Well this didn’t take long. Yesterday I received my PCM RDG T1 and now I’m hooked on sound. Of course I knew this would happen. I just need to adjust the volume down a bit and everything will be fine.
Now, I’ve searched but haven’t found the info I’m looking for - a recommended motive/sound decoder for my Bachmann DCC-ready K4 Pacific (HO) and Digitrax Zephyr.
My only point of reference for sound is the T1 above.
How difficult for a novice like me, without a lot of confidence, to install sound (I previously installed a non-sound decoder in my IHC 2-10-2 and it was a snap, but I’m not against having it done by a professional)?
Cost, within reason, is not really a consideration, although I don’t think it’s going to set me back that much.
I looked on some DCC sites (Tony’s, Loy’s) and am still a little confused on what I need and what it will cost. Probably should just call them to find out - huh?
Your idea of talking to Tony’s or Loy’s is good (I don’t have experience with Loy’s, but Tony’s is great and so is Bruce at Litchfield Station).
I’d suggest some research, first, into SoundTraxx and LokSound, probably your only realistic options for sound at present. SoundTraxx has an “LC” (low cost) series and the Tsunami (my favorite). There are differences, in sound, functions, and motor control. You can then have a much better conversation about what’s important to you.
QSI seems about to release an aftermarket sound decoder soon (although they’ve been promising it for at least 3 years).
Most of what I read on these and other forums about the MRC sound decoders varies from bad to awful.
And Digitrax recently announced a line of sound decoders, but I don’t think they’re out yet – at least I’ve not seen any postings – good or bad.
Digitrax sound decoders are out, just no one has a steam sound set for them yet. But they are user-programmable. The Tsunami is available with the correct PRR whistle for the K4, so that may be the easiest option.
My grandson has a Bachmann K-4 that I put a Soundtraxx DSD100-LC sound decoder and 1.1-inch speaker in. It operates quite well and sounds good too.
The installation was quite easy. The decoder came with an medium 8-pin plug, if I remember right, which plugs right into the circuit board in the loco’s tender. I put the speaker under the coal load in the tender and drilled a bunch of small holes for the sound to escape through.
If you have installed a regular decoder you should have no problems. The only real difference is two speaker wires and installing the speaker.
If I had it to do over again, I would go with a Tsunami decoder, but the LC works, sounds good and was inexpensive.