I seem to recall a post where someone was installing one of these decoders in a Genset but couldn't locate with a search. Trainworld has these on sale for $65 and I'm somewhat temped. However, given MRC's less than stellar reputation, I'm a bit leary. MRC's description of this decoder would have you believe that they are the cat's meow, but even the MRR review was lukewarm. Are there any happy customers out there?
The more I type, the more skeptical I'm becoming, but would be interested in any info from the "real world". I have only 3 Locos currently with MRC decoders and quite frankly they suck, but they are 5 or 6 years old (two Athearn Challengers and a Big Boy).
MRC seems to think they make a Genset sound decoder. Here's the MRR review I was referring to.:
http://mrr.trains.com/News%20and%20Reviews/Product%20Reviews/Staff%20Reviews/2011/01/Model%20Rectifier%20Corp,-d-,%20Digital%20Command%20Control%20decoder.aspx
I bought the first gen decoder from them for my Atlas GenSet, it's okay, I understand they released a newer version so can't speak to that. I have all MRC decoders, but to be honest, after hearing Loksound, and saw how they performed, I am converting all my fleet. They don't make a Genset yet, but will be, the other issue though is that the MRC is setup for the ditch lights and those work well.
I know a lot of people seem to bash MRC, but they aren't as bad as some would let you believe.
If not MRC, would it be a big hassle to hook up the existing ditch lights (resistors if needed) to a Tsunami or ? Or whatever.? I haven't taken mine apart yet so I'm flying blind on the wiring layout.
Why don't you purchase the Atlas Genset that has a decoder already installed? Not sound, but no one makes an accurate Genset sound decoder. MRC's claims are exaggerations.
H, my UP friend.
It just so happened that the LHS had a MRC sound decoder installed in a Genset for another customer. So I was able to hear a demo on their test track. David is technically correct that no one makes a Genset decoder. The MRC decoder makes some sound but its not even close to the the real thing and does not even begin to mimic the Genset turning motors on and off depending on load. Based upon the poor sound, really just noise, I went with the TCS DP2X instead. It is now one of the best and smoothest runners on my layout.
Just food for thought but why is it that Atlas doesn't offer the MRC decoder installed from the factory? Granted it can be many reasons but it does give me pause. As other have already mentioned Lok Sound is working on one. So my advise would be to get the TCS for now and wait for Lok if you want sound.
Did I mention this is a sweet little runner?
UPinCT just so happened that the LHS had a MRC sound decoder installed in a Genset for another customer. So I was able to hear a demo on their test track. David is technically correct that no one makes a Genset decoder. The MRC decoder makes some sound but its not even close to the the real thing and does not even begin to mimic the Genset turning motors on and off depending on load.
The MRC genset sound decoder does not really have the correct 'sounds'. I have one installed in an Atlas genset, and it does function good. Motor control is fine(I was surprised), it does ramp up the sound in two stages like a real genset. It also 'shuts down' like the prototype when just idling. And the ditch lights provided do work. I was hesitant to spend the money, but with no other game in town, I bought one on sale about a year ago. It has not burned up like so many MRC decoders have a reputation for. Maybe I was very fortunate! If someone else produces a correct sound decoder for an NRE genset, I may purchase one.
I have installed/looked at MRC decoders that others have tried to install. The big issue with MRC decoders is the overall poor construction. Many of the 'DOA' decoders are due to solder bridges/cold solder joints. Whoever builds them does not seem to do any testing in their production cycle.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I have not bought a genset due to lack of good sound decoder options. Soundtraxx has a Cummins diesel you could use, but of course it's only one engine and not a real good match. I was considering buying the MRC but have been hesitant due to their reputation and my personal experience with them in some Athearn units (challenger and Sd45-2). They don't have a lot of flexibility in programming for example.
Getting one to work well based on loads and speed would of course be required. At this point the industry is struggling with just 8 notches and whether a loco should be throttled up before it moves(of course we know, it just depends--which makes it complicated when you consider the various motors/drivetrains).
Richard
A little update.
Sundtraxx just announced:
Tsunami - DCC Decoder - Cummins QSK19C x3 GenSet LocomotiveItem No. 828036
I am looking forward to seeing it. I hope it will be something which fits in Atlas Genset and everyone can easily install itself.
Arras88 A little update. Sundtraxx just announced: Tsunami - DCC Decoder - Cummins QSK19C x3 GenSet LocomotiveItem No. 828036 I am looking forward to seeing it. I hope it will be something which fits in Atlas Genset and everyone can easily install itself.
Heard about his as well at Amherst, but forgot to ask "When is it expected" Anyone heard anything?
Hopefully it won't be next year.
It's on the Soundraxx website, but the sound sample has yet to be uploaded it seems. What Ive read about it sounds very promising--Cummins sounds recorded and the 3 generators cut on and off (im interested on whether this is predicated on speed or somehow sensed by the decoder on momentum), but it sounds like a vast improvement over the MRC.
UP in CT, the Genset does not come with a sound option or a DCC option. This loco is in the Trainman line which is the low end of Atlas. (Actually this is called Trainman plus). None of the Trainman line has a sound option. I believe the Gold line is the Sound equipped and the Silver is the DCC ready, but same detail level as the Gold. I think Atlas' decision to offer this loco in the Trainman line was a strange choice, since the detail level is comparable to the Gold and Silver lines (except for the scale 4" handrails......Ugh!) Atlas seems to be a little quirky on their model selection and some of the far out road names they offer, but, whatever.
Im happy to hear Sndtrxx is coming out with a decoder. I'm especially glad I didn't buy the MRC which I was considering. I have a lot of Sndtrxx equipped locos so I would expect their version to be closer to real. I'm very impressed with their line and its my goto decoder.
Train Control Systems is scheduled to release a sound decoder at the end of March. It will be interesting to see if they have a Genset version.
Soundtraxx has just added the sound sample to its website for the Genset. What do you guys think of it?
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000at.php#bot
(Click on the sample to hear it).
Nice to know you're still spreading misinformation.
tallcapt Soundtraxx has just added the sound sample to its website for the Genset. What do you guys think of it? http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000at.php#bot (Click on the sample to hear it).
Thank you for posting. And logically, it's in the AT format. I like that they have a longer play time for the recording to demonstrate the engines starting up and shutting down. What we don't know from the demo is what will make the engines start/stop. Getting the decoder to get the feel of the load I thought would take an RPM/speed sensor to do it right not just bemf and throttle steps. Maybe it's there or not needed.
Regardless I'm glad to see them come out with it.
Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I have no idea how you'd get a sound decoder to ever respond to draw bar load and trigger the other generators as the prototype. My bet would be is its done either randomly or by speed which, although not prototypical, is a logical choice. I can certainly live with it nicely.
It's actually easier than you think - the BEMF can be used to determine load. Go up a hill, compensation has to increase, therefore the load is greater. Goign down, with the train pushing you, the compansation is way less, load therefore must be reduced. Tsunami already does it for rod calnk in steam locos, so that when costing the chuffs cut off and you hear the rod clank,
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Cool, good to know, and it makes sense. Glad somebody smarter than me thought of that and you could explain it.