Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Alco decoder

1717 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
JRP
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Upland, CA
  • 301 posts
Alco decoder
Posted by JRP on Saturday, August 22, 2020 6:30 PM

Hi all,

I just purchased an older HO Atlas S2 Alco locomotive (made in Austria) and want to add a sound decoder.  It came with an NCE decoder installed, but if there is a current sound decoder that will fit, I would like to know what's available.  Not much room to work with here.  Any Alco S2 experts out there?? 

Thanks

JRP

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,333 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, August 22, 2020 8:43 PM

I have an older Alco RSC-3 (Milwaukee) that I bought at the onset of sound.  I put in an old Tsunami and hard-wired it.  It has the characteristic Alco sound.  I'm thrilled with it, even though it's old.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,200 posts
Posted by tstage on Saturday, August 22, 2020 9:49 PM

JRP,

For great motor control I would go with an ESU Loksound micro decoder.  Here is the description from the ESU website and the direct link:

http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/sounds/loksound-select/loksound-select-usa/

You can even listen to a sample of the sound file...


   *ALCO 6cyl 539T (FT)*

Equipped with ESU "FULL THROTTLE" features!
MUST use LokProgrammer Version 4.4.21 or newer

The ALCO 539 engine was developed in response to the perceived drawback that ALCO's line of diesel switchers had a restricted field of vision because of the high hood. Both Baldwin and EMC were offering diesel switchers with a lower engine hood that the trainmen could see over.

The 539T was equipped with the Buchi turbocharger, being made under license by the Elliott Manufacturing Company of Jeannette, Pennsylvania. The first 539T engines were used in S-2 switchers and DL-105 passenger locomotives built in September 1940.

ALCO Locomotives:
S-2
S-4
RS-1
RSC-1
RSD-1
DL-105
DL-107
DL-108
DL-109
DL-110

MLW Locomotives:
S-2
S-4
S-7
S-12
RS-1
RSC-13

As with all SELECT sound files, this file contains up to 16 different horns, 2 bells and 2 brake squeals.

Prime Mover:
CV48=0 ALCO 6cyl 539T

Uses our OLD-HORNS-AND-BELLS template...

Horns:
CV48=0 Nathan Single Chime
CV48=1 Nathan K3L
CV48=2 Nathan M5
CV48=3 Nathan P3
CV48=4 Nathan Old Cast P5
CV48=5 Nathan K3HA
CV48=6 Leslie RS3L
CV48=7 Leslie S3L #1
CV48=8 Leslie A125
CV48=9 Leslie A200
CV48=10 Leslie RS3K
CV48=11 Hancock Air Whistle
CV48=12 Wabco E2
CV48=13 Nathan M3H
CV48=14 Leslie S2M
CV48=15 Leslie Dual A125-A200

Bells:
CV48=0 Steel Bell
CV48=64 ALCO Bronze Bell

Add values from above for total CV48 value.

Default CV48 Value = 64
0 - PRIME MOVER - ALCO 6cyl 539T
0 - HORN - Nathan Single Chime
64 - BELL - ALCO Bronze Bell

Total 0+0+64 = 64

New FULL THROTTLE features:
Drive Hold: Sound Slot 2 Mapped to F9
Independent Brake: Sound Slot 11 Mapped to F10
Run 8: Sound Slot 20 (not Mapped)
Coast: Sound Slot 21 (not Mapped)

For more info please see the "Full Throttle" Quick Start Guide in the ESU Instruction Manual Section of our Website.

http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/instruction-manuals/digital-decoders/ Hide description

Article number(s): 73411
Manufacturer: ESU electronic solutions ulm
Last change: 17.06.201

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 409 posts
Posted by ba&prr on Saturday, August 22, 2020 9:54 PM

Check out the July 2020 MR DCC Corner.

Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBTaicDsMgw   

Joe

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,326 posts
Posted by Overmod on Saturday, August 22, 2020 9:56 PM

TCS is supposedly now shipping a 16-bit version of a 539T in their Version 4 decoders (and will upgrade older ones for $25).

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, August 22, 2020 10:50 PM

 You aren't going to get a Select any more, but the v5 micro is available, and the 538T file has been updated.

 I have an old Atlas S-2, it's painted in Lehigh Valley but I think I will stript he paint and do it as a Reading. Since everything else has Loksound, I will be using Loksound. I also have a couple of P2K S-1s that have TCS motor only decoders, I plan to upgrade those. Need a non-turbo 539 for those. 

 In addition to the DCC column, check the DCC Guy's YouTube channel, he has a video on the install that's in the magazine, which shows it more step by step. I really like those speakers he uses from SBS, they fit up under the cab roof. And they sound good, most every one of his video intros shows one of his locos that has that speaker in it, plus of course on this install video he demos it once it's all back together.

                              --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

JRP
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Upland, CA
  • 301 posts
Posted by JRP on Sunday, August 23, 2020 2:05 PM

Thanks Randy and everyone for your suggestions.  I watched the YouTube video by Larry and have the MR July issue to work off of.   Stay safe guys. 

JRP 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!