Do all DCC Systems support the sound functions provided by "drop in" sound decoders from MRC? MRC seems to be the only supplier to date that offers this "combo" decoder. I am reserching MRC, NCE, and Digitrax. So far in my studies of their manuals, MRC has more CV's that can be programmed including sound, bells, etc. I have not foung that information in the other systems. I have to believe that the other 2 manufacturers have the same capability but I haven't found confirmation of this as of yet. I don't want to go the trial and error route!:tb-confused:
I sense that you are a bit confused about this. First, your term "combo"....if you mean a "dual mode" decoder that can operate in DC and in DCC, then most modern decoders permit that duality. As for the DCC control system, or the command unit that gets the power from the wall, they all control sounds and effects, some more than others. I don't know which has the most right now, but the most dated ones you can still buy offer 8 functions as a minimum, including bell, whistle/horn, ligh directionality, etc. Note: only a couple of decoders out right now can be programmed to accept sound files that you create or that you record as long as you have the manufacturer's software and transmitter devices. For example, Loksound requires you to purchase their Programer. The Quantum Revolutions will be programmable when they emerge from the fog...shortly it seems. So, once again, all DCC systems currently available will allow you to programme CV's to tune them, but only two decoders that I know of will allow you to download and change the loaded sounds and effects. As it is, only the first Bachmann EZ Command does not permit you to alter CV inputs except for address change, but it still has buttons to play the bells and horns. All sound decoders have at least 8 configurable effects, plus many more that play at random while the engine sits...such as air pumps and water injectors in steamers. Am I helping at all?
Now we're getting somewhere! When I coined the phrase "combo" I was reffered to standard decoders and sound decoders. I thought I could get some help on this at the DCE in Louisville but everyone was too "busy" to offer any help and there isn't a hobby shop within 200 miles that has a clue on DCC other than here's the box and price. It appears that MRC has the easiest installation for decoders with sound but I have found through research that the MRC's occasionally loose the CV's for sound and require reconfiguration. It's kind of strange that anyone would build a decoder that has volitile memory. I deal with electronics on a daily basis so the theory and wiring of DCC is not totally Greek. Right now "upgrades" to the system are not a big issue but I can easily forsee the time when horns and and whistles could be actuated by a transponder while the train is in motion at crossings, bridges, etc. I certainly wouldn't want to exclude that type technology in the future to save a few bucks in the initial system price now. I'm a whole lot closer to making the call than I was yesterday. Now all I've got to figure out is which hand held throttle I like better. It's down to 2!:tb-biggrin: I forgot to mention, I'm in N scale. If I were in a larger scale, it would be no big deal. There is always room in larger scales for added electronics and there a many more offerings for those scales.
I don't think NCE do a sound decoder, but their throttle units do have a dedicated 'horn', and in some cases a 'bell' button too, to make operation of sound simpler (which is one reason why I went for NCE) For sound decoders you should also check out QSI and Loksound, as Crandell suggests, and Soundtraxx. I've got a number of QSI and Soundtraxx fitted engines and both makes have a wealth of CV settings. The only MRC unit I've had (in an Athearn Genesis) was far more limited in its sound configurability and was one of the main reasons I got rid of the loco (if the loco itself had been a better runner I'd likely have kept it and replaced the MRC with a Soundtraxx unit). Edit: Installing a sound decoder is no harder than a normal one, so they are pretty much equal there (barring some bespoke or drop-in jobs). It's fitting the speaker that makes it harder, and fitting it to get decent sound is harder still. And that's just for HO ... (Good luck)
For the 1st couple decoders, I'll start with the MRC drop in decoders for my late model engines. Some of my older units will require chassis mods. Once I get familiar with the use of the system I'll tackle the older units and sound units that need to be mounted in the fuel tanks. It seems through customer opinions that the NCE is a little more user friendly. (Direct access to CV's via push button) I just wish I could lay hands on a Digitax and NCE System to really "feel the difference"!
I use the old Super Empire Builder from Digitrax. I have no complaints, and love the DT400 throttle. But, I can't read CV settings. I think you are likely to be happy with any system you get, just like most of us get along with our women....eventually. Really, though, they are all good, all have good and not-so-good things about them. If operating with buddies can be a sometimes issue, maybe get and use what they do. Good luck with the sound decoders. As Mike is hinting, the real details, apart from safely wiring in the decoder and keeping it cool from motor heat, lie in the compartment for the speaker and it's air-tightness. A good installation is as loud and clear as a bell. It you get weak hissy sound, you did something wrong or the speaker is defective.
I have just put my N scale layout back up after doing some 5/8" scale narrow gauge stuff. It's easier for my young son to see trains running than just sitting. Since I don't intend to have tons of locos on my layout, I decided to go DCC. I started with the MRC Prodigy Express, and have been quite pleased with it so far. Of course, I also bought the MRC sound decoder for the AC4400/SD70MAC, and found it very easy to work with. However, the engine sound for the GM is not that loud even at full volume. I have changed the horn and bell sounds, and my son loves to see and hear the train run past. However, I recently discovered that the GM sound I programmed in for the SD70MAC has reset to the GE sound. So, when I get back home, I have to reprogram it. I'll have to see if the horn/bell changed as well. All in all, i'm impressed with the sound decoder, and hope to add a few more as they become available. However, I have only used it on the MRC DCC system, so I'm not too sure if it will function on Digitrax or any of the others. A friend who has been in DCC for a long time doesn't seem to think there will be a problem. Ken Jones Jr. Niagara Railway Museum Niagara Railway Museum
You mentioned the DCE in Louisville... If you will be operating on NTrak layouts, be advised that about 85% of the NTRAK clubs that run DCC use Digitrax. This mmay sway your decision on choice of DCC system. Decoders (in the loco) will operate on anybody's system. Throttles are usually proprietary and cannot be used with other systems. As far as number of functions available. At the moment, only MRC systems have 28 functions available for operation. Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, etc. can handle up to 13 functions. All of the 28 functions in an MRC sound decoder can be programmed with the above systems. There' s just not a single button that can be pressed on most of them to make the function turn on or off at the moment. Quite frankly, weak demand for the additional functions is part of the reason the other manufacturers haven't rushed new throttles to market. Digitrax will be introducing an updated throttle after the end of this year that will include all 28 functions. It actually exists and was in beta testing at DCE. Pesonally, I can't find a reason to need 28 functions. When I'm about to run a signal, don't really care to hear the fireman blow his nose Martin Myers
That's usually the way my luck goes! Just like computers, by the time you get to the point where you've got everything figured out and things are a breeze, BAM! Here comes another one cheaper, faster, more user friendly. I've just read both the Digitrax and NCE manuals, cover to cover. I've decided to got with Digitrax Super Chief. My immediate needs are a mainline freight or passenger train and a local switcher dodging all the traffic. Right now I've got about 100' of mainline and the rest is yards, sidings, etc. Having 2 train operation at your fingertips appeals to me. The layout won't stay this size for long. I'm working on an expansion of 300% pretty soon. From all I've read, the Digitrax and NCE can handle the one CV in question, sound. If I remember correctly bell is F1 and Horn is F2 on the Digitrax. NCE has similar characteristics. Once the engine sound is configured, I'll be in business. I also like the fact of the system remembering 120 Locos. No need to add and subtract from the stack. 5 Amps may be overkill for now but it will make future expansion less expensive in the long run. I'm not interested in hearing the whole circus of sound that comes out of some larger scale equipment either. I need to learn to fly a kite before I go to the moon! LOL!!
