Please, does anybody know what DCC & sound decoder fit in HO KATO Dash 9-44W and SD90-43MAC? I think the main problem is the speaker/s. Thanks
I’ve put a Soundtraxx LCD into a Kato SD70 Mac. I put the speaker into the cab. But, I’m not happy with the sound. Its extremely low and anemic. I would not do it again. Matter of fact I’m thinking of just putting a regular NCE decoder in there. I would like to install a QSI decoder, but at over $100 a pop, I just can’t see putting that kind of money into this engine.
I recommend the QSI Revolution-A. It replaces the Kato light board and there is plenty of room for a rectangular speaker in the long hood.
David B
And it doesn’t sound anemic like the soundtraxx?
I addeded the Digitrax AC4400 Kato replacement board and sound option for my 9-44W new release (SDH104K1A+FN04K1 Combo). Worked out great for me.
Anemic? No. Absolutely not. It blows away the Tsunami and LC in terms of volume and bass.
David B
Thats what I need then. Except its gonna cost me a hundred bucks [:(!]
David,
Could you be a bit more specific… I also have a SD70Mac and would like to know where and what speaker you mounted in the unit. I was bummed to find out the fuel tank was solid. I don’t want to put it in the cab either.
Thanks,
Peter
If you go with a QSI Revolution, you can untilize 8 ohm speakers. Your best bet is to cut the rear light pipe short, and mount a speaker/baffel in that location. Use the largest speaker you can and then mount the rear LED on the speaker baffel so that it shines out the remainder of the rear light pipe. A 16mmx35mm speaker will fit with the baffel.
David B
Thanks for the information David. One more question. I was already to buy a Soundtraxx because it appears the QSI does not have the sounds (no sound files) for EMD 710 (SD70Mac). Is that true and if so, what sounds do you have in your unit?
Thanks again,
Peter
QSI does infact have a 710 sound set. Keep in mind that the QSI Revolution is downloadable. You can customize the decoder to your heart’s content. Of course, this means that you have to find the programmer.
David B
try using a tsunami mirco750 with small rectanguler speaker. mount speaker under the exhaust fans drill holes in round fan ,use the smallest bit you can get .a no 80. this what i did and sounds great.
…even better to face the speakers DOWN through the trucks. You then get the sound to bounce off the rails.
David B
sd 80 / 90 i have put loc sound decoders into these locos plenty of room for the decoder… the speakers completely dismantle the loco down to the bare frame cut the frame at the fuel tank and use contact glue to hold the speaker when cutting the frame with the hack saw use a piece of cloth in the vice to protect it the plastic fuel tank can now be made to let the sound out either drill holes or make a hole the same diameter as the speaker… i have done this to six sd 80/ 90 and it is easier than it sounds send me an email if you want any more info peter