Every time I look at my P2K 2-8-8-2’s and my VGN 2-8-4 I start getting an itch. I do not need or want DCC for any operational issues, but I may do something just for sound. So, if you know, please tell me:
1 - Is there a GOOD SOUNDING sound system that has decoders that duplicate a large articulated, and has the two engine sounds go in and out of synch?
2 - Is there a system that allows adjustment of chuff, whistle, bell, coupling, blowdown, coupling, etc., volumes, all seperately?
3 - Is there a system that varies the chuff volume based on load?
4 - Is there a system that allows one to build customized whistle variations?
5 - Is there a system that controls the chuff rate, and allows adjustment electronically, to match the driver diameter, or does that always require a direct electrical link or switch?
6 - Is there a system that will let you control simple or compound operation of an articulated mallet?
Or, am I stuck waiting for QSI to release their systems seperately, or to see what the so far non-existant Tsunami will do, or hope someone else comes out with something? Thanks.
Wow that’s a tall order. You might want to get online and look for some german ones. They tend to be years ahead of us in everything. I remember hearing about one that you could record your own sounds to but I don’t remember which company made it. Good Luck.
You may want to check Atlas’s Quantum Engineer Controller .
See www.atlasrr.com and look under new products on their home page.This may be what you are looking for.
I see that BBI offers a similar product for around $60.00 The langauge for wiring is , IMO, incomplete.
First you have to disconnect the existing track leads, then hook up the controller and Larry, you know I’m a pretty dumb old fart. I think there’s a publication,“Model Railroading for Dummies”.
EXCEPTION: If running blocks controlled by selector switch, one of the contoller leads must be connected to the selector terminal post.
I just bot the BBI, GG1 along with the SideKick for DC operation and it took a HELP post to
get that wiring question answer.
You’re going to have to wait for the Tsunami, or for QSI to sell seperately. The Quantum Controller (or the Atlas version of the same thing) allow you to control the sounds on the newer QSI decoders while using DC, but it won’t work with a Tsunami when they come out) and it won’t make a DCC sound decoder work in DC.
Even so, it’s STILL limited compared to what can be done with DCC. Such as adjusting the chuff rate - but the BEST chuff synchronization is with a cam, no matter how good a controlt he decoder has, it’s still not going to be as in synch as a piece of hardware fastened to the drive axle.
The QSI decoders in the articulated locos they have made so far DO go in and out of synch, except the locos as built by BLI only have one motor and gear train. So while the SOUND might go out of synch, there is no way for the actual motion to also go out of synch. I suspect the P2K loco is built the same way, single motor with a diesel-type drive train. To get it REALLY correct you need a loco with two motors, and NO mechanical connection between the engines. And TWO sound cams, one for each engine.