Hmm, seems wierd that the one that would get messed up would be the 0416, it should be seeing signals it expects - the OTHER decoder is the one seeing wierd stuff. However, the way the Digitrax sound decoders work, aprt of what you are downlaoding is actual code for the CPU in it, and should that fail to load properly, who knows what might result.
I've pretty much settled on TCS decoders, T-1's where they fit since they are cheaper. Should I pair one up with a Soundbug, they T-1's have a JST plug so I can just pop that decoder out while writing sound files. I find the BEMF that TCS provides works better than Digitrax - no wierd 'jump' that through a lot of effort I was able to minimize but never completely purge. Plus there's one CV that makes the TCS BEMF drop off above a certain speed setting - so it can be used only to get creep speeds in the yard and then fade to nothing at road speed, so no cruise control on my locos
--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 have 4 165/Soundbugs and like them. The 165's fit in a lot of locos, power LED's on FOF & FOR without resistors and motor control is very good. I use the PR3 and only wish more sounds were available. Also there are no CV conflicts between the 165's & Soundbugs.
I also have two Digitrax SFX0416 sound only installed with non-Digitrax motor dedcoders. My mistake was to not use disconnects in wiring the 0416 in order download different sounds. I may be mistaken but if you try to download to these while connected to a non-Digitrax decoder you destroy the 0416. At least that is what I apparently did, however Digitrax sent me a new one free. Has anyone else downloaded to these while connected to a non-Digitrax decoder?
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
rrinker Have no fear, if I actually put this in a loco it will get wired directly to the track connection - I don;t have any 165 series decoders and I doubt I ever will. I just find tha tthe TCS decoders are less expensive, have better BEMF, and have functions that work better with LEDs. Now if only there were more sound files available - I need first generation diesel, like GP-7's and RS-3's. An AS16 would be cool. The big benefit of these is that they have no inrush current problems and also don;t need any extra 'junk' to be able to program regular CVs on the program track. --Randy
Have no fear, if I actually put this in a loco it will get wired directly to the track connection - I don;t have any 165 series decoders and I doubt I ever will. I just find tha tthe TCS decoders are less expensive, have better BEMF, and have functions that work better with LEDs.
Now if only there were more sound files available - I need first generation diesel, like GP-7's and RS-3's. An AS16 would be cool.
The big benefit of these is that they have no inrush current problems and also don;t need any extra 'junk' to be able to program regular CVs on the program track.
I agree on the in rush current item. It is nice that you can use them in a stand-alone mode like you are. It adds to their versatility.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
rrinker And man, I don't know what some of you are talking about with 'low volume'. Naturally I was in a hurry to play with my new 'toy' so I hooked it to the track with a couple of clip leads. Holding the speaker in my hand - NO baffle, NO enclosure, I fired it up. My girlfriend was in the next room WITH THE TV ON and said "I hear train noises". Now, she can't tell an AC6000 from a USRA Mike but she could hear the sounds, especially when I hit the whistle. Same when I switch CV60 to 1 so it would play the diesel sounds. I wasn't too impressed with the diesel but the steam isn't bad at all. Both are just the generic sounds. I have a PR3 on the way so I can load different sounds into it. What actually made the sound WAY louder and much less distorted was holding the speaker face down againt the pink foam of my layout. That's right, face down, press on the back of the magnet. Sound quality improved dramatically. I'm thinking if it works well liek this, it should be great with a proper enclosure. Oh, and the included speaker is an 8 ohm, not 32 - I'm pretty sure it's only the older Digitrax sound decoders that came with the 32 ohm speakers. Bottom line - PLENTY of volume. Sound quality, at least of the default sounds provided, relative to QSI and Loksound, I'd say are fair. I haven't made any attempts to adjust the sound volumes yet, it's fresh out of the package. I'm definitely happy with it, especially for under $40. --Randy
And man, I don't know what some of you are talking about with 'low volume'. Naturally I was in a hurry to play with my new 'toy' so I hooked it to the track with a couple of clip leads. Holding the speaker in my hand - NO baffle, NO enclosure, I fired it up. My girlfriend was in the next room WITH THE TV ON and said "I hear train noises". Now, she can't tell an AC6000 from a USRA Mike but she could hear the sounds, especially when I hit the whistle. Same when I switch CV60 to 1 so it would play the diesel sounds. I wasn't too impressed with the diesel but the steam isn't bad at all. Both are just the generic sounds. I have a PR3 on the way so I can load different sounds into it.
What actually made the sound WAY louder and much less distorted was holding the speaker face down againt the pink foam of my layout. That's right, face down, press on the back of the magnet. Sound quality improved dramatically. I'm thinking if it works well liek this, it should be great with a proper enclosure.
Oh, and the included speaker is an 8 ohm, not 32 - I'm pretty sure it's only the older Digitrax sound decoders that came with the 32 ohm speakers.
Bottom line - PLENTY of volume. Sound quality, at least of the default sounds provided, relative to QSI and Loksound, I'd say are fair. I haven't made any attempts to adjust the sound volumes yet, it's fresh out of the package. I'm definitely happy with it, especially for under $40.
Randy,
I've got a number of Soundbugs and have 5-6 more conversions left to do. The older Digitrax decoders did come with 32 ohm but everything I've purchased since early last year have all been 8 ohm. I agree that Soundbugs aren't QSIs but with some work you can get a pretty good sound from them. Also some of the sound files on Digitrax's website are better than the stock load. I especially like the AC4000 file. One thing to watch out for with Soundbugs is that they mount differently, depending on which 165 decoder you are using. Digitrax has a diagram on their website which shows the various orientations.
http://www.digitrax.com/kb/index.php?a=1065