MRC Sound System Question....

[canazar]

I have purchased the MRC Prodigy DCC System and have heard that you can get a sound system that synchronized with the engine you are useing?? SO, you can make any engine you have control over have sound??


1) Am I assumeing right on how it works? You get sounds options off your function keys too on only the engine you have control over?
2) How well does it work?
3) if you have an engine that all ready has sound, well it still work, so you end up with 2 sounds systems going?

If you have any perosnal expierence with the unit, please let me know your .02 cents... Thanks in Advance..

Best Regards
John Kanicsar

[cacole]

I think you're asking about a "sound decoder" that is a sound system and DCC decoder built into the same unit, that you put into the locomotive. SoundTraxx systems have better quality sounds than the MRC decoders.

[BRVRR]

John,
MRC makes several sound systems. Three 'stand alone' systems and at least two more sound decoders for locomotives. The link below will get you to their web site. Check them out there.

http://modelrec.com/

The stand alone system, which I think you mean in your post. Can be synchronized with your locomotive. It has to be done through the handheld controller that comes with the sound system. The systems also play sounds randomly. The sounds include diesel rumble, steam chuff, boiler let off, sand, dynamic brake sound and others. Synchronization with an operating loco would appear to be difficult.
If you want more prototypical sound, you will have to go with a 'sound decoder' which includes all the sounds above and a few more. Once the decoder is set up properly and synchronized with the loco, it maintains the setup until you change it.
Soundtraxx makes excellent sound decoders, with or without motor control. I have one of them installed in an F7. The MRC sound decoders come in two versions. One for steam and one for diesel applications. Both have motor and lights controls. I have one of their steam decoders installed in a NYC Niagara. I am very happy with the MRC decoder. I'm not a purist and it serves my purposes admirably and it costs about 1/2 - 2/3 of the cost of a Soundtraxx decoder. Soundtraxx link is below:

http://soundtraxx.com

Check out the manufacturer's web sites. Look at the evaluations at Tony's Trains. Link below:

http://tonystrains.com

Another way to get sound for a small layout is to wire a locomotive sound decoder permanently into your layout and MU to it with your locos. You can search this forum for a link for instructions and methodology on that.
In any case, I think you are going to need a sound decoder from one of the manufacturers above to get what you want in the way of sound.
Hope this helps. Remember: It's your railroad.[:D]

[canazar]

Thanks guys... I think I need to go back to the shop and ask again. Hmm... and off to Google.