Hello All
Doing some searching and found that Soundtraxx has a replacement sound decoder for Athearn Genesis Engines. Mine is an SD60i. Is Soundtraxx a good choice and if not what would be a better one.
Thanks
Springfield PA
Actually I was looking at this particular unit which is new and is a Tsunami.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/index.php?p=1000gn.php
Dave, what do you not like about the LC decoders? I bought a old PK 2000 F 2 few years ago with a LC decoder. B unit has the decoder and speaker and it sounds pretty darn good. Problem is the A was not hard wired to the B, Simon 1966 and I are working on a better way to hook the two together.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
The LC I picked up super cheap to play around with had decent sounds, although the volume was lacking, even with a proper rated and baffled speaker. The worst thing about them is the poor motor control - no high frequency drive, so don;t use them on a coreless motor, plus there is an audible 'buzz' because the motor drive frequency is within human hearing range. This did not affect me as I was putting it in a dummy diesel B unit anyway, and just had a resistor across the motor terminals for a load so I could program it. Another project I never got to finish.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have several of the Soundtraxx LC decoders in various models from Athearn BB F7s to Atlas Master series locomotives. I'm no expert, but the sound quality is not bad. With good speakers and enclosures I haven't had any problem with sound volume, with one exception.
While I admit that the motor control is not up to Digitrax or TCS standards, it has been adequate for my needs.
I haven't tried a Tsunami yet. They're still out of my price range. Once the cost comes down maybe.
In any case, don't dismiss the LC sound decoders. They are an economical way to bring sound to your layout IMHO.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
CudaKen, long a fan of your forum inputs. The only thing that I see with Dave's choice is the fact that with the introduction of the Tsunami they are discontinuing the LC, and if he ever burned one out he might not be able to find a replacement. the same applies to us, too! I have an LC in a dummy B unit FT of a 4 unit set, complete with the wounded (ruptured?)duck Wabco horn, Boy, does that take me back a few years, eh? Keep 'em coming, Buddy, John Colley, Port Townsend, WA
This is the one I'm looking at
Soundtraxx will start shipping them late this week or early next week. The owner of one of the LHS if frequent recently visited them and was given a demo. He says it's a great product.
It's supposed to be a drop in replacement for Genesis engines.
johncolleyCudaKen, long a fan of your forum inputs. The only thing that I see with Dave's choice is the fact that with the introduction of the Tsunami they are discontinuing the LC, and if he ever burned one out he might not be able to find a replacement.
I don't think thats true. I've got 3 sountraxx LC decoders. It was a decent cheap first decoder, but just doesn't compete with its newer brethren the tsunami, or better more expensive decoders. I would compare it this way. The LC's are more like your first car....a Ford Pinto or Chevy Vega. While it got you from point a to point b, it just doesn't compare to a Lexus or Acura.
I've already removed one LC decoder to achieve better loco performance from a non sound NCE DA-SR decoder. My favorite sound decoder is the QSI quantum series that comes pre-installed in the Atlas Gold line series, or Waltheres Proto 2000 SW8's.