I am currently operating a DC layout at home and want to install sound in some of my Bachmann locos (2-6-6-2), The local club I belong to is going to operate a DCC layout. What sound Decoder would be my best option for operating on both DC and DCC systems?
Thanks Andrew
I don’t know the number of it, but definity Digitrax.
Wow, at first I thought I was learning something new, but after a bit of research that is just really bad advice on two counts.
- The Digitrax Sound FX decoders are DCC only. They do not do DC, or if they do it certainly isn’t listed on the web site or in the manuals.
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_sound_intro.php
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/sfxAC4400.pdf. - At this time the SoundFX decoders only come preloaded with Diesel sounds (three to be exact AC4400, GP38-2, and F40PH). One can load their own but this assumes one has all the appropriate recordings to load. It also assumes one is really into configuring CVs and loading PROMS. Then I see nothing of how the SoundFX could be made to syncronize compound steam sounds.
Then on a personal note, I’ve had more trouble with Digitrax decoders than any other brand.
To the best of my knowledge to do DC and DCC from the same unit the options are: Soundtraxx (Tsunami), QSI, MRC, and LokSound.
I have the MRC in a Genesis 4-6-6-4 and can say to stay away from it. It is way too loud even on its lowest setting. It is garbbledy, probably because it is too loud. Very toy trainish.
I don’t know if Soundtraxx has a compound steam (pre-loaded) available yet.
The only compound LokSound has out is the #82854 which is the big-boy.
That leaves QSI. They do have a compound steam that sounds OK (I have one in a Proto 2-8-8-2), but the whistle will probably be wrong for your model.
Soundtraxx, Digitrax, I’m always getting those mixed up.
Yup, that is easy to do. I’ve done it myself many a time.
Yes, the tsunami or Loksound. Loksound comes with a speaker!!!