First steps into dcc sound.


AndrewC

AndrewC

Mostly Harmless
This may sound a bit cheeky but could I get some recommendations on the best/most appropriate sound decoders for the following.

Kato: SD40-2 (newer one with the working ditch lights)
Kato: AC4400
Kato: GP35
Atlas Classic: GP7
Atlas Classic: C-424

Most of these already have TCS decoders in them which will get cascaded into some of my British locos. I wasn't really interested in sound until I picked up a ABBA set of Intermountain FP7s all with sound. Now I'd like to do more of my American and Canadian locos with noise. :D
 
Not what you are looking for but I plan on skipping the sound decoders and using Digitrax's under table sound system utilizing the transponder feature of their decoders.
 
macjet said:
Not what you are looking for but I plan on skipping the sound decoders and using Digitrax's under table sound system utilizing the transponder feature of their decoders.
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How did I miss that announcement?????? Tell me more please. Is it to be a 21st century version of the old PFM sound system?
 
Sorry that I misspoke a little. It wasn't intentional. I am planning on using the Digitraxx Loconet system with block detection and Digitraxx decoders. This system is compatible with the Soundtraxx Surroundtraxx system (http://www.soundtraxx.com/products/dcc/SurroundTraxxMAIN.htm)

I'm not sure what all systems it is compatible with but Digitraxx states that it is compatible with theirs.

This is a better option for me as I have smaller GP units that would be a nightmare to install speakers in.
 
macjet said:
Sorry that I misspoke a little. It wasn't intentional. I am planning on using the Digitraxx Loconet system with block detection and Digitraxx decoders. This system is compatible with the Soundtraxx Surroundtraxx system (http://www.soundtraxx.com/products/dcc/SurroundTraxxMAIN.htm)

I'm not sure what all systems it is compatible with but Digitraxx states that it is compatible with theirs.

This is a better option for me as I have smaller GP units that would be a nightmare to install speakers in.
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I am running Digitrax so it may be worth checking out. Thanks.
 
The Surroundtraxx system has a Loconet connection so that you just plug it in. There is additional block detection equipment required.

Tony's has the system for sale for $550. It is high. However, I've got 13 locomotives currently and when I factor in the time and cost to convert those 13 this system starts to look a little cheaper.
 
macjet said:
The Surroundtraxx system has a Loconet connection so that you just plug it in. There is additional block detection equipment required.

Tony's has the system for sale for $550. It is high. However, I've got 13 locomotives currently and when I factor in the time and cost to convert those 13 this system starts to look a little cheaper.
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That makes it a bit of a non-starter, as I'd have to replace the existing decoders with transponding ones, then do all the block detection as well as the unit. I guess I'll go back to the original question of what are the best sound decoders for the above locos.
 
Take a look at the new QSI Quantum Revolution. They have just recently been released and may still be in short supply, though.
They are a lightboard format, so installation is very easy in the Kato or Atlas. Just remove the exisiting lightboard and drop in the QSI. Kato has a speaker location in the fuel tank which helps the install too.
Sound is very good and I think the motor control is pretty good too.
Down the road, you might even consider the QSI programmer which would allow updating sounds and programming or even totally changing to a different loco (even diesel to steam if you wanted). Cost is under $100.
The decoders can be found for $90-$100.

I've read that many folks like Loksound too. I've never tried one of those. One of the biggest differences is the Loksound requires a 100 ohm speaker, which sort of limits your choices. The QSI uses 8 ohm speakers, so you have a lot to choose from.

I have an NW2 and AC6000CW with the QSI factory installed. I just installed a Revolution in a Athearn MP15. Hopefully the pipeline will fill quickly so I can buy more of these.
 
MRC also makes sound decoders and you can get them at a considerable discount compared Digitraxx, QSI, and Loksound. Yes, yes, I know that the MRC doesn't sound as good as the others listed - but it also doesn't sound awful as compared to no sound at all. If you have a really good ear for engine sounds, the MRC may not be for you. Since you're in the UK, it's highly doubtful that another railfan is going to complain because turbocharger whine doesn't sound quite right for that SD-40. I'd certainly give one a try and see what you think.
 
Thanks Steve & Jim. I think I'll try one of each (MRC & QSI) to start with and see if the QSI is worth the extra outlay.

As for railfans not complaining, you've never met some of the anal retentive trainspotters we have here. You could model some backwater in the middle of Nowhere Idaho, and some smart arse would tell you that his brother lives next to the grain elevator on your model and the colour is 2 pantone steps too light. :D Or that he recorded 100+ hours of engine sounds from that particular loco and knows every tick, cough, sputter, and whine. :eek:

For my next request, any recommendations on a supplier that ships overseas? None of the UK ones have the new QSI yet, and nobody seems to stock MRC.
 
Andrew, M.B. Klein, at http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=sound+decoders, has a selection of both MRC and Digitraxx sound decoders in stock and they ship to the UK. Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/online_shipping.htm) also ships to the UK and they are specialists in DCC and sound decoders. Their prices are higher than M.B. Klein but they also have a wider selection.

I'm glad to hear you have your own collection of rivet counters over there too. I suppose I'd probably run into a UK rivet counter over here if I decided to do a British Rail layout. :)
 
AndrewC, if you do try the MRC decoders, please let us know. I have n scale Kato's myself and was thinking of giving them a try.
 
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