I have had one heck of a time trying to figure out how to change that God-awful "whistle" on my original, first-run PCM Y6b. I've contacted ESU, and other retailers and installers. Many refer to the "Loksound Programmer". Have any of you used this thing, and will it change the sounds on the Loksounf V3.5 system installed in this loco since 2006? Will I have much of a choice as to whistles I can use? Like one similar to the BLI Class A 2-6-6-4? Are there any OTHER (cheaper) options I can use to change it? Can any of you guys do it that are familiar with N&W "hooters"?
Mike C.
Only way you can actually change the sounds themselves is with the Loksound Programmer. I bought one because I am using nothing but Loksound decoders, so much nicer than Tsunamis. I've already changed out the sounds on my PCM Reading T1's with a project written by another modeler who had actual recordings of one, though I did not change the whistle, his recordings were from excusrion service where they fitted various passenger whistles and my models are in service ones with a totally different whistle, the provided one was close enough. If you have the sounds, or if they are int he ESU library, it's not difficult to change, with the programmer. I built up a sound project on the new V4 decoders for my RS-3's, the default RS-3 sound came with a 5 chime horn, my railroad used the M3RT1, which ESU has in their sound library, so I simply swapped the horn sounds with that one.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you don't want to invest in a LokProgrammer, there are some LokSound dealers who may be able to re-program the decoder if you send it to them and explain which sound file you desire.
Contact, for example, Ulrich Hobby Shop or Litchfield Station and see what they have to offer in this regard. There are, of course, others available.
Like Randy, I have the LokProgrammer and use only LokSound or LokPilot decoders for myself and club members, because I believe they are superior to other brands.