I currently have a QSI sound equiped LS&I RSD-15, and It has Sound in it. I want to get a Tiger Valley Models RSD-12 Dummy engine, and I would like to add a QSI Sound unit and add lighting to it, so my Quantrum Engineer can control them both. The problem I am having is how can you put a sound/lighting unit into a engine that has no motor? Also, how can I find a sound unit that has the RSD-15 sounds in it? Anyone have any ideas? Can you tell me what I need (like speaker, decoder, lights, ect) for this to work?
I see that QSI is releasing upgrades for these engines. Will the RSD-15 chip have all of the sounds on it so I can just put it onto a stock QSI sound decoder?
You can put sound and lighting into a dummy loco. It is actually much easier since there is room where the motor would have been in a powered loco. But to my knowledge the aftermarket QSI decoder isnt available. I think your best option would be a LOKsound decoder from ESU. You can order it loaded with any sounds from the library they have, and if you buy the programmer you can change the sounds later if you want. They may or may not have RSD-15 sounds, but if not you could find something close. At least for my money LOKsound decoders are significantly better than QSI.
I did see you want to be able to control it with a Quantum Engineer. This tells me you are running on DC? If thats the case I think you should convert over to DCC so you can fully utilize your sound decoders. LOKsound decoders will run on DC, but you are very limited as to the sounds and features compared to what you get with DCC. My reccomendation would be a Digitrax Zephyr. I bought mine for $150 a long time ago, I dont know what they cost now. The Zephyr is fully expandable and has most of the features of a more expensive DCC system. There are other systems that would also be good for about the same price like Lenz or maybe NCE. Digitrax best fit my needs but look at the others too. Whatever you do steer clear of MRC. The old prodigy works, but is extremely limited, The prodigy advance and express have more features but are anything but reliable.
Yes, I’m running DC. Since I classify in the “DC FOREVER!” catergory, converting won’t happen yet. What I wanted to use the sound/lighting for was just to have the engine sounds come out, and to be able to control the dimming/on-off of the lights, because I want the engine paired to the BLI RSD-15 for running. The BLI loco has all of the running effects that I need in DC, such as horn, bell, doppler effect, ect. I want to use the RSD-12 as a “slave unit”, so I don’t need all of the features. The basics are plenty for me.
I’ve heard of Lok Sound, but I didn’t look there. I’m sure they have some type of Alco sound avaiable.
I have a normal DC layout, that is powered by 2 MRC Tech2 transformers. I have 4 engines (by Bachmann, and BLI) that are DCC instaled.
My first question is: Will a Bachmann Decoder work with other DCC systems other than Bachmann?
How can I run my engines that aren’t DCC compatable on a DCC layout? Will they still work as normal?
Can I sometimes “turn off” the DCC, and run my layout as normal DC?
Can anyone recommend a CHEAP starter system that will control my engines without too many bells/whistles? It does not have to be wireless. Wires don’t bother me.
Will the DCC throtle control my normal non-DCC engines, the same as a non-DCC Walk-around throtle will?
Will the DCC throtle control the Quantrum Sound that is on the BLI engine?
I’ve heard that you have to have DCC compliant track/switches in order to operate DCC? I use Atlas Code 100 snap track.
Yes, NMRA standards mean any decoder works with any system
You can use address 00 to run a DC loco. It will make an annoying whine and if you run it for very long you risk damaging the motor. Its not really good practice but you can do it.
Thats all how you do your wiring. You can have your command station sitting next to your power pack with a switch to select which one is sending power to the rails.
The cheapest I think is the bachmann system. From what I have heard it works well. My choice would be a Digitrax Zephyr because it is fully upgradeable if you decide you want better DCC system.
Yes, but again you have the noise and possible motor moltdown.
Bachmann will do it, but doesnt have enough functions to use all sounds. Digitrax will control almost all sounds with the Zephyr panel and all of them if you buy a DT400 throttle.