Despite having a less than stellar experience with the Soundbug/DH165 a few years ago I've decided to give this new N scale sound decoder a try.
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_sdn144ps.php
The price is quite attractive ($38 trainshow price), and although I was disapointed with the programming interface, and sound selection for my 1948 time period in HO, I dabble in N in a more modern time frame (hopefully my buddy will get busy on his 1990's layout so I can run my Kato SD40-2 and Genesis SD70M units).
I think the issue of programming errors associated with trying to write to two different decoders simultaneously will probably be gone.
In keeping with the odd way Digitrax handles ther site, the specs say it comes with an oval speaker, but the photo, and my unit have a round speaker that lloks like it will just squeak into a N scale hood, or do just fine in a fuel tank. The "instructions" also start right off assuming you are installing in an AC12.
It also looks like they've reorganized the modest sound file offering so you can more easily serch by locomotive type.
Interesting that they chose an 8 pin plug rather than a 6 pin.
Hadn't seen any press on this, so I though I would post here.
This is also probably my best bet for sound in my HO Bachmann 45 Ton.
Sorry, It seems I actually participated in a thread about this recently. I guess I should have read the entire post (we used to say R.A.T.S.- Read All The Screen), as I didn't realize there was an N scale version.
This is quite small and looks like a good fit in a narrow N scale hood.
1 amp, too.
My afore mentioned buddy has a fleet of GP40's to convert to DCC.
He's waiting on me to do one first, and isn't sure about sound.
Please keep us informed. Although I'm in HO, this would probably be a good candidate for a trolley or a small industrial switcher.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I am begining to install some Digitrax sound decoders in some of my HO fleet. I have both an MS100 which I use with a PowerPax for sound decoders; and have recently purchased a PR3 which I use with my laptop. I also use decoder pro which beats punching in CVs on a DT400.
I know that there are complaints with the sound quality of the Digitrax decoders. I think Digitrax counted upon users to upload sound files to their web site which could be then downloaded and installed. The slection thus far has been limited.
The big problem using the Digitrax 165xx and a sound bug is both decoders must be set to the same ID# to program. When adding a sound bug to the 165xx decoder I reset the 165xx decoder to the factory default ID of 3; add the sound bug and then re-program them as a set.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
That's not really a 'problem', that's the way they were designed. There's very little CV overlap, just where it needs to be, such as the address. That way, when you adjust the blink rate of your ditch lights, it won't make the air compressor sound louder.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.