Hi all,
I'm installing a LokSound 4 decoder on my UP 4-6-6-4 Challenger but on the ESU website they only have the sound file for the Big Boy.
Do you think it's going to sound ok?
I'm new to steam sound decoders, and I would also like to add the wheel-syncronized sound. The basics are pretty clear on a regular engine, but how does ti work on an articulated? Do I have to install a sync wheel for each truck?
Thank you for all help or suggestion,
Guido
For a non-compound articulated, the only way a cam will work is if each engine has its own motor and the two are not mechanically linked. In a typical model with just one motor and a drive shaft between the two engines, they can bever go in and out of sync if controlled by a cam, so you are really better off with the self timing. For a compound articulated, you would only need one cam to time the whole thing, since they are always in sync (except possibly when starting, some could start in simple mode and thus be out of sync initially).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thank you Randy.
So, if I got it correct, I could just use the self timing without a cam, and just tune the decoder till it sounds right, correct?
The loco is UP 3985 Challenger, I'm not quite sure if it's a compound articulated or not.
The UP CHallengers were simple articulateds, not compound, so using the auto chuff will aloow the two engines to go in and out of sync, which would be the most realistic. I believe there is a CV to adjust this. There are enough modern videos of 3985 that you cna watch and listen tot he real thing and then adjust the sound decoder for the best match. On some of the ones showing them starting out, you can hear the ChuffChuff-ChuffChuff-ChuffChuff of the two engines not in sync with each other. It can be a little subtle, but compare it to a simple steam loco and it's very distinctive.
Checking the LokSound manual I found the CV's to set the chuff timing, and another CV for the secondary chuff, so I'll play with those.
Thank you Randy for you help!