I’ve got a fleet of Athearn C44-9W’s that I’m installing DCC and Sound in. A couple of them are quick plug DCC ready and the rest I have wired the harnesses in. I’m using the Digitrax DH163AT decoder and my question is regarding the sound for these engines. Can I download the sound profile or do I have to have it programmed by a LHS? Is there a catalog of available sounds/different engines to look through? I also have other locos in the fleet with that same decoder and extra speakers to install. Any input is appreciated!
A couple of things. For one, using the DH163AT for newer AThearn locos that have the quick plug is a bit of a waste. You’re going to have a bunch of leftover harnesses that you don’t need. A DH163D is the same decoder for $5 less because it doesn’t include the harness. The DH163AT is meant for easy installation in older AThearn Blue Box locos.
More importantly, the DH163 decoders are not sound decoders. If you want to add sound you’ll need a second sound-only decoder, or one of the sound and motor control decoders like Loksound or the Digitrax SFX064D. Both are user-programmable but you need additional hardware and software. If you plan on doing a lot od sound customization, it’s worth it to buy the programming stuff, otherwise you can use a shop that has the equipment. For example, if you buy the decoders from Tony’s, you cna specify which sound sets you want installed for no extra charge. If you need the sounds changed you can send it back for a fee and have it programmed.
–Randy
Thanks for the correction on the decoder type. I guess I didn’t read the description correctly. I have only two of the RTR’s with DCC quick plugs. The other 6 C44-9W’s are all ‘Blue Box’ types. I guess it’s back to the LHS to get the right thing…again!