Does anybody know about the variables in .sms files

[Trevithick]

What I need is the meaning and range of the variables in the .sms file for electric engines. Were do I find a documentation or tutorial about this?
I need the specs for Variable1.

For your Information:

Variable2 seems to be related with the current an seems to range from 1 to 100 (electric engines only).

By the way: I am just on a new all purpose sound system for electric engines. First experiments worked very well. The project is in beta test. I would appreciate doing a "joint venture" with friends here, that can contribute good sample (.wav)-files from electric engines and can add the necessary markers to them.
Conditions: All partners are mentioned in the readme and .sms-files. The system will be freeware. The copyrightholders for the single files will be the contributors. The system will be published on train-sim.com and is free only for publishing on non profit sites.

Thank you in advance

Trevithick

http://www.steamboat-electric.de/SE.jpg

*** I am nothing without a little help of my friends...

[scefhwil]

The main reason 'sound' is so far behind as MSTS addins is because there is no documentation. We all learn by trial and error and by what gets shared on these forums. I've not done any electric loco investigations (cos I don't use them).

However, my guess (based on steam and diesel experience) would be:-

Speed = track speed in m/s (always +ve)
Variable1 = wheel rotation velocity in m/s (+ve and -ve) varies with wheel diameter and number of animation frames used in the model, and does not seem to equal Speed ever!
Variable2 = some form of power value (% of max power) but does some strange things on steam engines, like drift to zero at sustained high speed.
Variable3 = rate of coal feuling by fireman (steam engines only).

Can't help on .wav files.

Stuart

[Trevithick]

Thank you very much. Now a hint from me:

The Speed variable (track speed) distinguishes between positive and negative values with electric engines. If the loco goes backwards and you do not consider negative values, there will be an undifined state and you will hear only crackles.

Thank you

Trevithick

http://www.steamboat-electric.de/SE.jpg
*** I am nothing without a little help of my friends...

[scefhwil]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-25-02 AT 08:32AM (EST)[p]So is that a 'bug' in the original MS/Kuju sound config for electric locos then?

[Trevithick]

I dont' know, may be. But you helped me to do a new .sms algorithm for electric engines which solves this bug and gives a better and reliable sound for this locos. Look for the threat "Publication: Better sond for electric engines (APSEL algorithm)". (I hope to manage the publication today).

Have a nice time!

Trevithick

http://www.steamboat-electric.de/SE.jpg
*** I am nothing without a little help of my friends...

[csantucci]

>... my guess (based on steam and diesel experience) would
>be:-
>
...
>Variable1 = wheel rotation velocity in m/s (+ve and -ve)
>varies with wheel diameter and number of animation frames used
>in the model, and does not seem to equal Speed ever!
>Stuart
>
That's a very old topic, but I have just checked Variable1 for electrics, and what I have found out is that it varies from 0 to 100 and that it seems to be closely related (I would guess 1 to 1) with the throttle, which is something quite interesting and useful. So it does not seem to be related to wheel rotation velocity for electrics. Someone other having experienced this?

Carlo

[Swissie]

Hi Carlo,

> Someone other having experienced this?

Mhmmmm, I am using Variable1 on your .sms file that I adjusted for electric .eng files of the Milwaukee EF-1s to play your ABe I sfiz / sfizgiu sounds when notching up & down ;o). Mighty good effect, now also in use for the EF4 and EP2 whose sounds I am customising these days (and learning by doing)...

Lukas a.k.a Swissie