I have a couple p2k gp30's and was casually looking for sound decoders. I see that the LL110 LC was a drop in sound decoder for the GP-30's. The user provides their own speaker. They are available on ebay for about $70 but not available at other on-line stores. They are an older decoder, so I'm curious, should I stay away or consider further?
Here's a thread from the past (2009) on the LL110 decoders.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/151931/1680605.aspx
I think I'd stay away. They are really old, as decoders go.
Mike.
My You Tube
Thanks Mike! I was able to find an install description for the p2k GP30's but involved removing part of the weight. I thought might be a good choice since it was sized to fit but, yeah 10+ years is very old for digital technology!
$70 is WAY too much for that decoder. They are, as pointed out, very old - more than 10 years old. They lack even the basics of the cheapest decoders - a high frequncy or 'silent running' drive, so there will be buzzing from thr motor. For less money, the 16 bit versions of the Digitrax sound decoders are a better deal (the ones with X in the name - skip the slightly cheaper 8 bit ones).
It was closer to 17 or 18 years ago when I got one of the LC decoders, the generic one, not the LL form factor one. Already at that time it was at a reduced price (I am SURE I did not pay $70 for it even back then). I installed it in a Stewart F7 B dummy, with as large a speaker as I could cram in there (so no motor to worry about). The big speaker helped, but compared to more modern decoders, it just doesn't cut it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker $70 is WAY too much for that decoder. They are, as pointed out, very old - more than 10 years old. They lack even the basics of the cheapest decoders - a high frequncy or 'silent running' drive, so there will be buzzing from thr motor. For less money, the 16 bit versions of the Digitrax sound decoders are a better deal (the ones with X in the name - skip the slightly cheaper 8 bit ones). The big speaker helped, but compared to more modern decoders, it just doesn't cut it. --Randy
The big speaker helped, but compared to more modern decoders, it just doesn't cut it.
+1
I would avoid them. Very old technology. Your time to install the decoder is the most expensive part of the equation. It is likely that you would not be happy with the performance/sound/features. I would spend the bucks on a new decoder from the current offerings. Not fun to do decoder installs more than once.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
thanks guys! A "dumb" question on my part but would rather make an error on a forum than have a poor performing locomotive with an expensive decoder! I'll probably just change out the lights and go with the non-sound TCS LL8-Led decoder ($35 to 40) for now. I really love smooth and quiet these two locos are with DC.