Being willing to live on the edge, I picked up one of the new Athearn Genesis SD60M sound locomotives last week. I had obvious concerns about the MRC decoder but I figured I'd give it a chance, since Athearn said that readback of CVs is now supported. True to their word, I am able to read CVs with my Super Chief system. Setup was straightforward and the unit is very good looking. I had the 4 digit address setup inside of a minute and was rolling. The unit runs very smooth.
The downside is the MRC sound decoder. The sound is very "tinny" and loud. There is no master volume and each sound setting has three settings for volume 1,2 or 3. Most other sound decoders have at least 16 settings for sound volume, as a minimum. My P2K SD60Ms with Digitrax Soundbugs, that I installed, sound much better than this unit and the QSIs blow it away. When I get time I'll probably be pulling the shell and looking for a QSI Revolution decoder to replace the MRC decoder.
I'll wait a couple of more years before I buy another Genesis unit with sound included.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Jeff
Its good you got a decent MRC decoder at least it works. Can you maybe fit a better speaker to get a better sound? Maybe a larger baffle to give it more bass or tweak the encloser?
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Funny you should mention it. I have a similar post on my new SD60i. Looks like a Tsunami might be in my future with it.
Springfield PA
When I get time I'll take it apart and look inside at the speaker baffling and such. However, given the limitations I have already seen in the decoder settings, there's a real good chance it will eventually go. For the same money you can purchase an Atlas Gold or a BLI Paragon unit, which have far superior sound quality and configurations. I was really expecting a bit more from Athearn, given the cost.
I got this E-mail from Athearn last night:
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April 9, 2009
Product Notification:
Genesis® Norfolk Southern SD60M Locomotives
It has come to our attention that the recently shipped Genesis Norfolk Southern SD60M locomotives have reached the marketplace with paint errors on the body. The following item numbers are affected:
o ATHG67268 o ATHG67269 o ATHG67270 o ATHG67368 o ATHG67369 o ATHG67370
We ask that you please return these affected locomotives to the place of purchase by May 8th, 2009 for a full refund. At that time you’ll have an opportunity to place an order for new, properly decorated product. The revised locomotives will ship in approximately 4 months.
We apologize for the error and inconvenience this issue will cause but feel it is our responsibility to make sure all Genesis products meet or exceed your expectations.
The Folks at Athearn
I took mine back today. I applaud Athearn for recalling the units. This is the first time I ever returned a locomotive. I wasn't too heart broken over it. I'll have to think long and hard on whether I purchase a replacement in 4 months. Maybe a nonsound unit and add my own sound decoder.
I thank Athearn for doing this recall and would hope they would recall all of their MRC sound units also. Maybe when the contract runs out.
CZ
CAZEPHYR I thank Athearn for doing this recall and would hope they would recall all of their MRC sound units also. Maybe when the contract runs out. CZ
Yep. With a QSI or similar quality sound system, I would have bought 2 or 3 of them.