I’d like to get a replacement board-type sound decoder for an Atlas C30-7 (Conrail flavor with Leslie horn). Looks like it comes down to the QSI revolution vs. the Tsunami.
Any opinions as to which has the better range and fidelity of the sound, and any pluses/minuses of the decoders in general?
Thanks
QSI has far better horns, Tsunamis has far better motor sounds.
QSI has 6 light outputs, Tsunamis have 4.
QSI is wired for 3 volt LEDs, Tsunamis are wired for 1.5 volt bulbs (with 12volt leads for 3v LEDs).
QSI has a slight edge when it comes to motor control.
QSI uses indexed CVs (multiple Cvs have to be set to set one option on the decoder) while Tsunamis dont.
Tsunamis have an onboard equalizer (to adjust the frequency range to match your speaker) while the QSI does not.
Both are available in light board formats.
The Tsunami is cheaper sometimes.
QSI is downloadable, the Tsunami is not.
Personally, if you care, I would choose the Tsunami. In both cases, do NOT bend the board (#1 reason for decoder failure).
David B
I just got a note from Litchfield Station that the QSI Revolution U decoders are backordered at least a month right now. So if you can find them, I suggest you grab them up before they are gone.
Thanks, I really appreciate the input.
Do you happen to know if either of these decoders has that spitting sound from the airtank water drain and/or the “woop” sound from the electric motor driven compressor starting up?
Ulrich Models has a custom sound set for a Loksound decoder in which the GE version has the ‘spitter’ sound, you can listen ot the samples on their web site. It’s the only one I’ve heard that has that sound.
–Randy