A few years ago I (mistakenly) bought a Soundtraxx Micro-Tsunami wired decoder (with the EMD710 profile) for an N scale Athearn F59PHI. Not only did it not fit, but it lacked multiple function outputs for flashing ditch lights that prompted me to install a new sound decoder in the first place.Since the package was already opened, there was no way I could return it. I've tried selling it off, but got no takers. Being that I don't want it to go totally to waste, I have a couple Athearn Blue Box HO scale locos that I saved from my old HO layout days for keepsakes and was thinking of converting them to DCC for fun and to run on an HO layout in the future. I have an Athearn BB SD40T-2 that would be a good candidate for this, it still runs great in DC, but obviously the prototype has a different prime mover sound. Is it possible to have the Micro-Tsunami reprogrammed with a different sound profile (EMD 645) to replace the EMD 710 sounds it came with?
What you hear is what you get with Tsunami. Sometimes there are slight variations such as turbo/non turbo, air or electric starter but the prime mover is pretty much the only one loaded on the decoder.
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullman What you hear is what you get with Tsunami. Sometimes there are slight variations such as turbo/non turbo, air or electric starter but the prime mover is pretty much the only one loaded on the decoder. Good Luck, Ed
You can not change the sound set on tsunami. Loksound and digitrax are the only decoders where a user can change sound sets.
What do you mean by better? Tsunami has onboard diagnostics, motor and lighting protection, mega computing power and a 2 amp amplifier. Digitrax has smoke that escapes if you call it a bad name. TCS, Loksound, Tsunami, and Digitrax all have a following. I've seen some heated arguments over who makes the best decoder. I can tell you this from my own personal experience. There are no best or better decoder.
Pete.
There are some decoders that are just bad like a few MRC, MTH or NCE but these are mostly early models. Digitrax claim to fame is they make decoders for earlier engines and others have their own specialtys.
rrebell There are some decoders that are just bad like a few MRC, MTH or NCE but these are mostly early models. Digitrax claim to fame is they make decoders for earlier engines and others have their own specialtys.
Decoders have come a long way. Early sound decoders were giant sized sound only devices that needed a separate motor and lighting decoder. Early Loksound decoders needed 100 ohm speakers not readily available everywhere. Sounds were okay at best. The bell could be heard on Pluto but the prime mover and horn only dogs and bats could hear. Pre BEMF decoders were darn near impossible to speed match and early BEMF decoders did not self regulate. You could start out a consist of four locomotives and a little way down the track one would be spinning it's wheels like crazy or dragging along with the wheels stopped.
Yes they have come a long way. My only complaint is too many functions. Most of my locomotives only require headlight and reverse light. I don't bother with firebox flicker, class lights, cab lights, or smoke generator. My transition era diesels only have two lights. Yet I'm forced to buy six or more function decoders.
Metro Red LineI have an Athearn BB SD40T-2 that would be a good candidate for this, it still runs great in DC, but obviously the prototype has a different prime mover sound.
I guess it depends first on how familiar you are with real engine sounds, to the extent that you would a) be able to tell the difference and b) be annoyed by it. Like in my case, I lived near rail lines most all of my life, but never with a railroad that used Alco engines, so I really couldn't tell the difference between the various Alco motor's sounds.
Also, if you have an N-scale decoder, I would be more concerned that it might not handle the amps that the old Athearn HO bluebox motors use.
Metro Red Linegmpullman What you hear is what you get with Tsunami.
Metro Red LineNo, I'm talking about downloading a different sound profile into the decoder from a computer,
I guess I should have phrased my reply a little differently than what you hear is what you get.
What I meant was, the sound files are NOT user-replaceable on the micro Tsunami.
Thanks, Ed
wrench567I've seen some heated arguments over who makes the best decoder. I can tell you this from my own personal experience. There are no best or better decoder. Pete.
Pete,
While claiming a single "best" would definitely be argumentative, I do believe there are "better" decoders on the market. That is contingent, however, on what's important to you.
Next to independent-control, motor-control is my primary interest with DCC. After that comes functions (for lighting) then sound. For me, ESU & TCS decoders excel in this regard and the latter is my go-to for motor-only installations. I hardly ever have to tweak them after installation. They run smoothly right out of the box.
While Digitrax and NCE are good decoders, for me - TCS & ESU are better for the reasons given.
wrench567 Yes they have come a long way. My only complaint is too many functions. Most of my locomotives only require headlight and reverse light. I don't bother with firebox flicker, class lights, cab lights, or smoke generator. My transition era diesels only have two lights. Yet I'm forced to buy six or more function decoders. Pete.
I presume you are primarily referring to sound decoders in your statement above since current offerings usually come with at least 6 functions or more. When purchasing a motor-only decoder, I only purchase ones with the identical number of functions needed. Similar to you, I have a fair number of early diesels and only need a 2-function decoder for front & rear headlamps. For steamers I may opt for 4 functions - i.e. in the event that I may want to add firebox flicker. Otherwise, I just purchase a 2-function decoder to cover the lighting.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
wjstix Also, if you have an N-scale decoder, I would be more concerned that it might not handle the amps that the old Athearn HO bluebox motors use.