Chessiecat,
I meant if you can make a short video of your locomotive while driving on track...I was not clear, sorry.
I hope TCS will update WOW decoder with correct whistle for Allegheny. Soundrtraxx has it:
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/playsound.php?s=sw20
As far as I understand it, this recoding comes from locomotive that is still in operation (N&W #1218), so it can be recorded again and uploaded in WOW.
I will buy one WOW decoder regardless of this, because from all I have read (and heard) of this decoder, it should have the best sound of all currently available decoders, with a lot of available sounds (just for break squeal it offers 7 different sounds, for cylinder cocks 14 etc.). If slow speed control is on a level of ESU decoders, then this decoder is really worth trying.
Hrvoje
If you have a tenor sounding single chime 'hooter' whistle, which the Tsunami and QSI Titans definitely have, that is the correct one for the H-8. It should sound like the first whistle you hear in this youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz14zIBWspA
Hrvoje I have the second release of the Rivarossi Alegheny which has most of the electonics in the tender. Mine uses the 8-pin plug so there isn't much to show as far as installation. I put the speaker under the coal load in the tender and drilled small holes to allow the sound. As far as the steam whistle is concerned out of 22 different whistles I still can't find one that sounds exactly right. I have a DVD that has several videos of the Allegheny on it and they sound like different whistles on each one! I just used the one marked for the B&O and I am satisfied with it. The biggest challenge I had was that I had installed the chains on the trucks and they have to come off in order to get the tender apart. I still plan on putting a one inch speaker in the space in the boiler in front of the cab, it means I have to take the chains off to open the tender again though. I will just run two speaker wires from the engine to the tender with a micro plug in between them. Jim
does WOW decoder have correct horn for Allegheny? I aks this because Tsunami decoder has it (http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/209596/2294005.aspx#2294005), but I would like to try new WOW sound decoder if it contains correct hor for that locomotive.
Btw, it would be nice to see short video of your installation..:)
Truck I installed one in my Allegheny and it sounds great. The first ones have a large set off capaciters installed on top of the decoder making it really thick. They are the keep alive feature on the decoder and they keep the sound and the engine running about 15 to 20 seconds after you cut the power off. The thickness of the decoder is not a problem in a large tender but would really limit installation in smaller engines.Sound and running proformance are great and easy to ajust. I installed one medium oval speaker with enclosure in the tender but when I get a chance I am going to try to install a second speaker in the engine. All the sound is at the back on this long of a engine. Hope this helps you to make a decision. Jim
Thanks for the replies. Looks like i am getting one.
Truck.
I just finished installing a TCS WOWSound 1516 steam decoder in my BLI Cab Forward and it sounds teriffic. I'm very pleased with the sounds and low speed running. The audio assist feature makes it very easy to make changes. This engine has never run better or sounded better.
Rick
My one friend was a production model tester for the new TCS steam decoders. I forget what engine he installed the decoder in (he's a Reading fan), but he really loved the sound effects. I haven't gotten a chance to hear it myself, but he said that it is much better than the Tsunami and QSI LokSound decoders.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
There are numerous Youtube videos of them in action, as well as the videos on the TCS web site. The sounds are simply amazing, the chuff is controlled by the BEMF so it really barks when under heavy load, and quiets down so you cna hear the rod clank when coasting, without having to activate any functions.
Not counting MRC, since it's hard to tell if they really HAVE made changes to their decoders or if they just claim to, the Tsumani is now the oldest current production sound decoder from any of the major vendors. Some of their features were bypassed before they ever say dealer's shelves, due to the delay in getting them in production, and every brand of sound decoders had released at least one if not more improved models since the Tsunami came out. It's long past time to use Tsunami as any sort of benchmark.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
The Dealer that I buy from is really impressed with them. I discussed them in length with him and he highly recommends them. I was all set to get another Loksound Select but he talked me into it. I will be getting one in the next week or so to replace a Tsunami. Anything with decent motor control is above those Tsunamis. Sound is very subjective and what sounds good to you may not sound good to someone else.
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!
Hi to all,
Has anyone tried the new TCS steam sound decoders yet ?
And if so how is the sound? I know their reputation for standard motor control and lighting decoders.
They are the best and it is all I use any more for non sound. But I am wondering if they will keep up the good work adding sound and how they compare to the TSUNAMI's or QSI.
Thanks in advance, Truck.