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new to DCC, need info and ideas

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  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Wayne County Michigan
  • 678 posts
new to DCC, need info and ideas
Posted by dale8chevyss on Friday, March 28, 2008 10:18 PM

Hi everyone.

 

I'm considering a switch to DCC eventually.  I have recently purchased a DCC ready loco (still in the mail) and eventually I want to install a sound decoder to it.

 

I purchased a N&W #611 from BLI last week.  It does not come sound equipped.  I have been doing research on DCC in general as well as sound decoders for the past few months before purchasing this loco.  I realize that there are generic sound decoders that re create steam loco whistles and chugs/chuffs, etc, however, being a perfectionist at heart (it's a blessing and a curse) I don't think that is good enough for me.

 

Does a manufacturer create a sound decoder that I could program myself to authentically recreate the whistle of the 611?  Or is there a sound decoder that I am unaware of that already is programmed this way?

 

Thanks in advance.  

 

 

-tryin' to learn somethin.   

Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.

 Daniel G.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 419 posts
Posted by UpNorth on Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:50 AM
You might visit Digitrax and look at the SoundFX decoders and  their Soundloader.
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Portland, OR
  • 3,119 posts
Posted by jfugate on Saturday, March 29, 2008 2:29 AM

Loksound/ESU also has highly programmable sound decoders, but they're pricey -- and the programmer is likewise not cheap.

But I hear good things about the Loksound/ESU decoders ... 

Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Overland Park, KS
  • 343 posts
Posted by dadret on Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:06 AM
Take a look at Digitrax - they market a lot of loco specific decoders
  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Southern California
  • 1,475 posts
Posted by New Haven I-5 on Saturday, March 29, 2008 12:25 PM
 dale8chevyss wrote:

Hi everyone.

 

I'm considering a switch to DCC eventually.  I have recently purchased a DCC ready loco (still in the mail) and eventually I want to install a sound decoder to it.

 

I purchased a N&W #611 from BLI last week.  It does not come sound equipped.  I have been doing research on DCC in general as well as sound decoders for the past few months before purchasing this loco.  I realize that there are generic sound decoders that re create steam loco whistles and chugs/chuffs, etc, however, being a perfectionist at heart (it's a blessing and a curse) I don't think that is good enough for me.

 

Does a manufacturer create a sound decoder that I could program myself to authentically recreate the whistle of the 611?  Or is there a sound decoder that I am unaware of that already is programmed this way?

 

Thanks in advance.  

 

 

-tryin' to learn somethin.   

If you don't mind a hooter, the Soundtraxx DSD-101LC heavy Sound Decoder would really work for you. They are only $51.95 at Tony's Trains & sport a NMRA eight-pin plug. Add a Tony's Trains Speaker ( which I believe is a QSI). Only need to solder the green & brown wires to the speaker. I didn't use the capicitator or whatever it is called. Also, if you want a baffle, get one. I did not get any for my Bachmann Berks because a 1.25" speaker can barely fit!

- Luke

Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 419 posts
Posted by UpNorth on Saturday, March 29, 2008 3:43 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUzew_YiQ0A 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6lWBp2APrQ

This is a 4-8-4, heavy Tsunami is better suited. But you can only use the whistle sound listed and this one is not. You can't modify the Tsunami whiste further.

This BLI #611  had QSI for sound as per link I found.

http://www.broadway-limitedwest.com/nwj.htm 

Rumaging thru the QSI  web site I found this. Downloadable file to upgrde a QSI to  N&W J  4-8-4.  It's in the software download section. Search for H0312-0 or HO312-1

http://www.qsisolutions.com/products/techinfo/qchip/q-chip-upgrade-codes.html

May be an idea to call QSI (Quantum) and see what they might suggest.

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