I want to add sound to this articulated, and I have been researching ways to do it, but with no definitive answers. I have the Vandy tender. Has anyone ever put a Tsunami TSU-750 Heavy Steam DCC sound decoder in this locomotive with the Vandy tender, or will I have to swap out the Vandy tender for the long-haul tender?
I've identified possibly two sound decoders that might work: the Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-750 Heavy Steam decoder (which measures 25.4mm by 12.7mm by 5.59mm), and the MRC 1956 Steam Sound Decoder (which measures 29.5mm by 10.6mm by 5mm).
If you can fit it in the tender,the TSU 750 is the MUCH better choice though not perfect.Be aware that they are hot runners and it is best to have them installed against the metal weight (caulk,etc) so that they dissipate the heat better.
Yeah, that's the big question. I want to know if the Tsunami will even fit in the Vandy tender. I have two of the tsunamis and I love them.
4 ways - cheaper, and better whistles.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
David, thanks for the tip. What about the size of the decoder. Do they make a LokSound decoder for an articulated? What about a firebox flicker? I know Tsunamis have these, and it's a cool feature I put in all my N scale locomotives.
Edit: As for the size, it's 25.0mm x 10.6mm x 3.8mm, which is smaller than the Tsunami.
Edit 2: LokSound micro V4.0 decoders have 4 function outputs with the possibility of using constant current of 150mA. These outputs can be assigned individually. Apart from that, there are two more non-amplified outputs with logic level. All important light functions like Flash, Gyrolight, Mars light, fire box and so on are provided including the individual adjustment of brightness for each function.
So it does have a firebox function.
I think I just found my next DCC sound decoder. The problem is, can I use this decoder as an articulated without programming it using a separate thing or computer?
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/ESU-Micro-Decoder-with-Steam-Locos-4-Driven-Axles-p/esu-73814.htm
I'm not sure about the LokSound micro V4.0 decoder, but the LokSound Select micro steam sound files do include an articulated locomotive, which is selected with CV48.
When you order a LokSound decoder, you have to tell the distributor which sound files you want loaded into it so they can program it for you if you don't have a LokProgrammer.
Two good sources for LokSound Select decoders are Litchfield Staiton and Ulrich Hobby Shop. Both will program the decoder for you.
Wow, cheaper than MB Klein too!
I assume that a 2-8-8-2 would be comparable to the 2-6-6-2 I have? That's the only close sound file I can see on Litchfield Station.
Thanks for the recommendation. You saved me $40.
Does the ESU LokSound Select Micro have capacitance built into it? I know with the Tsunamis you can add the capacitor to it that comes with it, but I'm not sure if the Select Micro has a capacitor built into it or if it even comes with one.
With those that have the ESU Select Micro, how does it handle dirty or uneven track?
Have you ever needed capacitance with the ESU LokSound decoders? Space is at a premium with this install, and I'm not sure if I need it or have the space.
According to the wiring diagrams, you can't just put a capacitor on it. It also needs a 100 ohm resistor in parallel with a diode. That would add to the space and take up possibly the same room than a capacitor and a tsunami.
Decisions decisions.
I thought about it some more, and with 20 wheels picking up power, I doubt there will be a large amount of time in which the wheels are NOT picking up power, I'm ordering the decoder and seeing what it can do.