This weekend I purchesed a Genesis F45 and a Tech6 sound controller 2.0. The engine fired up, RPMs went to idle and then nothing happend with the throttle being turned or function buttons being pressed.
I read the manual and reset the loco by pressing shift, 9,9. It works great and I couldnt be happier. But now I have a problem, I want all my locos to have sound now. All besides the older P2k are DCC ready. If I were to add a decoder and speaker, would I have to have someone program alll the sounds and functions before I could use it? Or would I be able to do that using the tech 6.
One of my newer Proto 2000 Gp38s Has a digitrax decoder in it already.
Ringo58If I were to add a decoder and speaker, would I have to have someone program alll the sounds and functions before I could use it?
Sound packages are proprietary. If you need an EMD 567 engine sound, you need the sound package specific for your soundtrax or loksound or TCS. You can't mix one sound package with another company's decoder. For loksound you would need a lokprogrammer.
Some of the mail order DCC stores aren't very clear on the sound packages. There maybe different model numbers for different diesel engines, or you may have to request the dealer install a specific sound package for your loco. You probably don't want just a generic diesel sound.
You aren't going to be able do install sound with the Tech 6. At least some of the other functions should be programable. I don't know how Decoder Pro functions with the Tech 6, but someone here will. Decoders have gotten increasingly complex.
Life is easier if you choose one brand of decoder. There are NMRA standards for somethings and not for others.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy Ringo58 If I were to add a decoder and speaker, would I have to have someone program alll the sounds and functions before I could use it? Sound packages are proprietary. If you need an EMD 567 engine sound, you need the sound package specific for your soundtrax or loksound or TCS. You can't mix one sound package with another company's decoder. For loksound you would need a lokprogrammer. Some of the mail order DCC stores aren't very clear on the sound packages. There maybe different model numbers for different diesel engines, or you may have to request the dealer install a specific sound package for your loco. You probably don't want just a generic diesel sound. You aren't going to be able do install sound with the Tech 6. At least some of the other functions should be programable. I don't know how Decoder Pro functions with the Tech 6, but someone here will. Decoders have gotten increasingly complex. Life is easier if you choose one brand of decoder. There are NMRA standards for somethings and not for others.
Ringo58 If I were to add a decoder and speaker, would I have to have someone program alll the sounds and functions before I could use it?
Thanks for the tips Henry! I think I am going to return the Tech 6 this weekend and exchange it for a NCE PowerCab. I Just really wanted to get the F45 running and may have jumped the gun. Oh well!
Hi Ringo.
I took a look at the JMRI(DecoderPRo) website and it does not show support for the Tech 6 so being able to program decoders using Decoder Pro would not be an option with a Tech 6. I only have 20 locomotives but being able to use DecoderPro to program them has been a small miracle compared to the bad old days of changing one CV at a time.
A suggestion is to look at the decoder manufacturers websites for ideas on sound decoder installs. Most have examples of installs for many different locomotives from lots of different manufacturers. You should be able to find examples for all of your locomotives.
Another suggestion is to do some reading on how DCC sound works and what your requirements are for DCC are going to be so that you can choose the right system for what you want to accomplish. Might save you money and time to get the appropriate system if you want to install/program sound decoders.
Scott Sonntag
Lakeshore Sub Hi Ringo. I took a look at the JMRI(DecoderPRo) website and it does not show support for the Tech 6 so being able to program decoders using Decoder Pro would not be an option with a Tech 6. I only have 20 locomotives but being able to use DecoderPro to program them has been a small miracle compared to the bad old days of changing one CV at a time. A suggestion is to look at the decoder manufacturers websites for ideas on sound decoder installs. Most have examples of installs for many different locomotives from lots of different manufacturers. You should be able to find examples for all of your locomotives. Another suggestion is to do some reading on how DCC sound works and what your requirements are for DCC are going to be so that you can choose the right system for what you want to accomplish. Might save you money and time to get the appropriate system if you want to install/program sound decoders. Scott Sonntag
Thanks for the info! I will take a look at the websites you mentioned to decide what decoders to get. I think the NCE power cab is going to be my best bet, I have wanted one for about a year now and never pulled the trigger.
The question is, what kind of sound do you want. I use Bachmann sound value that has a basic Soundtrax and am happy with that, others need a particular engine to sound just like that engine, me, I would not know the difference. I am about to buy a digitrax sound decoder setup to see if I like that (they are 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of some.
Save your time and money - there's a reason they are 1/3 the cost of others. Nothing is free.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I can sense your excitement, some of it caused by the pace of the learning you're encountering. I like that you are open to suggestions and that you are willing to extend your reach a bit. Learning is good for health!
I agree fully with the previous advice to take your time and RTFM!!! That translates to Read The Flippin' Manuals. All of them. The DCC system AND the decoder manual, all downloadable.
Secondly, don't be afraid to fool around. You can't damage anything if you don't actually throw it...that's why you RTFM!!! You can always perform a factory default reset of the decoder if something goes screwy, and it won't affect the sound files.
Then, over time, you will find yourself knowlegeably getting a new decoder, maybe in a brand new locomotive, and you'll have a routine set of adjustments you know to make right away. For example, you'll digitally assign the locomotive's address by its very cab number decaled on the body of the locomotive. You'll know to turn the Master Volume down to something close to half its stated range. You'll know how to set Inertia and Momentum in CV's 3 and 4 respectively. And so on... This will provide you with all the richness of experience that a decoder and your new DCC system can offer you.
Enjoy!
rrinker Save your time and money - there's a reason they are 1/3 the cost of others. Nothing is free. --Randy