My first loco (last year) was a UP Athearn Genesis UP GP-9 #137, a late 2011 version I believe. I really liked it as a first loco, but as I've added other DCC/sound locos (BLI's and a P2K/Lifelike E-6), I've noticed the max sound level of the GP-9 is much lower than the others. I had thought about asking whether another decoder would help, but note the GP-9 chip is a Soundtraxx Tsunami. I turn down the master volume on my BLI's and E-6 to my likeing for the room size, but the GP-9 is still much lower sound (running sounds and horn) at its max. Do others note the same issue? Is there anything to be done about this to help the GP-9? For instance, is the chip dandy but a better matched speaker could resolve this?
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Tsunami sound decoders have multiple volume settings. There is a master volume CV that controls all of the sounds, then there is a volume CV for each sound. One for the bell, another for the horn, another for the prime mover, etc.
To get the loudest sound, ALL of them need to be turned up.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I had already increased the master volume from 200 (default) to 255 (max, I think) and the horn default is 255 (max, I think). The horn at these settings is very weak compared to the BLI SD-40 & P2K E-6 (both at reduced volumes). I still wonder if there is anything worthwhile to improve this. My LHS guy, I recalled, noted the Genesis sound can be weak.
Can I expect the same of this year's upcoming Genesis UP (Tsunami) steamers (a 2nd question).
Thanks.
Horns on Tsunamis are weak regardless of what you do. Probably their worst feature - dunno why that was never fixed, they seem to be exactly the same horns that were in the old DSD and LC decoders. You can adjust the various volumes with the mixer controls, and the prime mover will be plenty loud, but the horn will always be quiet.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
An improperly baffled speaker may also be the problem. I haven't opened mine up to look, but suspect that the speaker may be at fault. If it has dual speakers, they may be improperly wired out of phase.
Hi P-
Besides the Master volumes for each individual sound, you can also increase the volume using the Tsu's equalizer settings in CV's 153-160
Start with the values for the following CVs, adjust as necessary. You can view the resultsof the adjusted EQ on my Tsu's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q65x4NozRN0
153=7
154=200
155=200
157=175
158=150
159=225
160=255
Erik Fiske
I couldn't fix your brakes, so I made your horn louder
Thanks, Erik and others. I tried your settings and the motor sounds particularly (volume and tone) are greatly improved. The horn also (at max 255) gets a good bit louder but I turned it down a bit from max (to 225) as at max it tends to sort of buzz a bit (just not clear). I also adjusted the bell from 80 to 70. A big overall improvement, though the horn is still quite inferior to the BLI SD-40 and P2K E-6.
How big is the speaker in the GP?? It's pretty easy to have a 1" round speaker and enclosure in an E or F unit, but in GP or SD engines usually (unless there's a 1" speaker enclosure built into the fuel tank at the bottom of the engine) the largest speaker you can fit in there is a 1/2" by 1" oval speaker. That gets good sound, but it's not going to be as loud or rich as a 1" round speaker.
I have felt bad for Soundtraxx as a company in Genesis units since I haven't found a good speaker install yet. Quality, size and baffling are all 3 usually not optimum. Proto does a great job with speakers/teepee, etc.
I have replaced 100% of the speakers with larger, better quality and better baffled speakers and had amazing results. I normally use a medium or intermediate speaker(buy both and try and fit them in, you may have to modify the frame some) in this type of install under the rads. I file the outside of the speaker and inside of the shell so that the speaker can fit inside using the shell as part of the enclosure to maximize size. I use thick cardstock with adhesive putty for the other parts of the enclosure. A good seal is important and size. DCC Installs and sales is a good source for speakers.
http://dccinstallsandsales.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=46&osCsid=a2cedb7bc7357c5f43cc5b67822dfc5e
The bass reflex is also a good option and has a good enclosure already. It can be filed down to fit inside the unit. I think it is too long for your GP-9 however.
Richard
Erik, thanks for the CV settings for the EQ. I've been experimenting with them some what. I set all my Tsunami's to these seetings. Wow ! I could really hear the difference. Thanks again for sharing. Joe