I'm working on choosing a decoder for my Kato N Scale P42 and was wondering if it's worth it to go through all the hassle to install a Soundtraxx Tsunami sound decoder when MRC and Digitrax make a drop-in sound decoder for the locomotive. Here are the instructions for the Soundtraxx installation. Is the sound that much more amazing that I should wip out drills, soldering irons, and all of the other tools instead of just grabbing a screwdriver to install a drop-in sound decoder?
The N scale section of my website is now uploaded with a lot of various things. Check it out: www.CarlettaTrains.com
The fact that you have raised the question suggests to me that you are aware of, or have found, significant differences between your various options. Ask yourself what criteria are the most salient or important...to which do you assign the most value? Then, it's a very simple calculus to decide which of the decoder options presents the best fit for your criteria.
Asking us to set your criteria for you is almost certainly going to lead to disappointment for you after a few hours of use of the eventual 'winner.'
I already know that ease of installation is my priority, but I'm just wondering if anyone has heard the Tsunami sound decoders and if they're worth the effort or if people feel the sound difference isn't that noticeable and it's not worth the effort. I believe I could successfully install the Tsunami, but it is worth it?
If you are going to dig in, I'd suggest a Loksound Micro with their P42 sound file. It was recorded from an actual P42 - not a generic GE and also includes all the appropriate HEP sounds and functionality - which nobody else has done.
You could also use one of ESU's cell phone speaker and enclosures which sound great in a super tiny package.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
I have an Athearn MP15AC with MRC sound decoder. The decoder is slated for replacement because I am happy with neither the sound nor the performance.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Mark R. If you are going to dig in, I'd suggest a Loksound Micro with their P42 sound file. It was recorded from an actual P42 - not a generic GE and also includes all the appropriate HEP sounds and functionality - which nobody else has done. You could also use one of ESU's cell phone speaker and enclosures which sound great in a super tiny package. Mark.
Ditto Mark's suggestion. The Micro is also more likely to fit under the hood than the Tsunami.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstage Mark R. If you are going to dig in, I'd suggest a Loksound Micro with their P42 sound file. It was recorded from an actual P42 - not a generic GE and also includes all the appropriate HEP sounds and functionality - which nobody else has done. You could also use one of ESU's cell phone speaker and enclosures which sound great in a super tiny package. Mark. Ditto Mark's suggestion. The Micro is also more likely to fit under the hood than the Tsunami. Tom
And the original Tsunami Micro decoders were well documented for running hot. Hopefully the next generation will cure that problem, but the sound file itself is still not as full featured as the Loksound version.
KisNap I'm working on choosing a decoder for my Kato N Scale P42 and was wondering if it's worth it to go through all the hassle to install a Soundtraxx Tsunami sound decoder when MRC and Digitrax make a drop-in sound decoder for the locomotive. Here are the instructions for the Soundtraxx installation. Is the sound that much more amazing that I should wip out drills, soldering irons, and all of the other tools instead of just grabbing a screwdriver to install a drop-in sound decoder?
The Soundtraxx instrall you linked to is for an HO locomotive, an N-scale Tsunamis install would be more difficult because Soundtraxx does not make a board replacement decoder for the N-scale P42.
The Digitrax decoder is not a drop-in install either. The instructions have you mill a hole for the speaker.
The MRC one is the only one that is truly almost drop-in (it does have you trim some plastic pieces); however, everything I've read points to the MRC NOT having a GE sound, if having the correct sound is important to you.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the Digitrax decoder does not come with the correct sound either, so you would have to either get a PR3 and download the sound or have someone do it for you (but at least the correct sound can be downloaded, the MRC cannot be changed).