Which decoders to buy, need ones that don't go into startup at every blip in power

[Overmod]

Now where do I find all this documentation, most I have found is CV list defaults.

I cannot help you; all my browsers refuse to load any site associated with Bachmann Trains! I’m sure this is some configuration issue with ‘obsolete credentials’ but it kept me definitively from looking at anything Bachmann themselves put out or hosted about the ‘new’ cheaper decoder line that doesn’t have Miss ‘Audio Assist’ included…

[rrinker]

Manufacturer’s web sites are just the start. Many times all you get from the loco maker is a basic sheet that lists the functions and some common CVs (and even those can be out of date, for a different decoder than is fitted with to the loco - Atlas). If you know who made the decoder, then you can go to the decoder maker’s site and get manuals that list all of the settings.

It’s not just track, I don’t think I said that - it’s pickups and wheels and all the otehr stuff as well, I had to get 2 Athearn RS3s before I got one that ran - 100% power pickup issues. The other one if fixable, just stuff far beyond what should be required on a new loco. ANd certain track components just don’t lend themselves to any easy way to insure reliable power to all rails - for the most part, I have learned to avoid those. Turnouts and crossovers have to be goo mechanically AND electrically to be reliable - I don;t want power loss, but I also don;t want my trains derailing. Derailment free, stutter free operation is my goal, and I have so far been able to meet both of those without resorting to putting extra stay alive devices in my locos.

–Randy

[rrebell]

Loksound decoders do have an onboard capacitor (very small) that is connected only through the sound section of the decoder to prevent sound drop-out during those nano-second glitches.

Loksound decoders also have a “memory” setting that will have the decoder return to the same sound / speed after a short power loss. I’ve never experienced any sound re-starts with my Loksound decoders (~50) after an intermittent power loss.

I have one Soundtraxx decoder (only because I haven’t gotten around to swapping it yet) and it is constantly restarting through the start-up sequence at even the slightest glitch.

Mark.

Funny, Soundtraxx is the decoder manufacture for Bachmann.

[rrebell]

I don’t think the keep alive is a must have fore a well running layout. On last layout (DC), I rarely had an issue and I never did power the frogs but it was wired for it.

[Doughless]

Don’t sound decoders have a CV setting that shuts off the start up sequence? I assume that’s what the Bachmann Sound Value has and its set at the off setting as the factory default.

I have over 30 onboard sound locos and don’t use keep alives. Not pulling my hair out.

[Mark_R]

Mark R.

Loksound decoders do have an onboard capacitor (very small) that is connected only through the sound section of the decoder to prevent sound drop-out during those nano-second glitches.

Loksound decoders also have a “memory” setting that will have the decoder return to the same sound / speed after a short power loss. I’ve never experienced any sound re-starts with my Loksound decoders (~50) after an intermittent power loss.

I have one Soundtraxx decoder (only because I haven’t gotten around to swapping it yet) and it is constantly restarting through the start-up sequence at even the slightest glitch.

Mark.

Funny, Soundtraxx is the decoder manufacture for Bachmann.

I don’t understand your point. The OP was asking which decoders to buy, and commented on what he currently HAD.

Mark.