Tony's Trains is having a sale on DSX decoders. I have a Spectrum Consolidation and an Alco FA. I know what DSX to put into the FAs, but I've never heard a 2-8-0 before, and I was wondering if anyone would know in general which DSX may sound like one. I model NYC if that makes any difference in regards to whistles, etc.
None of the DSX sound samples seem to be from a regular 2-8-0, so are any of them close?
Thanks for anyone's help.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/products/dcc/dsxsound.htm
Instead of the DSX, you'd be much better off with a Tsunami light steam decoder. Remember, the DSX means "sound only" and you will need an additional motor control decoder. It would be very difficult to cram 2 decoders and a speaker into the Consolidation's tender.
Well I already have a Digitrax decoder in the tender, and the engine has a built in place for a speaker under the coal load. I know it isn't the biggest tender, but I don't think it's going to be much of a problem.
I just never have seen or heard a smaller steam engine like a 2-8-0, so I'm not sure how they would sound.
I understand what you mean about dual decoders, even so, I have another question....
What do Soundtraxx decoders need (or do) to accomplish synchronizing the chuff on a steam engine? I would like to know what each of the decoder types (dsd, dsx, tsunami) do in regards to chuff rate.
Most steam sound decoders have a CV you can adjust to get the '4 beat to a revolution' of the driver. Of course, it is not real accurate across the entire speed range, but satisfies most folks. Some of the better decoders have an additional input to get their 'chuff' timing from an external cam switch on the driver axle. Go to the manufacturers web site and download the technical data sheets and read them if you really want to know more about this.
All of my steamers just use the CV method. I time them at fairly slow speed and get the 'chuff' working there. Once the drivers are really turning, I cannot tell if they really are 'in sync' - the engine just 'sounds good'.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I've installed sound decoders into several Bachmann Spectrum steam engines and have never had to twiddle with any CVs to synchronize the chuff. If you use the built-in NMRA 8-pin socket there seems to be a chuff cam built into the engines because mine have always been in perfect sync.
Even a SoundTraxx Tsunami can have the solder-in harness changed to one with the NMRA 8-pin plug so it becomes a plug-in installation.