I'm planning to convert my freelanced road from DC to DCC. My road has commuter service with push-pull operation. I have two types of cab car on the lead for push operation. I'm wondering if anyone already knows of decoders that meets these needs:
1. An F40PH powered engine, where I want to be able to run the sound variable with throttle (standby) or at governor speed (normal operation for HEP).
2. A dummy cab car, with directional lighting and horn, but no engine sound. (an adapted Metroliner)
3. A dummy cab car, with directional lighting and horn, but a steady medium rpm sound from a small diesel providing HEP. (an unpowered E8)
I'm electrically knowledgeable and understand basically how the CVs work. I'm guessing that for case 1, somebody must make a decoder that provides prototypical sound for my F40 using a BB GP38 chassis. For case 2, will I need to use a full function sound decoder in order to get the horn sound (and dummy-load the motor connection)? And for case 3, I'm guessing I'll need another full function sound decoder, where I can set the engine RPM and sound level.
The research for these decoders looks daunting and time consuming. I'm willing to dig in and spend the time, but if group knowledge already knows of suitable decoders, I would appreciate the pointers.
Dale
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority, run through Amtrak and CSX Intermodal
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
I have a Chicago and North Western push pull bi-level train. I have an FP7 on the head (or tail) end and a cab car with a Soundtraxx 'soundcar' decoder in it for the horn, bell and lighting which is the headlight, a rotary beacon and when trailing the markers illuminate.
The Soundcar has a diesel generator sound for an air conditioning system that I suppose you could crank up the volume a bit to make it sound like an HEP generator. I have it set up to run intermittently like an AC unit might. You can program it to run steady.
If you listen closely you can hear the generator running as the last car passes. I have the volume pretty low on it.
The Tsunami2 decoder has an option to run at HEP speed and that can be assigned a function. You can also elect to use the regular 'notching' of the throttle as well.
C_NW_PS-bilevels by Edmund, on Flickr
I have the locomotive decoder and the soundcar decoder in an advanced consist so that the proper functions operate per the direction of the train. So when I'm running cab car first and use the horn and bell, the horn and bell will not sound on the trailing locomotive. I also have the interior lighting controlled by a function of the Soundcar decoder.
Hope that helps, Ed
Huge help, Ed. Thanks. I didn't realize the HEP mode was that realistic.