My experience, but only as a user, is with steam and diesel decoders from Soundtraxx, QSI, LokSound, and Paragon 2. I like them all, I really do. However, I would be very unhappy to learn that major users in bulk of QSI decoders were abandoning that line. Whatever one feels about the first couple of generations of QSI decoders (with hindsight bias), the Revolution were pretty darned good, and the new Titans are outstanding in steam. I am really impressed with them, and would not like to see their improvement stalled because of a sudden drop in revenue.
Crandell
That makes sense, since there's not a 'micro' version of the Revolution, at least not yet. And even the full Loksound Select fits in the little Bowser Baldwin switchers.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for that info, Paul. So, perhaps, for the smaller switchers they'll default to Loksound.
Atlas did manage to squeeze a Q2 decoder in their HH660. However, in order to accommodate it, it may have posed some real spatial challenges for them.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Randy,I talked to Atlas at the NHRHTA Reunion in Stamford, CT last Fall, and I asked them about the choice of LokSound decoders for their new Atlas Classic Gold locos, and did this mean they were doing away with QSI for the Atlas Master Gold locos? They told me it was all about the form factor as the old Atlas Classic locos didn't have the room internally and that LokSound boards could be quite small. I was told that they would be continuing to use QSI boards in all their Atlas Master Gold locos as they said that they were still very happy with QSI and had no desire to change.
Paul A. Cutler III
Considering the difference in cost between a LokSound Select and QSI or Tsunami, it's easy to understand why manufacturers are switching. $85 for a LokSound Select versus over $100 for other brands.
And I am NOT complaining. I already decided a while ago that all sound installs I do myself will be Loksound. They cover a variety of sizes and form factors - considering I almost ALWAYS hard wire decoders, removing factory boards, even for motor only decoders, because I do NOT like surprises in my circuits - and they have the right sounds for the range of motive power I run. Motor control is excellent, they are easy to speed match because they support CV2-6-5, so speed tables are hardly necessary, and they are easy to make do things like load up the prime mover when starting off with a loaded train.
You're going to be finding a lot of manufacturers using Loksound decoders over the next year !
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
It's funny. When Atlas initially released their HH660 a few years ago, B&M and Erie were two of the roads they offered in their first run. It wasn't more than 6 months later before they announced a 2nd run, which included my NYC HH600.
I'll keep my eye on one of the undecorateds; with the hope that Atlas will announce a 2nd run. They should. NYC owned at least 133 S-2s. And, hopefully, Atlas releases one with the early road numbers.
At least my paint jobs are easy - remove shell, remove cab glass, paint whole thing Pullman Green. I'll have to see what kind of a deal I can get on an undec when the come out. Not due tilt he end of the year, so maybe a Christmas present for myself next year.
You and me both, Randy. I'd love to add an early NYC S-2 to my roster. Maybe they'll have them available in a 2nd run?
At least the Loksound decoders will give excellent low-speed motor response. I was VERY happy with the QSI Q2 sound decoder in my HH660. It really crawls along.
Yea, there sure wasn't much room under the hood for adding a decoder to the Proto 2000 S-1. (I ended up using a DZ123.) That may, indeed, be the reason that Atlas went with Loksound.
Just noticed the new product info at Atlas, the new S-2 Gold Series will have Loksound sound and DCC, instead of QSI. Wonder if this is a permanent change for Atlas, or just because QSI doesn;t have a decoder small enough to fit in an S-2?
Wish they were doing them in Reading, I have the Proto S-1's, a coupel of S-2's tooling around would be a nice complement. I suppose I can always get an undec and paint it myself.