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Soundtraxx volume too low.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 160 posts
Soundtraxx volume too low.
Posted by Gerome on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:10 PM

Some time back I installed a 101LC diesel EMD 2nd Gen decoder with two small oval speakers in a P2K SD40. Yet the sound is about 50% lower that an identical install in another loco....with shell off and on & vol. at mid point and max etc. in tests.  I just left it until now.

These are installed perfectly, baffled, etc. I have adjusted CV values back and forth and reset the decoder a couple of times. No luck raising the volume. I thought I might have a system volume CV wrong but there isn't on on this decoder.

I can see no reason for the low sound except a defective decoder amp.

I have tried changing out the capacitor, and wiring the two speakers in both series (4 ohm draw) and parallel (16 ohm draw) as per the two suggestions on the Soundtraxx installation pages. No difference.

Before I undo the rest of the installation and swap out the two speakers for two new ones for a final test, has anyone had a similar issue?  I don't think the speakers are to blame, or could I be wrong?

I have had Soundtraxx amps fail on me before. I guess this is another one. I have about half a dozen LCs installed in pairs like this in various locos...and this is 50% quieter at least. Darn!

(I also have posted this already on the Soundtraxx groups forum.)

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Monday, July 20, 2009 10:44 PM

 That's why I no longer use "LC" decoders -- most had very weak volume that became distorted if it was turned up too much.  A Tsunami would be a much better choice.

 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 160 posts
Posted by Gerome on Monday, July 20, 2009 11:42 PM

Yes, I agree.  I think I will just give up on this one.  I have several steam Tsunamis, but yet to buy a diesel.  Something to look forward to.

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