I am new to DCC. I am ready to install decoders in several of my Bachmann J Class locos. Several of them (I have 13 of them) are DCC ready and some are vintage from the 80's. Can someone tell me what would be the best small sound decoder for these locos? I am interested in having the whistle sound as close to the prototype as possible. I also have several non-DCC ready Atlas E7/8's from the 80's. These will require some frame modification, but I believe they can be converted. Size is a major factor in this task, so small is a must. Thanks for any suggestions.
For the diesels, ESU Loksound Select Micro with the EMD 567 prime mover sound file, hands down. For the steamers, a bit more complicated. The Loksound has the superior motor control by a good margin, and you may need this to get the best performance from your J's. However, I think the Sountraxx micro-Tsunami (heavy steam version for the J) has superior sounds over the two-cylinder ESU steam files, including the classic N&W whistle. I would probably opt for the Tsunami and see how it works motor wise. If it can't make the J run smoothly, try the ESU. John C.
Thanks, JD. As a newbie to DCC, I knew I would make this mistake. I forgot to mention that I am modeling in N scale. I suspect that your suggested decoders are for HO. I'm gonna go check out both of the manufacturers that you have suggested. Hopefully, they will have N scale decoders that are comparable. The installation of the ESU is gonna be pretty tricky due the the need for frame modification to the E7/8's. But, I am up for the challenge and both of them are good DC runners, even though they have been in storage for many years. The J's are my pets and I want them to be as accurate, sound wise, as possible. One more question.....do you have a recommendation for a speaker for the J's? If I understand the theory, the baffle has a lot to do with the sound quality. Since they will be mounted in the tender, I'm guessing that there will be enough room to use a decent size baffle.
Just my $0.02 worth. For sure what John Colombo said regarding the diesel and there are many different opinions on the steamers. IMHO, the ESU Loksound micro versions are best for steamers because they will provide the best motor control. And yes, you are right regarding the speaker. It must be enclosed properly, air tight 5 sided box, to give the best sound. Carl
The LokSound Select Micro and the Sountraxx micro-Tsunami (TSU-750) are the smallest sound decoders with US-prototype sound files available. They will both easily fit in virtually any N-scale steam tender, and I've installed the LokSound Select Micro in a bunch of hood diesels. You can find my various installation "tutorials" for diesels linked at the following thread on The Railwire: http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31981.0 Other folks have installed the LokSound in E and F units; if you do a search here on Trainboard and The Railwire, you'll find additional information. As for speakers for the steamers, I would strongly recommend something like this: http://store.sbs4dcc.com/SBS4DCCSugarCubeSpeaker13x18mm8ohm1wattw/SoundChamber.aspx Digikey has these speakers without the "sound chamber" (e.g., the enclosure); you can buy a bare speaker and make your own enclosure out of .040 styrene or lead sheet. See my tutorial on building your own sealed speaker enclosure here: http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31311.0 John C.
For sound check out LokSound for both diesel & steam. Check their website (http://www.esu.eu/en/start/) & their Yahoo Group forum. For speakers the best are from Railmaster Hobbies (http://www.railmasterhobbies.com/Speakers.htm).
