Tsunami decoders and boosters

[oldline1]

Hi, Goat!

I installed Tsunami's in 4 Spectrum Russian Decapods, a P2K USRA 0-6-0 and a brass PFM A&LM 4-6-0. They are easy to install and work/sound great. Eventually all my steam will have them.

I discovered that my Digitrax Super Empire Builder set would not allow me to program them. One CV would "take" and the next not. I had to get a Power Pax from Tony's to solve my problem. Now I can change any CV I need to with no trouble.

Enjoy!

Roger

 

[Anonymous]

Depending on your system, you can probably program it on either the program track or main, although you likely won't be able to read the decoder values on the program track.

I've got an NCE PowerHouse and could do as above;  now that I have a PowerPax booster ($50), I can also read the Tsunami and QSI decoders.

So you can probably do without it, but I'd guess you'll spring for the $50 before long.

[Meyblc]

I just installed a Tsunami in an IHC 2-10-2 and could not program it on the programming track. I use the MRC Prodigy Advance. Once I figured out what I was doing wrong and with a little help from members of this forum, I was able to get it programmed on the main line using the Prog Main option.

I did not have this same problem with my BLI E-7 though. Programming track worked as advertised for this locomotive.

[cacole]

Whether you'll need a programming booster depends on the type of DCC system you are using.  I have read several comments here about certain DCC systems not being able to program the Tsunami and/or QSI sound decoders without a programming booster.

I use a CVP Products' EasyDCC system to program these decoders and have never had any problems or need for a booster.

[gn goat]

I'm converting some of my larger steam locos (e.g., an Akane DM&IR Yellowstone) to DCC. My question is: Do you need to include a booster or is it a "nice to have" with Tsunami decoders? I did a search on the forum for "Tsumani" and "booster" but didn't come up with any useful information. Thanks!

the goat