Difference between revisions of "Variable Momentum"

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== Variable Momentum Visualization ==
 
Visually, Variable Momentum could create a curve that looks like this:  
 
Visually, Variable Momentum could create a curve that looks like this:  
  
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[[File:Variable_Momentum_-_V4_and_Older.jpeg]]
 
[[File:Variable_Momentum_-_V4_and_Older.jpeg]]
  
== Consist Momentum ==
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{{:CV 23}}  
The NMRA defined the use of [[CV 23]] and [[CV 24]] for adding momentum to the acceleration and deceleration rates while a decoder is in a [[CV 19 Consisting|CV 19 Consist]].
 
 
 
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Revision as of 19:21, 3 November 2022

TCS decoders support up to 6 different "Momentum Setpoints" that allow locomotives to accelerate and decelerate different across the speed range. We refer to this feature as "Variable Momentum." This feature can simulate long trains taking a while to get going (overcoming static friction). As the train accelerates, the speed changes more rapidly over time. From an observer's point-of-view, the train would accelerate slowly at first, to pull the slack out of cars quickly or to keep from knocking over your passengers, and then once moving would begin to accelerate at a faster rate.

Conversely, Variable Momentum can be set up to allow for rapid deceleration rates at "high speed," and then at low speed allow the engine to slowly creep to a stop. For deceleration, a longer deceleration rate (higher value) can be used at low speeds so the slack in the train naturally will be pulled out and the cars won't bunch up from coming to a quick stop.

Another possible application would be for instances where the decoders motor output is tied to something that is not a locomotive; for example, a windmill's blades. The variable momentum CV's can be used to give a "Soft Start" and "Soft Stop" to the blades on the windmill.

The Variable Momentum CV's are listed below:


TCS Non-Sound & WOWSound Version 4 Variable Momentum CV's

CV Number Description
CV3 Acceleration Rate 1
CV129 Acceleration Rate 2 Start Speed
CV130 Acceleration Rate 2
CV131 Acceleration Rate 3 Start Speed
CV132 Acceleration Rate 3
CV4 Deceleration Rate 1
CV125 Deceleration Rate 2 Start Speed
CV126 Deceleration Rate 2
CV127 Deceleration Rate 3 Start Speed
CV128 Deceleration Rate 3


Variable Momentum Visualization

Visually, Variable Momentum could create a curve that looks like this:


Variable Momentum - V4 and Older.jpeg

NMRA CV 23
Consist Acceleration Adjustment
Range of Values0-255
Default Value0

NMRA CV 23 - Consist Acceleration Adjustment

This CV contains additional acceleration rate information that is to be added to or subtracted from the base value contained in Configuration Variable #3. This CV will only affect the momentum when CV19 is a non-0 value, meaning the decoder is configured for advanced consisting. The total momentum value can be calculated using the following formula:

([the contents of CV#23] multiplied by [0.896]) divided by (number of speed steps in use)

This is a 7 bit value (bits 0-6) with bit 7 being reserved for a sign bit (0-add, 1-subtract). The product of this formula is added to the value in CV 3. In case of overflow (CV23 + CV3 > 255), the maximum acceleration rate shall be used (255). In case of underflow (CV3 + (-)CV23 < 0) no acceleration shall be used (0). The expected use of this configuration is for changing momentum to simulate differing train lengths/loads. Consisted/MU's tend to pull/push more cars, and therefore can have simulated higher loads by using this configuration.

Related:

Variable Momentum
Consist Deceleration
Range of Values0-255
Accepted Values0-255
Default Value0

NMRA CV 24 - Consist Deceleration Adjustment

This CV contains additional deceleration rate information that is to be added to or subtracted from the base value contained in Configuration Variable #4. This CV will only affect the momentum when the decoder is operating in a CV 19 Consist. This CV is a 7 bit value (bits 0-6) with the 8th bit (bit 7) being reserved for signing. (0 = add, 1 = subtract); therefore, the range of values is 0 to +/-127 where a value of 255 = (-)127.

The total momentum value to be added can be calculated using the following formula: ([the contents of CV#24] multiplied by [0.896]) divided by (number of speed steps in use)

The product of this formula is added to the value in CV 4. In case of overflow (CV24 + CV4 > 255), the maximum deceleration rate is used (255). In case of underflow (CV4 + (-)CV24 < 0) no deceleration momentum shall be used (0). The expected use of this configuration is for changing momentum to simulate differing train lengths/loads. Consisted/MU's tend to pull/push more cars, and therefore can have simulated higher loads by using this configuration.

It is important to note that the use of this CV only affects operation when changing speed using only the throttle. Adjustments to this CV will NOT affect the deceleration rate when using Brakes.

Related: