Ok need some decoder help

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I picked up a nice pile of used locos on ebay, and i got a BLI paragon sd40-2, DCC ready. I was wondering what they used for factory decoders and what decoder would be best for DCC/sound, …opinions

also ended up with 3 kato sd-38s,… same question

thanks train guys .

2

I favor Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders for sound. I also favor TCS decoders, although I haven’t tried their new sound decoders. Both web sites have a chart for what decoders to use for what locos. TCS also has some photos of how to install them.

3

Factory it would have had a QSI. I prefer Loksound, sounds as good if not better than Tsunami (especially the horns) and great motor control. I use TCS for all my non-sound installs. Their new sound is steam only for now, but Wow is a good name for it, way advanced over anyone else’s (for the moment).

–Randy

4

thanks guys i was looking at the LOKsound, they seem have have good reviews all the way around… i got some stewart/bowsers in this deal too i was thinking TCS non sound for them for sure, i wish they came with a harness

5

I like Loksound Select. They are a breeze to tune.

Dave

6

If you want to go cheap on the Kato’s, Digitrax makes a drop-in sound decoder specifically for that loco.

No, it’s not as good as the Tsunami or the LokSound, but it’s half the price and can be reliably programmed without the use of a programming booster.