Newbie here, still trying to sort all this stuff out:
When a loco has a decoder installed this means only for engine effects (speed control, momentum) and lights, correct?
The sound decoder is a separate circuit board?
Do some decoders come with both? I seem to remember the Soundtrax Tsunami as doing everything.
So if I want to have realistic loco operation with speed, lights, and sound, should I only look at those decoders that have all incorporated into one?
Is a there a comparison chart somewhere that shows what all these decoders have for features?
thanks
The Blueline engines from BLI have a DC decoder for sounds only. I don't know if they also have a light board, but otherwise they are straight DC motor control.
Decoders can be two or three function for lighting and motor control, and nothing else. Or, they can be sound decoders, but in every case that I know of, those sound decoders have a dual nature two ways: they can run on both DC or DCC, and they have both motor control and sound. Naturally, they also control the lighting outputs and the various lighting rules effects.
Crandell
Queenidog
Several decoders come with sound and motor/light control. Two of the more common are Soundtraxx and Digitrax which are at different price points. Tony's Trains has several comparisons available at
http://tonystrains.com/productcompare/index.htm
Good luck,
From Mt Pleasant, Utah, the home of the Hill Valley and Thistle Railroad where the Buffalo still roam and a Droid runs the trains
"Newbie here, still trying to sort all this stuff out:"
"When a loco has a decoder installed this means only for engine effects (speed control, momentum) and lights, correct?"
-- Normally yes. If it also has sound, it will say so.
"The sound decoder is a separate circuit board?"
-- Not always, but it can be.
"Do some decoders come with both? I seem to remember the Soundtrax Tsunami as doing everything."
-- Yes. Soundtraxx Tsunamis are both a motor w/ lights and sound. There are others, but I prefer the Tsunami.
"So if I want to have realistic loco operation with speed, lights, and sound, should I only look at those decoders that have all incorporated into one?"
-- You can add a sound only decoder to a locomotive that already has a motor decoder in it, but it will be a tighter fit than if you just got a decoder that has both. I usually get locomotives that are DCC ready and install a sound and motor decoder.
"Is a there a comparison chart somewhere that shows what all these decoders have for features?"
-- You may find something like that at Tony's Trains web site.
Even though most decoder will operate on DC and DCC, there is a CV that will turn off the DC function. Leaving the DC function on has caused some locomotives to run away when the layout is first turned on because the decoder thinks it is seeing DC and not DCC.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
This is not a basic question as there are a lot of difference's in non-sound and sound decoders as well as locos with sound but controlled by DC. Some, you have to add a non-sound motor control decoder to use the loco with a DCC system. There are people who want sound but only want to use a DC power pack.
Many non-sound and sound decoders can be run by a DC power pack but not as well as a loco with just a DC motor.
Below are some links on DCC. Please store the links in Favorites. I want to stay away from opinions. This way you pretty much have facts with links you can look at for more DCC knowledge. Even then, there are more possibilities with DCC.
DCC is continually evolving.
I have many more DCC links but do not want to overwhelm you.
http://www.siliconvalleylines.com/dcc/2009/Basics.pdf
A lot of info in the below link.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
queenidog Newbie here, still trying to sort all this stuff out: When a loco has a decoder installed this means only for engine effects (speed control, momentum) and lights, correct? The sound decoder is a separate circuit board? Do some decoders come with both? I seem to remember the Soundtrax Tsunami as doing everything. So if I want to have realistic loco operation with speed, lights, and sound, should I only look at those decoders that have all incorporated into one? Is a there a comparison chart somewhere that shows what all these decoders have for features? thanks
The basic answer is that most modern sound decoders have both sound and motor control built in.
There are several manufacturers that make sound decoders and a few loco manufacturers that have their own sound system. I suggest you google the one's we note.
My personal favorite after market decoders are by Soundtrax and QSI. IMO they're the best out there right now. Digitrax also makes a line that is decent but not on top of the list.
Remember the letters MRC. Whenever you see those letters mentioned with decoders stay away. A quick search of the forums will tell you why.
The loco manufacturers that I've used that offer sound installed are as follows:
Atlas: Uses QSI decoders.
Broadway Limited: Offer a line with sound and motor decoder called Paragon 2. They also offer the Blue Line loco's that have sound only decoders and require you to install your own motor decoder if you want to run DCC.
Athearn: Current offerings include Soundtraxx decoders. Older units had MRC and not preferred.
MTH. Have their own sound system called DCS. Very good sounding with basic DCC compatibility.
Bachmann: Their sound loco's typically use Soundtraxx decoders.
There are others that are available but the above are what I have had experience with and owned.
Springfield PA
I am glad he asked a BASIC question.
A couple of the replies recommended you to go to Tony's Trains for a comparison. After checking these, the comparison charts have not been updated in years. Therefore, if you want reliable information, go to each manufacturer's web site.
Example: Digitrax and Soundtraxx tells you specifically what each decoder will/will not do. Some have motor function only, some have sound function only and some do both.
By the way, I have nothing against Tony's Trains. But after clicking the link and seeing this:
Comparison : Digitrax Starter Sets
Updated on 29. April 2004
and
Soundtraxx DSD Decoder Comparison
Content updated 11/13/2001
tells me it may not be very accurate.
Inspired by Addiction
See more on my YouTube Channel
Yeah, I see that. I've been using Tony's Trains alot too, because he has a comprehensive website. Thanks for pointing this out.
richg1998 I am glad he asked a BASIC question.
I'm old enough that I could answer a FORTRAN question.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
X=87.1
WRITE(*,100) X
100 FORMAT('HO Scale is 1/',F4.1)
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
MisterBeasley richg1998: I am glad he asked a BASIC question. I'm old enough that I could answer a FORTRAN question.
richg1998: I am glad he asked a BASIC question.
That is so funny to me since FORTRAN was the first program language I learned. I can remember C++ being a big deal.
Richard
In addition to Tony's, here's a link to Litchfield. There is a lot of information, especially in the DCC University.
http://litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm
QSI is coming out with all new decoders and sound processor, I have one coming. At this point, Soundtraxx Tsunami has the best sound as far as prototypical prime movers, at least to me.
even I know that the Fortran code didn't answer the question about decoders.
Yeah, I'm old enough to remember this too, goes back to the '70s.