quite brief.

https://www.dapol.co.uk/pdfs/imperium%20cvlist_1-0D.pdf
This is the more comprehensive set of instructions detailing the CV list but as there are so many different light options, I don't know which one to change.

Regards Connor

Connor,
I think you've missed my point.

The fire box light function will normally be on F3 or possibly F4 which are the light function "F" numbers corresponding to the light power output lines of the chip..

My ZIMO F3 is coupled with a sound effect viz. "shovelling" and the on/ off cycle relates to the shovelling frequency which in turn controls the light flicker. It seems to be a pragmatic way to control both effects.

I was wondering if yours possibly could be similarly set up. You need first to find the setup to work out how to control it

Yes, understood Colin.

My 16xx is non-sound but is able to have its firebox light with Functions 1-5, all are able to control the light. As there are no wires connected to a Next-18 decoder, I can't narrow down which wire controls 'light' functions. Hope this makes more sense.

Connor