The NMRA identifies “indexing” as a Standard/Recommended Practice in S-9.2.2, “Configuration Variables for Digital Command Control” and defines CVs 257-512 as “indexed” CVs.” 

CVs 257-512 are structured in “pages.” 

Each page is read according to a preceding number, e.g., 1.257-1.512, 2.257-2.512, 3.257-3.512, etc. 

You can enable access to a specific page using CV 32 (CV Index 2). 

This provides more customizing options, as it allows a single CV (e.g., 257, 258…512) to be used for separate purposes.

You can adjust the CVs contained within each page to customize particular decoder properties. 

For instance, CVs 1.257-1.512 are Econami’s Flex-Map function mapping CVs, and CVs 2.505-2.511 are the Dynamic Digital Exhaust control CVs for Econami Steam decoders (the steam version is the only Econami decoder that uses more than one CV indexed page). 

For diesel and electric Econami decoders, do not change the value of CV 32, i.e., CV 32 should always be set to a value of 1.

Programming an indexed CV is as easy as programming a normal CV. 

Here’s how you access each indexed CV page: Enter a value of 2 into CV 32 to enable access to CVs 2.257-2.512 (DDE Control CVs). DDE control CVs for Econami Steam decoders are specified as CVs 2.505-2.511. 

When you access CV 505 (when CV 32 = 2), the decoder will recognize it as CV 2.505 (DDE Side Rod Clank Low Volume Limit). 

To re-enable access to CVs 1.257-1.512, re-enter a value of 1 into CV 32.

In all Econami decoders, a value of 1 in CV 32 enables access to CVs 1.257-1.512 (Extended Function Mapping CVs). 

For example, when CV 32 is set to 1 and you access CV 257, the decoder will recognize it as CV 1.257 (Headlight Effect Map Register).

Note: CV 32 is set to a value of 1 by default. It is good practice to set CV 32 back to 1 to avoid disabling access to Econami's Flex-Map function mapping CVs. 

For more information about using indexed CVs, refer to the "Function Mapping" section in the Econami user's guides, which are available on our "Manuals" Web page.

This month, we have another example of the Econami’s what sets Econami apart from many of the higher priced decoders on the market today: the inclusion of the popular 7-band functioning equalizer, as was found on the Tsunami decoders.

The Equalizer (EQ) is a popular feature that allows the user to adjust the sound profile created by the decoder to match the strengths of the speaker chosen for the installation.  This feature helps a speaker reproduce better, clearer, and louder sounds without causing distortion or clipping, especially when a speaker tries to reproduce a physically impossible frequency.  The EQ can also be used to adjust the overall tone of the sound profile so that each loco using the same sound file(s) can sound different and have its own “personality!”

The CVs for the EQ have moved with the introduction of the 3rd generation CV roster in the Econami, so now CV 225 is the control CV (previously was CV153) and CVs 226-232 are the 7 bands of the Equalizer (previously were CVs 154-160). Go ahead and try it out to get that perfect setting or give us a call and we can offer some suggested values to get the most out of your model!