Sound-Only Decoders

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

For one of my projects, I just need a decoder with sound capability, I don’t need motor/headlight/etc. controls. Size of the decoder isn’t an issue, either. I just don’t want to “waste” a full-function decoder (If I can avoid it) when all I’ll be using are the sound functions. (And hopefully keep the cost down, also) What are some quality sound-only decoders?? (my search led me nowhere) Preferably availible with diesel-era sound schemes…

Thanks!!

Acela[D)]

2

You might try ‘Sound Bug’ from Digitrax.

3

For super realistic sound, look at the Phoenix Sound web site. Primarily for G-scale trains, but their sound files are fantastic.

4

There really aren’t a lot of sound-only decoders. For HO, the market is pretty much MRC and Digitrax. Neither of them is really high-quality, as they use 8-bit sound encoding.

I believe Digitrax is moving towards higher fidelity sound recorders, but I don’t know if they will produce a sound-only decoder, or what the price will be on these. If you can wait, this might be an option.

5

I have a MRC Sounder decoder with diesel sounds and I just ran downstairs to confirm that it is indeed 16 bit. It has several different sound files and I find the sound is ok, certainly a lot better than Digitrax sound decoders I have tried.

CN Charlie

6

I bought one of the newer MRC sounder ,sound only decoders on sale havent tryed yet ,but says 16 bit on package , havent found a project for it ,but was thinkin mite be nice in a dummy if I ever get one…Jw

7

Acela,

This site, has some, MRC 16Bit sound only decoders, they state, they are 46% off:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s8.cgi?str_s=decoder+for+trainline+dash+8-40b&submit=Search&cat_s=UMZ

Cheers, [D]

Frank

8

With the MRC decoders, how much control do you have on the individual sound settings? Could you seperately adjust the volume of the horn/bell/etc, or is it just a “master” volume control? Looking around, I’ve read some problems others have had with MRC…

Acela[D)]

9

instruction sheet

http://www.modelrectifier.com/resources/RAILROAD/0001909.pdf

10

Thank you!