Now that I’ve had a chance to spend some quality time with several of the new Tsunami decoders, I thought I would throw my two cents worth into the fray for the folks who haven’t jumped aboard this particular ship yet. I’ve divided my quick review into sections with two parts, the good and the bad… [;)]
Sound quality:
[:D] This has got to be one of the Tsunamis biggest strengths, and the 16 bit resolution in the sound files really makes a difference especially with the higher pitched sounds like the bell and whistle. I’m also very impressed with the integration of the new 24 channel mixer and EQ which allow for a great deal of tweaking and is a huge improvement over previous Sountraxx decoders.
[V] I expected better sound quality in some other areas. While there are noticeable differences in the higher frequencies, the chuffs are still pretty generic (read sand paper scratching together) for my tastes, and the 16 bit resolution is really only that much better than the 8 bit due to the speakers being used in these installations. I feel like I have achieved better results with the 8 bit Loksound v3.5 decoders in several key areas. A side note concerning the volume is also in order I think. While ultra loud model railroad equipment is not my favorite thing, I worry most will find this decoder a little lacking in the volume department.
Sound quantity:
[:D] The Tsunami is just packed with sounds, from the side rod clank to the johnson bar sound when switching directions.There is a lot to hear while running one of these decoders, and it all works pretty nicely. Also, the ability to change the whistles is nice, and the variety makes it easy to choose something you like.
[V] I don’t really have anything bad to say about this, other than I wish Soundtraxx would have made the decoder capable of taking uploads for different sound files. Loksound has been doing this for years assuming you have their programmer (I do), and Digitrax has announced
So far, so good for me, but I wi***he mute function was tunable. QSI allows a reduction to between 50% and zero. With the Tsunami, it is your volume setting or zero.
Have no fear, a Tsunami definition file will be in Decoderpro t make programmign easy.
Gotta say, the Back-EMF in the Loksound decoders is simply amazing, right out of the box my T-1 ran on speed step 1, even before I cleaned up the mechanism to get truly smooth operation. And you can’t stop it on speed step 1 - it just spins its wheels if you restrain it. Nor do two with back-emf enabled fight each other when consisted (and I don’t mean CV19 consisting in which case the decoder’s programming allows for altering of the back-emf settings.
The downside is the Loksound decoders are now the most expensive sound decoders, over $100 every place I’ve seen. Unknown how much standalone QSI decoders will cost once released.
Thanks for the down and dirty on the Tsunami. Hopefully we’ll see the diesel version soon. While it is obvious you like the LOK better, I think you gave an objective view of the Tsunami. So much more helpful than “LOK is great - Tsunami is junk.” As I progress further into this DCC/Sound thing I’ve learned to appreciate posts like yours in assisting me with my decisions.
Can’t wait to see the digitrax sound decoder come out and how it compares to the Tsunami and Lok. I’m sure each will have its pros and cons and of course different price points. Gonna be tough to determine which meets my “best bang for the buck” criteria - but that’s a good problem to have - right?
I’m waiting for the Digitrax decoder as well. With the super low MSRP and claimed sound upload ability this may well be the decoder to beat assuming the sound quality is good.
Randy,
Yeah, I figured the Decoder Pro add on was coming, and that will help a lot with the intensive programming of the Tsunami. I’m glad you agree with me concerning the ESU BEMF circuit. I have had many debates with people regarding this, and the way I look at it the proof is in the pudding. Even the non sound ESU decoders have amazing speed control and use an even higher PWM frequency making them virtually silent in operation. As far as the pricing goes, I also wish ESU would drop their price to closer match that of the Tsunami, and maybe they will now that the Tsunami is shipping. Ultimately the price difference is not a deal breaker for me however as the quality of the Loksound decoders is easily worth the difference IMHO… [:D]
I have put in six Tsu’s, 4 heavies, 1 medium and
1 light.
I like the sounds pretty well, with some except-
ions. The Heavy 4018 is useless with a small
speaker. It would have been nice to have a few
more other Heavy whistles, since the Heavy didn’t
have a large set. The whistle levels are not
boostable high enough relative to other sounds
in many cases.
There either should be several bells to choose
from, or a pitch control for the bell. The bell
rate selection is too coarse. As yet, I have
not been able to get the DC mode automatic bell
to work as described.
The chuff sound can be modified and so may not be
as bad as suggested.
I notice some confusion with sound functions and
lights when the engine is powered up. Some
functions seem to need cycling to operate with
their own command instead of a different one.
Separate control of chuff rate would have been
good for the DC mode.
My only complaint with my Tsunami Heavy Steam, in a Precision Craft Model 2-8-8-2, is the Steam Exhaust (chuff) sound. I have to issues right now, and think one is my fault, and wonder if the other is just lack of program-ability. HO Scale.
I can’t get the chuff to synchronize with the drivers. CV’s set 1-255, It will not do more than one chuff per revolution, with 58" drivers. I am going to play around with the articulated settings. I did not have this issue when installing in a brass engine with can motor and 70" drivers. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve messed up a CV somewhere, but hate to start from scratch.
I very much hate the short duration “chuff”. Or limited cut-off. Most steam engines, when starting from a dead stop have more of a “cchhhuuuuffff ccchhhuuuuffff ccchhhuuuuffff ccchhhuuuuffff” with a short space inbetween, if any. Tsunami seems to be more of a "chf chf chf chf " .
Perhaps I am missing something in programming. I have not started messing around with load cmpensation or any of that, so perhaps that is the key. Any insight would surely be appreciated.
Adjust the motor control (Speed curve and such) and you will be able to have your 4 chuffs per revolution (The tsunami is adjustable for different motor types).
Install a chuff cam and your chuffs will be the perfect length and duration.