Decoder recomendations?

[Wazzzy]

i have a new RTR DCC ready Athern RS-3 (model 94069) and want advice on a good reliable DCC decoder with sound. i have found a MRC decoder M1820, but worried about the negative comments towards MRC decoders.

i prefer a drop in decoder, but i could install other decoders if the performance is worth it.

thanks in advance

Wazzzy

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

 If you want one of those MRC decoders there are parts left of one in my trash can. Don't make the mistakes I made . #1 the lure of a lower price, #2 listening to the guy in the LHS once again. Do your own research and make an informed decision. Tony's train Exchange has a lot of reviews of decoders and everything DCC even though they are a dealer they are pretty unbiased in my opinion.

I don't know of another company who makes a drop in sound decoder for the Athearn RS3 but my friend installed TSCA4X with a TSU-70 Micro Tsunami in his and said it wasn't too bad of a job do to the extremely small size (about the size of a dime)  he put the speaker in the cab if I recall. The speaker the MRC is tiny resulting in less the audible sound.

[skagitrailbird]

 Talk to Bruce at Litchfield Station.  He won't steer you wrong.  Fair prices, too.

[cacole]

 In addition to Tony and Bruce, another good place to check is Ulrich Models at http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/StoreFront

[Wazzzy]

thanks for the input. correct me if i am wrong in my assumptions......

http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-435/Tsunami-AT-Series-Diesel/Detail this AT 1000 decoder board will replace the original board in the loco and the speaker gets connected to the two connectors in the middle of the board.

http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-397/Tsunami-Diesel-Sound-Decoders/Detail this decoder completely replaces the original board and gets 'hard wired' into the system; just add speaker.

is there an overall difference in performance between replacing the board or removing the board?

[jwils1]

davidmbedard

 I would put in a Tsunami AT-1000 alco 244 with a Tony's Trains micro speaker/baffle.  The speaker will fit in the cab.

David B

I understand that this decoder can handle 1.5 bubs or LEDs without having to add resistors.  Since the RS3 has twin 1.5 bulb lights front and rear, do you have to do anything different than when wiring single bulbs?  If changing to LEDs would you do anyting different than with bulbs.

[jwils1]

davidmbedard

 My RS3 has a single bulb front and back......this decoders allows for 1 -1.5v bulb per light output and you get 4 light outputs.

If you need more support, then opt for the GN-1000.  It has resistors for dual bulbs.

David B

It looks like the GN-1000 doesn't have Alco sound.  I think I could use the AT-1000 and use one LED front and rear to light up the dual lenses.  I did this on another RS3 and it looks good.