As an update to this post. Setting CV 403 to 32 will get the loco sound to start automatically on DCC. This is an indexed CV. All CVs are indexed between CV257 to 511. In order to change their value you must set CV32 to 1. The sound now activates when powered up. This is not in the instruction manual.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
I finally got the chance to wire in the Loksound Select decoder in a brass 2-10-0 today. I used a 4 ohm 20x40mm speaker with enclosure. The decoder came pre-programed with 4 different prime movers and 13 different whistles. The motor control is phenomenal with super slow BEMF. I did not instal a chuff cam and I get exactly 4 chuffs per revolution of the drivers. They even start and stop exactly where they should according to the side rods. The sound is great for such a small decoder. Besides the master volume all the other sounds are indexed CVs. You must set CV32 to equal 1 before adjusting the other sound volumes.
There are only 2 drawbacks of this decoder I can find right now. #1. You must press F8 to wake up the sounds on DCC even after a brief power loss. #2. The long air let off while starting is very loud and lasts too long.
In conclusion. This decoder with its fully adjustable BEMF and very decent sound set is a great alternative to a Tsunami U or Revolution U. With its pre-programed prime movers there is no need for a separate expensive programer. My version 1.1 Power Cab read every CV that was called up and had no issues with changing CVs. This is a better decoder than the version 3.5 that it replaced and it is about $25 less expensive than a Tsunami. Well worth the money.