I have a Proto 1000 F3A that I would like to convert to DCC and consist with a Proto 2000 with Sound (QSI) F7A. My LHS has recommended against this suggesting I wait for the new QSI units so it will be easier to speed match. I have thought about a non sound decoder for now - who knows when the new units will be out.? Has anyone made such a conversion and are there any suggestions for the decoder to use? Woud you anticipate a great difficulty in speed matching? I have an NCE Power Pro and note some suggestions in another post that a higher technical level of equipment may be needed to speed match two different decoders. Thank you for any suggestions.
If it is a DCC ready unit then this decoder is great. http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/Proto_1000_F3A_DCC_Ready/Proto_1000_F3A_DCC_Ready.html If it is not DCC ready then a hard wire instal is the only way to go. http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/Proto_1000_F3A/Proto_1000_F3A.html
For speed matching I slow the fast (non sound) loco to run with the slow (QSI,Tsunami, and Loksound) using CV2, 5,6 and adding momentum in CV3 to get close enough. The older Loksound version 3.5 decoders are the most difficult to speed match. The motor sounds wind up a long time before the loco starts moving.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Haven't opened it up yet but will check. Thanks for the info.