RangeroverNow I have had a problem with a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann Russian Decapod that I bought maybe 5 years ago, just before I retired and it stayed in the box until I retired. It's a decoder they no longer make, LC 100...
RR, you are mixing your models. The Tsunami is the name of the newest sound decoder that Soundtraxx marketed starting three years ago..maybe four now, and then only for steamers. The older DSD100LC is among their early offerings, and is an inferior product by comparison. The sounds on the 100 are generic, and that decoder has no BEMF, for examples.
My decoder installer had to consult with Soundtraxx recently when he had problems (well, WE had problems...) getting the chuff to stay in synch with a Spectrum J Class driver rotation. According to my friend, the rep he spoke to says they have never had a Tsunami fail. Ever.
-Crandell
selector RangeroverNow I have had a problem with a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann Russian Decapod that I bought maybe 5 years ago, just before I retired and it stayed in the box until I retired. It's a decoder they no longer make, LC 100... RR, you are mixing your models. The Tsunami is the name of the newest sound decoder that Soundtraxx marketed starting three years ago..maybe four now, and then only for steamers. The older DSD100LC is among their early offerings, and is an inferior product by comparison. The sounds on the 100 are generic, and that decoder has no BEMF, for examples. My decoder installer had to consult with Soundtraxx recently when he had problems (well, WE had problems...) getting the chuff to stay in synch with a Spectrum J Class driver rotation. According to my friend, the rep he spoke to says they have never had a Tsunami fail. Ever. -Crandell
My point was I'm not finding fault with nor am I saying I will never buy another Tsunami decoder because I had a problem with one. I didn't know anything about generic or inferior model rail road decoder products when I first started buying them, the merchant put one on the track and I listened to the sounds and I bought it. Apparently Tsunami learned a lesson too along the way and dumped that line of decoders by the way, somebody must have had a problem or else they would still be producing it, so I doubt your statement " According to my friend, the rep he spoke to says they have never had a Tsunami fail. Ever."
Why wouldn't MRC do the same as Tsunami, dump the problem decoder and move on ?
The only problem I have with it is the static, almost like a loose wire, but I can't find the "leak". I may even try adding a capacitator to the speaker wire, like some have. I should have sent the loco back when the problem first started with the static, it's still a Tsunami sound decoder whether sound traxx started marketing them 4 years ago or so doesn't matter one iota to me and yes it's steam of course decopod. I guess I'm the only one who had a problem, maybe I will send the decoder to them and see if they will replace it, good idea, thanks, should be no problem if I'm the first ever.
And like those that have problems with MRC knowing they have a problem, why would anybody keep buying them, they are cheap and I personally don't like the idea of a cheap sound decoder for under $30.00, you get what you pay for. Like I asked, how come the top internet merchants, Tony's trains and Litchfield Station keep selling MRC decoders with all the problems people are having with them. That's all! Hey I'm just learning and inquiring!
Rangerover, forgive me, but I don't think you understood my last response to you. Tsunami is not a brand. It is a model. Think Pontiac Grand Am. The Tsunami is a Grand Am, in addition to being a Pontiac (the make). So the folks who make Tsunami decoders, Soundtraxx, also made a model called the DSD100LC. Your first post describes quite plainly to me that your beef is with the Soundtraxx DSD100LC....not the Tsunami...a whole nuther cat.
selector Rangerover, forgive me, but I don't think you understood my last response to you. Tsunami is not a brand. It is a model. Think Pontiac Grand Am. The Tsunami is a Grand Am, in addition to being a Pontiac (the make). So the folks who make Tsunami decoders, Soundtraxx, also made a model called the DSD100LC. Your first post describes quite plainly to me that your beef is with the Soundtraxx DSD100LC....not the Tsunami...a whole nuther cat. -Crandell
Well I'll be darned, thank you for straightening me out on that. Now I know the difference! I really have no beef, I could send it back to Bachmann, I looked over the operating manual and it is covered for life, but I'm afraid they will just put in another LC decoder and I'd rather put in a better quality sound decoder, and I did run it without a problem for the most part of 3 years. Thanks for being patient with me and explaining the difference! Jim
selector..Bachmann is very misleading in their advertisement and in the ops manual that came with the loco. Here's what it says:
"Bachmann Trains sounds off with an extensive line of DCC Sound-equipped Spectrum® locomotives. Working closely with SoundTraxx®, we’re pleased to offer HO, On30 and Large Scale engines equipped with Tsunami® sound technology".
That's the reason I keep saying Tsunami, but now I know!
Ah, I now see where you are coming from. Yes, the Bachmann sound decoders are a "stripped down" version of the Tsunami model of decoders made by Soundtraxx. I can't offer any comment on them because I have no experience. Maybe the tech that my friend was talking about meant individual, full-capability, Tsunami's sold to individuals directly by Sountraxx or by authorized dealers. I wonder if the issue is with the installation. It happens, I am sure.
selector Ah, I now see where you are coming from. Yes, the Bachmann sound decoders are a "stripped down" version of the Tsunami model of decoders made by Soundtraxx. I can't offer any comment on them because I have no experience. Maybe the tech that my friend was talking about meant individual, full-capability, Tsunami's sold to individuals directly by Sountraxx or by authorized dealers. I wonder if the issue is with the installation. It happens, I am sure. -Crandell
Well Crandell I suppose they are a stripped down version just like the Bachmann motor decoders, stripped down Lenz. Like I said I'll replace it with a Tsunami decoder, I really have no regrets.
I only own 2 Athearn Loco's, one with sound and I'm sure MRC decoder, the other is analog. I'm not a fan of Athearn Loco's just from reading the problems associated with the gears and now the sound decoders, and I'm one who doesn't like putting the finishing touch's, handrails, wipiers, horns, brakes and such on myself. Leaves too much room for disaster with my potato spud fingers and bad eyes. My lady friend bought me one for Christmas 3 years ago and I made a big deal out of it, but said to myself, oh no! I run it when she visits.
OP..I didn't mean to hijack or turn your thread into Bachmann/Tsunami/Soundtraxx thread, but I figured it was worth mentioning and still I don't understand if somebody buys a loco with a known problem then wants Athearn to make good on it. My opinion is that it would seem to be business smart to make some kind of trade for faulty decoders but how would they (Athearn) know for sure the decoder didn't come out of another install such as in an Atlas as an example, since you can buy the MRC decoders from a dealer and install yourself. I think then it's a problem and it has to be far too costly. Jim
I have a Spectrum 2-10-0 that came with a Tsunami, and have also installed a regular Tsunami in an engine. The one Bachmann uses is in relative terms "stripped down" but you have to understand a regular Tsunami has like 120 different CV options for sound, speed, lighting etc. The "stripped down" version "only" has maybe 40-50. It's still a very very good decoder.
It includes Back EMF, numerous options for setting the type of "chuff", whistle and bell you want, setting the timing to match the drivers, lighting options, etc. Really the only thing missing are things most decoders don't offer in the first place, like a Graphic Equilizer, Echo/Reverb settings, and some "crew" items like the sound of the fireman shovelling coal or the crew in a panic because of an impending train wreck.
A Soundtraxx LC decoder is a good decoder, I use them in several diesels and am happy with the result. The problem I would expect with a steam engine is that without BEMF you're going to have trouble keeping the engine chuffs in time with the drivers, since the engine will speed up or slow down while going up and down grades. I'm sure you could add a TCS regular decoder with BEMF and wire up the sound decoder to do sound only.
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.