Electronics and DCC

 Dont buy the MRC decoders, they are not worth your time.

For sound in RS3s, you have a few much, much better options.

1.  LokSound will work beautifully.

2.  Tsunami AT-series of decoders.

3.  QSI Revolution.

David B

Dave,

Thanks for confirming my concerns with MRC decoders. My problem is that I'm still kind of a newbie when it comes to sound decoders. When looking for LokSound, Tsunami or QSI, how do I know which decoder I want that will reproduce the sounds of an RS-3. I guess what I need to figue out is what type of engine the real locomotive had, then look at the descriptions of each decoder. What I've noticed is that the Diesel sound decoders are made for specific engines. If someone doesn't know what engine was in the locomotive, it's kinda hard to get the correct sound decoder. 

I'll do some Googleing and see what I can learn.

Michael 

 Wikipedia is your friend.

For example, lets say you want to know what prime-mover is in an RS3.

Open Google.

Type in "Wiki Alco RS3" and this will be the first hit....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_RS-3

And if you scroll down the page on the right hand side you will find the information you are looking for (I will let you find the information...let me know what you find).

This will work with pretty much any locomotive.

When you order your decoder, mention the number of Cylinders, Form Factor and Aspiration type.  Beyond that you need to know which horn was used in your particular unit.

Hope this helps you get an understanding of what is under your model's hood and what to order.  Beyond this, take a look at some Youtube videos of your locomotives.  They are pretty much all represented.  That will allow you to see how the sound decoder compares to the prototype.

In terms of which Modern Sound decoder to buy, it is a matter of preference.  

Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders have amazing motor sounds, mediocre horns and questionalbe motor drive. $$$

QSI Revolution decoders have OK motor sounds, amazing horn sounds and an amazing motor drive.  Note that QSI R decoders are downloadable. $$$

LokSound V3.5 decoders have amazing motor sounds, good horns and a great motor drive.  Note that LokSound decoders are downloadable. $$$$

David B

 Check with Bruce at Litchfield Station. For the sound decoders that he sells, he offers them with various sound sprogrammed in. That saves you from having to buy the proprietary programming device and downloading the sounds yourself. An RS-3 will have an Alco 244 turbocharged motor, various horns depending on your prototype - although if your model came with a single note honker and you aren't going to change it, don;t get a multichime horn sound, it will be out of place.

                               --Randy

I installed one a couple of months ago and I'm happy with the performance and the sound and it does sound like an Alco.  The motor control is just as good as the Digitrax decoder I had installed before.

It was also an easy install.

CN Charlie

 Not sure if you ever got an answer on the question, but some more fodder for ya.  Just as a matter of personal opinion, the QSI prime mover sound is not the best.  Good, but not really reflective of the prototype.  Seems they are fond of just making the 'burble' of a nice idle just louder with a higher pitch, but missed the entire idea of increasing RPM's.  In contrast, the Tsunami is right on. 

 I actually like the MRC prime move sound, but the horns and bell were, how shall we say, thin.  Additionally, after running two MRC decoders for about a half year on a regular basis, both my MRC decoders died, one fatally, the other could not decide if it was a diesel or steam unit and would randomly change settings!  I intend to replace them both with TSU's. 

 I spend some time pulling together a study of some of the various decoders out there, with the exception of the QSI Revolution and the Loc-Sounds.  I understand the QSI Revolution sounds very similar to the Quantum, and as I mentioned, was not thrilled with the prime mover sound on the Quantum (great horn, bells and air letoff sounds tho!).  I also did not try the Loc-Sound as it was pretty expensive and did not have the preloaded sound I was looking for.  I also have not bought any of the uploading software tools as it seems a pretty steep investment into something that I may only use once as a test.  Having said that, here is the link to the results of the study.  I hope you find it helpful.

http://www.trainweb.org/gnw/The%20Whistlestop%207.htm

Regards,

Detlef