I have four P1K RDC commuter cars (locomotives?) that I want to add sound to. I have just spent a couple of hours trying to find suitable sound files. I couldn't find an RDC sound file on the Loksound site (my first choice), so I went to the TCS site. I tried searching for their available sounds but I couldn't find that information. I'm sure I must be missing something.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
The only 'correct' answer to this involves Rapido, which went to considerable trouble getting the sound files used for its RDC production. (For some reason I remember this as actually extending to buying at least one RDC to facilitate the process).
I am sure there are taped and perhaps digital files with the various sounds on them, which could be used to 'map' to a programmable sound decoder. Note that some of the actual sounds produced by RDCs don't correspond to diesel-electrics, specifically including acceleration, and you would need to use some care in programming what happens. There is also some careful choice of horn depending on prototype and time.
How willing Rapido might be to let you have the sound files is likely an issue you'd have to take up with Jason Shron via private communication...
OvermodThe only 'correct' answer to this involves Rapido, which went to considerable trouble getting the sound files used for its RDC production. (For some reason I remember this as actually extending to buying at least one RDC to facilitate the process).
OvermodHow willing Rapido might be to let you have the sound files is likely an issue you'd have to take up with Jason Shron via private communication...
Hi Overmod,
Thanks for clarifying the situation.
I'm pretty sure that I do not want to get into creating custom sound files for my RDCs, and I think that asking Jason to share his hard won RDC sound files is asking too much. If I really want his sound files then I will buy his RDCs. That only seems fair to me.
I think that I have two choices. One is to find a sound decoder with the proper horn sounds and just turn off the engine sounds. That is the expensive route. The other option is to buy non-sound decoders. In either case I will just let the gear noises stand in for the appropriate motor sounds. If a suitable sound decoder becomes available in the future I can always upgrade the RDCs.
Cheers!!
Keep in mind that, if I recall correctly, TDC is introducing a decoder programmer that should be able to upload 16-bit sound clips to compatible decoders. This is a long-overdue capability, particularly if it includes ability to work with any metadata in the decoder sound files.
There might be enough sound in the 'public domain' or videos to capture most of the experience you want -- mostly the acceleration noises and the horn.
I wouldn't write off contacting Rapido so quick. They might be willing to sell you, or arrange for you to get, 'loaded' decoders... in lieu of a 'next' full production run with all that that implies...
hon30critter — and I think that asking Jason to share his hard won RDC sound files is asking too much.
Not at all, Dave. Jason will gladly sell you the decoder with the RDC sound project already installed:
https://rapidotrains.com/products/parts-accessories/decoders
Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanNot at all, Dave. Jason will gladly sell you the decoder with the RDC sound project already installed:
Oh wow Ed! I guess I made a silly assumption. Thanks for showing me the Rapido decoder. I have bookmarked the decoder listing. I'm going to wait a while before I order them. I have spent a lot of money on the hobby recently so I need to show some restraint for a while. I'll wait until the next month or two's pension payments are in the bank.
Thanks again! You have been so incredibly helpful to me on so many occasions that I am not sure how to express my gratitude. Words hardly suffice.
Cheers,
Loksound has one ....
http://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?q=rdc
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Digitrax has two RDC sound projects for their line of SoundFX decoders, an 8-bit and a 16-bit one. The SoundFX decoder is designed to have sound projects downloaded on it. You will need a PR4 (or an old PR3) to connect your computer to a programming track; the software comes with it. That also allows you to use Decoder Pro to program all your decoder equipped engines, much easier than doing it one CV at a time.
https://www.digitrax.com/sound-depot/rdc-diesel-scheme/
https://www.digitrax.com/sound-depot/rdc-detroit-diesel-6-110/
On my old Life-Like RDC, I found the 8-bit project and a 1" speaker and enclosure worked out very well.