Programming a Hornby Select dcc controller (to play sounds)

[eric-1242355]

Hi can anyone explain, in steps how to programme sounds on my dcc mallard for the sounds. I don’t seem to be able to understand the instructions. Thanks Eric

Mod note - title amended to reflect the question.

[P-Henny]

Your terminology is confusing. You don't 'program' sounds with any controller. You use a controller to play the sounds. Is that what you mean?

Assuming it is, the Select controller has gone through various firmware (software) updates. These chronological updates impact on the functionality to play sounds (operate functions) with a Select controller. Thus, to answer your question you must tell the forum what firmware revision your Select is loaded with. Only revision 1.5 and above can play the full range of sounds (functions). The firmware revision is the very first number to appear briefly on the Select LCD screen when it is powered up. Expect to see a number between 10 and 20 (1.5 is shown as 15). Knowing the firmware revision will allow forum members to provide the appropriate 'step by step' how to guidance.

In principle, you have to use the Select controller to send an F1 command (Function 1), this will turn the sound on (i.e start the engine running sounds). Then subject to the revision level of the Select controller you can then send further Function commands (F2 to F28) to play other sounds. You need to read the data/information sheet that came with the loco to see what sounds are played by what Function number. The loco (Mallard) datasheet or the decoder datasheet if not factory fitted should contain a list of the Functions and what they do.

Note, as BB says below in his reply. ONLY decoders made at the factory to play sounds are capable of playing sounds. Normal standard decoders can not be programmed to play sounds. So as well as telling the forum what firmware revision your Select is, you need to also tell the forum what decoder your Mallard has installed. It is assummed that if purchased recently from Hornby as a factory fitted decoder loco, that it has a TTS decoder fitted (Twin Track Sound), but you need to confirm this or not as the case may be.

[Bulleidboy]

I assume the DCC Mallard has had a "sound" decoder and speaker fitted or is the TTS version?

[96RAF]

Tell us the R number from the Mallard box including any letters after the number e.g. R1234 or R1234X or R1234XS or R1234TTS, where 1234 is your number.

In essence you press the Function button, then a number (see the decoder leaflet as advised earlier) to turn the function on (watch screen), then repeat those actions to turn the function off (watch screen again).

[RDS]

@eric (as requested back in February)

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