Sound Decoder for Atlas GP40 - HELP!

[CPR GP38-2 fan]

I've been using DC ever since I started railroading (about 4 years).  With new DCC systems, sound decoders, and dual-mode sound locomotives out, it seems the time to change. 

For the DCC system itself, I'm planning to purchase the NCE PowerCab starter system.  Its easy to use, covers all my needs, and is fairly inexpensive.

As for decoders, I have an Atlas GP40 Silver series locomotive, which is DCC-Ready.  Its the newer version, so it already has built-in A-frame speaker mounts.  Since I want sound, what decoder would you recommended to use?  I dont care if I have to remove a couple of wires and reconnect them, but hard-wiring a whole decoder really isnt that apealing to me.  Plug in decoders I would prefer.  I also have a speaker mount, so I'm aiming for a full decoder ability here:

up to 128 speed step ctrl, 4 digit addressing, inertia speed control, lighting effects (ditch lights) in addition to normal headlights, SOUND with speakers that fit the mount (if possible), read-back CVs, and typical programmable on the main.

Ive already looked at Digitrax's DH165Q1, and it seems nice, but would a QSI Revolution (A-I?) decoder work?  

Sorry for the long list, I just want the best I can buy.

Thanks

[JoeinPA]

 Matt,

The Gold Series Atlas locos come with a QSI decoder (Not quite as fully featured as Revolution A) so my guess is that a Revolution A would be a good choice for you. I'm not sure about the size and form factor of the other manufacturer's units.  I'm sure David Bedard or others will know and give their advice.

Joe 

[riogrande5761]

davidmbedard

A few things...

1.  The Soundtraxx Tsunami is the best sounding turbo charged 645 out there.

2.  The decoder space you need for a Tsunami or QSI revolution will require you to remove the A frame and use a smaller speaker....sorry.

David B

Dave, if Atlas Gold Series GP40's come with a QSI and use an A-frame speaker mount already, why would you have to remove the A-frame to install the QSI and use a smaller speaker?  Or is the QSI decoder Atlas uses smaller than the QSI revolution sold separately?

[elansp]

I converted a silver series MP15 switcher to "gold" by adding a QSI Revolution and a small speaker that fit perfectly into the space that I think is occupied by a speaker in the Gold release.  Unfortunately I do not recall the size of the speaker but outside of installing the decoder and speaker, I did not need to mill or do anything more invasive. 

 

 

[CPR GP38-2 fan]

 Okay.. thanks David.

 Now I listened to a clip from Soundtraxx's decoder and I cant imagine how much sound quality Ive missed these years with silent locos.  Now, my local dealer dosent sell LokSound, but it does had Soundtraxx.  Ive looked both over and LokSound seems the best (no modifications), but Soundtraxx seems good and easy to purchase (my hobby shop has them in stock, and they'll do the installation).  The only thing about the Tsunami is its $110 Cnd.  Thats alot considering I have about $400 left to spend (excluding the NCE DCC system I want to purchase soon).  I will be trading in some locos, and my DC power pack if I do get DCC with sound.

Now, do any of you know if hte Tsunami supports all 29 functions?  The LokSound clearly does.

[rrinker]

 I'm pretty sure the Rev-U I'm installing in an Athearn right now is significantly smaller than the QSI board that came in the Atlas Gold locos. It should fit fine without removing the speaker frames. A Rev-A, on the other hand.... The Rev-U is much shorter than the stock Athearn/Atlas circuit board.

                                                --Randy