So how does the sound work in these little guys? More specificly, how does the sound unit know that you are doing 20mph in run 8 up a steep grade, vs coasting downhill at 20mph? From my past recolections of model trains, the old sound systems were allways synced to the speed of the train. That might work ok for a steamer, but a diesel with its 8 seperate notches could be in almost any notch at almost any given speed. I really need to look at one of these systems and play with it. Kevo
If youy're talking about a sound decoder installed in the loco, the Soundtraxx Tsunami at least sets the notch based on the amount of power being provided to the loco. Also, the Tsunami lets you choose the notch manually if you like.
To add to Ken's comment Digitrax supports three notching modes, Automatic, Manual, and Semi-Automatic. The last one lets adjust the current notching when you want and but will do it by itself if you don't. As an example what i often do when starting up under load I notch up before moving and then ease into motion. Then if I accelerate to mainline speeds I let it notch up based on speed beyond what I've already manually done.
The answer is of course that it varies. They are generally synched to speed since that is the only easily measured aspect on a model - load is harder to figure. I know some systems look at the change of speed and alter (eg) the chuff sound to simulate coasting or having the power on, but this will vary with manufacturer and model. I don't have any of the latest decoders, mine are older Soundtraxx and QSI, but with those on diesel models I use momentum to get nearer 'scale' operation. Since the engine sound notch is derived from the commanded speed, but the loco speed is delayed by the momentum, you can throttle it up several notches on your controller and then (like the real thing) wait while the loco/train accelerates. And vice-versa slowing down. However this didn't work with an MRC decoder I had in an Athearn Genesis EMD - the engine still notched up with 'actual' speed. Actually, you'd need to look at several, due to the variation mentioned above.
DCC & Sound So go look at the below site. Bruce use to own a very good on line DCC site that specializes in SoundTraxx products but there are other sound decoder manufactures. Look in Curriculum also. There is a lot of info at his site. I would rather give his site than give my opinions. He also post a lot of good DCC info at the MRH site. There are MANY variables in DCC a d sound so do not jump very fast. http://www.mrdccu.com/ Store the link or any link in other messages as you will refer to them quite a lot. Rich
Here is a list of DCC systems, Search the Web for the company and You Tube for examples of sound. You will find hundreds of links to store in Favorites and check out. http://www.dccwiki.com/DCC_Systems_comparison Search You Tube for say, dcc company name sound. I know one company does not sell a DCC system but has a lot of excellent sound decoders. You will find a few hundred examples. http://www.youtube.com/ Rich
