Train Brake
Overview
The WOWSound decoder uses a slightly different type of “Brake” than the TCS Standard decoders or decoders from any other decoder manufacturer. WOWSound uses a separate “Train Brake” button (default is Button 7) and a separate “Brake Release” (default is Button 6) rather than a single button for application and release.
TCS WOWSound decoders (except most OEM options) come programmed with prototypical "Mainline Momentum" settings, we've also developed a braking control feature that gives you the same experience you'd find in a real locomotive. Decreasing the throttle on a locomotive with mainline momentum settings will not cause the locomotive to come to an immediate stop. Instead, it will coast and slow down over a true-scale distance. If you want to stop faster than the prototypical deceleration rate, simply push the Train Brake button to slow your locomotive to a stop.
Pressing the brake button multiple times increases the amount of braking power you deliver to the locomotive. Every time you press the brake button there is a 20% brake application as well as a random brake squeal sound. You can press this up to 5 times, controlling your locomotive speed in further 20% increments. With 5 presses of the "Brake" button you are in emergency and the locomotive stops very quickly.
Anytime you press the "brake release" button you will hear the air release from the brakes and the locomotive will dutifully begin the climb back to your speed setting. Increasing the throttle setting will also release the brakes. While the brakes are applied, you can decrease the speed on your throttle without affecting the train's deceleration; however, increasing the speed will immediately release the brakes. This behavior is intentional in order to eliminate those frustrating moments of "Why isn't my train responding!?"
Pressing the "brake" button will apply the brake regardless of the throttle setting. This allows WOWSteam decoders to simulate "power braking" as was often done with passenger trains, for example, to keep the train stretched.
The "brake" and "brake release" buttons can be re-mapped to any other buttons desired. While the default values for braking rates work very well for most operators, they are adjustable using CVs. See the table below under Braking Rates.
Operation
Once you press the “Brake” button there is a 20% brake application as well as a random brake squeal sound. If you continue to press the Train Brake, each press will increment the braking power by an additional 20%. At a total of 5 presses of the Train Brake button, you are in "emergency" and the loco stops very quickly. (If supported, your decoder will play an emergency brake air dump sound at this time.)
Anytime that you press the “Brake Release” button you will hear the air release from the brakes while the brakes release and you can continue. Alternatively, Increasing the throttle setting will also release the brakes. Unlike most other manufacturer's decoders, you are not required to manually release the brakes with the button in order to get your engine moving!
On WOWSteam decoders, if you press the Train Brake button the brakes will apply regardless of the throttle speed. With this feature, you can simulate “Power Braking” which was commonly used with passenger trains to keep the train stretched. If you do not want to use power braking, you need to set the speed on your handheld throttle to 0 before applying the brakes.
On WOWDiesel decoders, if you press the Train Brake button the prime mover will automatically notch down to idle; releasing the brakes will cause the prime mover to notch back up to the notch determined by the current Throttle Mode. The Train Brake can also be used in tandem with Dynamic Brakes in order to simulate the stopping of extremely heavy trains.
Configuration Options
Button Mappings
The “Brake” and “Brake Release” buttons can be re-mapped to any other buttons desired. The easiest way to do this is via Audio Assist®. It is not recommended to do this remapping manually, as it consists of multiple steps, all of which are handled automatically by Audio Assist®.
Braking Rates
While the default values for the Braking rates work very well for most people, they are adjustable using CV’s. See below:
