I’ve heard so much about it, but I actually have no idea what it is. Please help.
Matthew
As best I can tell it is Soundtraxx’s new version of their DCC/Sound decoder. Main difference is apparently the sound system works on both DCC and regular DC power, rather than DCC only.
Wooooooooooooooooow! (Drool, drool)
So can it make a prototypical CP Rail SD40-2 horn?
Matthew
It appears to be vaporware. Something that may never be available.
Bob Boudreau
I agree with Bob. There are two kinds of tsunamis. One you wait for forever, and the other you hope never comes!!
I’ve got a sound effects device that I’m considering building. It’s a diesel/steamer horn/whistle set up that has motion detectors mounted under the layout. As the train passes over, it trips the detectors that activate the horn/whistle as it nears the crossings. If I want diesel, I flip the switch that way, or if I want steam, I flip it this way.
Someone asked me if I could come up with engine sounds, but I replied I’d best leave that up to the smart guys…
trainluver1
Matthew,
What type of horn does a CP SD40-2 use?
If you’re not certain about the different types of horns then check out this link:
You can click on some of the samples. I’m not sure, but I think that a lot of the Canadian locomotives today use the Canadian tuned Nathan K3H and Nathan K5H horns, of which Soundtraxx nor QSI have available. (Canadian tuned Nathan horns sound slightly different from the American versions.)
Ironically I e-mailed Soundtraxx on two different occasions suggesting that they consider recording these horns as they are quite common. I told Soundtraxx of two Locomotive horn clubs that they could contact as the members have a wide variety of prototype locomotive horns that could provide clear, crisp sounds for digital recorders.
Needless to say, even though there is an established vendor that thinks this idea is feasible, Soundtraxx never responded.
So all we can do is wait and see. My hope lies in that Soundtraxx will be getting some serious competition as time progresses, so I have a feeling that we’ll see more locomotive horn choices.
Suggestion: There are a lot of Canadian modelers on this forum! You guys should e-mail or even call Soundtraxx and QSI and ask them to consider getting some of those unique horn sounds!
Peace and High Greens! [:D][8D][;)]
Fundy, Selector…You guys are a riot! LOL!..[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]
I must admit that I was very skeptical…however, Bruce Petrarca from Litchfield Station did confirm on his Yahoo site and an e-mail to me that upon returning from his vacation, a Tsunami decoder had been delivered to his business!
He is one of the BETA TESTERS. So there is a light on the horizon. Hopefully it won’t be to distant.
10-4 and Roger that!
I guess what i don’t understand is if what broadway limited has is DCC why does it work on my buddys DC layout. He just has an MRC walk around throttle and his 2 locos sound works great. Why dosen’t anyone offer anything that can simply be wired into an athern or proto loco. Sounds like a great hop up for our older loco’s… if it could be done??
BLI and perhaps a few other manufacturers(Atlas & LL, I believe) are equipped with QARC technology
that permits push button DC control of individual sound features in alalog operation.
Sound can be effected through the forward/reverse switch on your power pack.
A more convenient form of the two sound execution can be effected by using the optional BLI Sidekick
connected to your pack, approx cost $25.00
Better yet, the Quantum Engineer, with 28 individual buttons to activate many sound and operational features.
Approx cost $60.00. Altas makes a compariable control under their name.
I own the BLI GG1, DC operation with the sidekicker and someday may? expand into the Quantum Engineer.
It’s great for us DC guys. However, when operating a non-sound loco and sound loco on the same track, the
operation of the sidekicker/engineer will cause your non-sound unit to go into reverse.
I looked in here excpecting you guys to be talking about the earthquake tsunami! I guess i need to get up to date.
811,
MRC & Soundtraxx currently offer ‘after market’ sound decoders that can be installed in nearly any HO locomotive. I installed a Soundtraxx DSD-LC in one of my F7s. I installed a MRC steam sound decoder in a Bachmann Niagara and a diesel sound decoder under the layout to give life to most of my other first generation diesels. What I am waiting for is the rumored Digitrax and QSI after market decoders. If they are priced competitively, we will all have many more options for sound.
Hi Guys,
A brief update.
Testing has been going well and things are looking up. Performance is very good. Recommendation from Beta testers, so far, has been that some CV’s be changed. Shipping is “expected” this fall.
If so, the timing would be very good as this is when Digitrax is supposed to be hitting the market with its new sound decoders.
Cheers.
Yes- Digitrax is quoting an October 1, 2005 release for its first sound decoder, the one designed for the Kato AC4400. Expect models preprogrammed for the Kato SD38-2 and F40PH shortly afterward.