I already own two Tsu 750 equipped N scale steamers that I somewhat like...they run and sound quite nice BUT the decoders are running too hot to my taste.Any other N scale sound decoder that would stay cooler and could be programmed with the same equipment (Decoder Pro/PR3/PTB100).MRC's are out but price isn't an issue.BTW,the loco has an eight pin connector but is an easy hard wire retrofit.
Loksound Micro would get my vote hands down. It's smaller than the Tsunami Micro and doesn't have the heat issues. You can order them blank (needs a LokProgrammer to load sound files) or you can order them pre=programmed just like the Tsunami's.
ESU also has some great tiny speakers in the matching 4 ohm variety, although any 8 ohm speaker will work equally as well.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Thank you gentlemen for your replys,very good info indeed.Unfortunately,ordering a decoder with "locked" settings worries me and buying a special programmer for a single loco doesn't make much sense,even if I can afford it.My roster is pretty well complete and I don't plan on buying another loco,unless a new "unique" model ever shows up.
The present engine wasn't a planned acquisition...I got it through a trade and will be equipped with a new silent decoder I already have on hand.But still,I appreciate your inputs,thanks.
Not sure what you mean by "locked" settings ? The only thing you can't change without the programmer is the prime mover sound - and unless you are moving it to a different engine, there'd be no reason to do that. The decoder has 16 different horns, two bells, two brakes and more fine tuning adjustments than most decoders.
Hardly a "locked" decoder ....
My misunderstanding I believe.I was under the impression that the decoder was totally deaf to any programming without the programmer.I wouldn't need to change the sound files,I'd order the right one (J class 4-8-4) and live with it.However,I'd like to re-map the functions (to match Tsunami's),adjust sound levels,speed table,etc.If I need a special programmer to do these tunings,then the decoder is much less appealing.Otherwise,I'd certainly give it a try.
There's also TCS who just entered the sound scene and based on my experience with their decoders,I'd trust them.But they don't do N scale sound yet.
You don't need the Lokprogramemr to change those things on Loksound decoders. The only time you absolutely need the Lokprogramemr is to change the actual sound set loaded in the decoder, so if you have no plans to do that, no Lokprogrammer needed. The program things like selection of which whistle sound, or finction mapping, or lighting effect by adjusting CVs, same as any other decoder. You cna use JMRI, but always use the latest version, they're stillw orkign out all the settings for full function mapping - there are hundreds o CVs because the decoders are that flexible - any F key can control any output and/or play any sound, and it's all controlled via CVs, no special proprietary programmer needed. Upside, no special hardware needed. Downside, LOTS of CVs.
The Micros are VERY small, and even where something slightly larger would fit, using the smaller decoder may allow for a larger speaker, which is critical in N scale.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.