I'm converting a Bachmann HO Thomas Tank Engine to DCC with a Digitrax DGTSDN136PS N 8 Bit Sound Decoder (he'll occasionally be replacing a P42 in pulling the Lakeshore Limited from New York to Cleveland). I want to program his unique whistle and signature slogan "Bust my bumpers!" into the decoder. I see that I have two options for programmers: the Digitrax SoundFX Programmer, or the ESU Lokprogrammer. What are the strong points and weak points of each sound programmer?
The Lokprogrammer cannot program sounds in a Digitrax sound decoder. Sound decoders are proprietary, for a Digitrax soundf decoder you must use the PR3 and the Soundloader software. The Lokprogrammer can change sounds in ESU sound decoders.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
In addition to what Randy has said about each manufacturer's method of sound being proprietary, you'll need to edit the Digitrax spj (sound project) file to add your custom sounds. More info here:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/digitraxsound/info
I've worked with both systems / decoders and find the ESU Loksound much easier to create and add my own sounds to. Price wise though, the Loksound products are going to cost you more as you will need a Loksound V4.0 decoder in order to add / edit your own sounds.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Okay! Thanks for the answers! That solves my dilemma. Since I've already installed a Digitrax decoder in Thomas, I have to use the Digitrax programmer...