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DCC & sound for KATOs?

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  • Member since
    November 2006
  • 311 posts
DCC & sound for KATOs?
Posted by Harley-Davidson on Monday, September 29, 2008 8:08 AM
Please, does anybody know what DCC & sound decoder fit in HO KATO Dash 9-44W and SD90-43MAC? I think the main problem is the speaker/s. Thanks
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bettendorf Iowa
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Posted by Driline on Monday, September 29, 2008 8:59 AM

 doc manago wrote:
Please, does anybody know what DCC & sound decoder fit in HO KATO Dash 9-44W and SD90-43MAC? I think the main problem is the speaker/s. Thanks

I've put a Soundtraxx LCD into a Kato SD70 Mac. I put the speaker into the cab. But, I'm not happy with the sound. Its extremely low and anemic. I would not do it again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of just putting a regular NCE decoder in there. I would like to install a QSI decoder, but at over $100 a pop, I just can't see putting that kind of money into this engine.

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
  • Member since
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  • From: Bettendorf Iowa
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Posted by Driline on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 8:32 AM
 davidmbedard wrote:

I recommend the QSI Revolution-A.  It replaces the Kato light board and there is plenty of room for a rectangular speaker in the long hood.

David B

And it doesn't sound anemic like the soundtraxx?

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
  • Member since
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  • From: Bergen County, NJ
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Posted by elansp on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 11:38 AM
I addeded the Digitrax AC4400 Kato replacement board and sound option for my 9-44W new release (SDH104K1A+FN04K1 Combo).  Worked out great for me. 
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bettendorf Iowa
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Posted by Driline on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 5:21 PM
 davidmbedard wrote:
 Driline wrote:
 davidmbedard wrote:

I recommend the QSI Revolution-A.  It replaces the Kato light board and there is plenty of room for a rectangular speaker in the long hood.

David B

And it doesn't sound anemic like the soundtraxx?

Anemic?  No. Absolutely not.  It blows away the Tsunami and LC in terms of volume and bass.

David B

 

Thats what I need then. Except its gonna cost me a hundred bucks Angry [:(!]

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
  • Member since
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  • From: Alaska
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Posted by modelalaska on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 9:36 PM

David,

Could you be a bit more specific... I also have a SD70Mac and would like to know where and what speaker you mounted in the unit.  I was bummed to find out the fuel tank was solid.  I don't want to put it in the cab either.

Thanks,

Peter

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Alaska
  • 459 posts
Posted by modelalaska on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 10:37 PM

Thanks for the information David.  One more question.  I was already to buy a Soundtraxx because it appears the QSI does not have the sounds (no sound files) for EMD 710 (SD70Mac).  Is that true and if so, what sounds do you have in your unit?

Thanks again,

Peter

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • 166 posts
Posted by mmartian22 on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 7:45 PM
try using a tsunami mirco750  with small rectanguler speaker. mount speaker under the exhaust fans drill holes  in round fan ,use the smallest bit you can  get .a no 80. this what i did  and sounds great.
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  • From: australia
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Posted by peterjenkinson1956 on Thursday, October 2, 2008 6:13 AM
sd 80 / 90    i have put loc sound decoders into these locos   plenty of room for the decoder....  the speakers   completely dismantle the loco down to the bare frame     cut the frame  at the fuel tank and use contact glue to hold the speaker   when cutting the frame with the hack saw use a piece of cloth in the vice to protect it   the plastic fuel tank can now be made to let the sound out    either drill holes  or make a hole the same diameter as the speaker....  i have done this to six sd 80/ 90  and it is easier than it sounds    send me an email if you want any more info   peter

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