I have a few locomotives with "plain" DCC decoders and am wondering if it is possible to add a sound decoder to the "plain" one already in the locomotive, or do I need to replace the non-sound decoder with a new sound decoder that does everything?
You "can" piggyback a sound decoder to a non-sound decoder. However, if you are considering a sound decoder that has motor control, why would you want to ?
Most engines barely have enough room for one decoder and speaker without removing too much weight. You might find it difficult to fit in two decoders .... all depends on how much room you have inside.
Programming two separate decoders in a single engine can sometimes be a challenge as well.
Those facts aside, the better sound decoders usually require feed-back from the motor in order for the sound to syncronize properly - especially if BEMF is implemented. The sound may not function as accurate as expected if there is no motor control input.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Hi aquarius!
Welcome to the forums!!
Sound only decoders are available so you can do what you want provided of course that you have the extra space for a second decoder and a speaker, and possibly a capacitor.
Here is one example:
http://tonystrains.com/product/digitrax-sfx004-soundbug-sound-decoder-for-dh165xx-decoders-and-others/
The problem with decoders like the Sound Bug is that they have a somewhat limited choice of sounds so you may or may not get sounds that actually match the specific locomotives.
Although it costs more, replacing the entire decoder may give you better results all round i.e. better motor control especially at low speeds, more and better lighting effects etc. Tony's Train Exchange, which is the supplier in the above link, sells Loksound Select decoders including a speaker for $81.95. That's just $40 more than the Sound Bug (Ya - I know - its easy to spend other peoples' money) but the Loksound Select is one of the best sound decoders on the market. Plus, you have a much better chance of getting the right sounds.
So, before you buy add on sound decoders, I would suggest that you make sure that you are happy with the way the existing decoders work first. The easiest way to find out would be to buy one Loksound Select and try it for yourself.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Even if you had the space to add a second decoder, why would you want to do that. With two decoders, one for motion and one for sound, both decoders need to be programmed, raising the risk on programming conflicts. Look no further than the BLI Blueline series to see what problems can and do arise.
Rich
Alton Junction
aquarius I have a few locomotives with "plain" DCC decoders and am wondering if it is possible to add a sound decoder to the "plain" one already in the locomotive, or do I need to replace the non-sound decoder with a new sound decoder that does everything?
Soundtraxx has a decoder selection page for many loco's.
You can Google the loco. That has worked for me many times.
Might be better to put the loco type here.
There are issues with many loco's for speaker location.
TCS sound decoders seem to be a little better from what I am reading in different forums.
LokSound decoders are very good also.
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