If you have an engine track(s) or "house" track, put a switch on it to turn the power on/off.
Jay
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Somebody else told me the exact same thing about QSI. It looks like that's the route I'll probably be going. I don't mind the muting, since I only have 2 engines right now that I have to do it with, but in the future, it's going to take some time to select each loco, and then mute them one by one.
Thanks for the responses.
The QSI Revolution decoders have the full start-up and shut-down sequence, controlled by F6 and F9.
Thanks Steve. This is what I was trying to determine. Since I would like to retro some of my older locos, and based on what was said here, I'm guessung that utilizing the "mute" feature found on most all decoders is the only other easy option, (besides removing them from the track). It just means that there will be a symphony of steam and diesel sounds after I turn on the power, until I mute them one by one. Easy enough? Yes. Time consuming? Yes. Annoying enough to keep me from having fun? Not even close.
Thanks all who responded.
NYCfan Sorry for not repsonding sooner, but I just got out of the hospital for my 5th stent in the same artery in 5 years. I hope this does it. Basically, I'd like my locos to operate as if the were purchased with DCC/Sound installed. For example, when I purchased a Proto 2k, it has a start up feature, (F6), and shut down, (F9). This is what I'd like to find in an "off the shelf" type decoder.
Sorry for not repsonding sooner, but I just got out of the hospital for my 5th stent in the same artery in 5 years. I hope this does it.
Basically, I'd like my locos to operate as if the were purchased with DCC/Sound installed. For example, when I purchased a Proto 2k, it has a start up feature, (F6), and shut down, (F9). This is what I'd like to find in an "off the shelf" type decoder.
The P2K's, and may other factory-sound-equipped locos, come with QSI decoders designed for that particular loco. Those aren't available "off the shelf", and the decoders that are available off the shelf are not likely to have those custom-designed features or fit.
That said, I understand QSI is (going to?) make decoders available through some sort of third-party agreement. I don't have any knowledge of it, but maybe someone who does will post some info.
NYCfan What I don't know is if that is even possible, or do I need to send any decoder I purchase to someone like Tony's Trains and ask them to set it up that way. I'd like a simple quick fix, not a bunch of software, programs, connections, interfaces, etc... I'd also like not to have to mess with CV's since I have yet to really get into that end. If it's not possible with my limited knowledge and resources, that's fine, I'm just gathering info. Thanks.
What I don't know is if that is even possible, or do I need to send any decoder I purchase to someone like Tony's Trains and ask them to set it up that way. I'd like a simple quick fix, not a bunch of software, programs, connections, interfaces, etc... I'd also like not to have to mess with CV's since I have yet to really get into that end. If it's not possible with my limited knowledge and resources, that's fine, I'm just gathering info. Thanks.
Nope, probably no simple quick fix. Probably your best bet is to look into the aftermarket QSI possibility mentioned above, or find sound versions of your current locos and swap the shells (if necessary).
HTH, Steve
Basically, I'd like my locos to operate as if the were purchased with DCC/Sound installed. For example, when I purchased a Proto 2k, it has a start up feature, (F6), and shut down, (F9). This is what I'd like to find in an "off the shelf" type decoder. What I don't know is if that is even possible, or do I need to send any decoder I purchase to someone like Tony's Trains and ask them to set it up that way. I'd like a simple quick fix, not a bunch of software, programs, connections, interfaces, etc... I'd also like not to have to mess with CV's since I have yet to really get into that end. If it's not possible with my limited knowledge and resources, that's fine, I'm just gathering info. Thanks.
On Loksound, you can set the set the sound to be off, and to turn on with F8, by changing some CV numbers.
Set CV 130, 133, 136, 139, 148, and 151 to a value of 0.
Set CV 190 and 193 to a value of 1
You also get the short engine start sequence when you press F8.
This info came from Matt on the Yahoo Loksound group.
I actually wish QSI shutdown/startup would operate in a more simplistic manner, such as this, instead of multiple double button presses on different function buttons.
It depends on what you mean by "start up" ??
QSI decoders have a shut-down / start-up sequence with their diesel sound systems makes the sounds of the engineer getting in the cab and shutting the door, and then starting up the motor (and the reverse for shut down) by using function buttons. I think only QSI has that.
If you just mean having the engine not make sound until you call up it's ID number, I think most sound decoders have that. I know Soundtraxx LC and Tsumanis have it, I just set that last night on a new LC installation. For the LC decoders, CV 113 comes set at 2, if you change it to 1, the engine makes no noise until you enter it's ID no. in your DCC system. I think it's the same CV for Tsunami decoders but I might be wrong.
I'm pretty sure the Digitrax sound unit and MRC "Sounders" that I have all have that option too. It's sometimes not explained that well in the instructions, I think Soundtraxx calls it "quiet bit" for example. Unless you read the directions for it, you wouldn't know that's what they're talking about.
I'm in the process, (via much trial and error, emphasis on error), of changing some older DCC ready locomotives from DC to DCC. All of them have the 8 pin NMRA plug, so in theory they are plug and play, so to speak. I've toyed around with different decoders by different manufacturers and was wondering why most decoders do not have a start up/shut down function. For example, I have an older, ( first run, I think), PCM NYC F3 A/B that is DCC ready. At the time I purchased it, you were able to purchase the upgrade seperatly and install it. By the time I was ready for it, the upgrade was no longer available. After much research I found out that the decoder was a Loksound 3.5, so I found the appropriate decoder as far as prime mover and horn sounds, and purchased it. Now I figured I would not be able to run both A and B unit until I figured out how the whole lash up thing worked, but I discovered that the only sound control I have is basically, on, mute, and volume. I don't mind this except at first power up to the layout, since it's not the only one that will immediately start running, which requires me to select each loco, and mute the sounds. The other decoders in question are made by both QSI and MRC. I am using the NCE Powercab system.
If anyone can enlighten me, I would appreciate it. Bear in mind that I'm not an expert with electronics, but have a working knowledge, and am learning more as I go.
I have a couple of Proto 2000 with DCC and sound that have the start up, shut down feature and would like to find similar "off the shelf" decoders with the same basic features, preferably without changing a bunch of CVs. Mostly I want them to be quiet until I choose them. Much like I want my children to act, although I figure I'll have more success with the decoders.
Thanks,