I would like to get a few of the Bachmann Sound Value Engines. I have heard some on U Tube and for the money not bad. I know there are limted sound functions and I am fine with that. My real question is there speed control?
I have one Bachmann DCC On Board PRR GP 30 and over all I like it! Speed matching it to a Digitrax Decoder Powered Engine, not so much.
What I hope to do it get a couple of Santa Fe F7 B's and use them with a pair of Athearn F7's and a pair of MRC Santa Fe F7's. All of the engines use either Digitrax DH 163's or 123's.
Looking forward to hear what you folks think about them.
Thank you in advances, Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
As with all Tsunami decoders, there is no support for CVs 5 and 6, Max and Mid motor voltage, so speed matching with other decoders can be a challenge.
cacoleAs with all Tsunami decoders, there is no support for CVs 5 and 6, Max and Mid motor voltage, so speed matching with other decoders can be a challenge.
So how do you speed match a Tsunami decoder? I have heard they are the Cat's Meow when it comes to sound decoders.
Ken
Whenever possible, I use LokSound instead of Tsunami. With Tsunami you must specify the exact model that you need a sound file for. With LokSound you can download your own sound files from their web site and program the decoder if you have the LokProgrammer.
LokSound motor control and sounds are, to me, superior to those offered by Tsunami.
cudaken So how do you speed match a Tsunami decoder? I have heard they are the Cat's Meow when it comes to sound decoders.
"Cat's meow"? Some will have a differing opinion. Regarding speed matching, you would have to learn to use either the alternate speed tables described in the Soundtraxx manual, or generate your own speed table, best done with a JMRI program called decoder pro, available free on the internet.
I am a fan of the Loksound decoder as well. I have one in the Big Boy and one in my Y6b. Problem is the cost.
Far as using JMRI speed table, I do have Digitrax PR3 and use JMRI to run the layout and program my decoders. Would be easier to match the other engines to the Tsunami I guess.
Do any of you have a Bachmann Sound Value engine?
Thanks for the answers, Ken
Yes I just got a Sound value Bachmann ES44AC for Christmas along with the new Walthers Amtrak Metroliner DCC Sound, Kato F40ph, and Athearn Amtrak p42. The last two are DC only but as far as the Bachmann is concerned I'm very happy with it. Doesn't offer the flashing ditchlights that I'm accustomed to or would be offered on MTH or Athearn models but a price of $130 from MB Klein, you can't beat that. Runs fantastic and sounds great. Has other sound features that make up for the limited functions that it doesn't do.
Have fun
Regg
I have Tsunamis and speed match sing a speed table. I use JMRI's Decoder Pro to do this. It makes it easy to set up a speed table. You can do it with out JMRI, but you need to changa a lot of CV's to do it. As far as what better Tsunami or Lok Sound, to me sound is subjective. It's like Ford or Chevy. Which is better. Joe
I have several diesels with Sound Value decoders, and I will be getting more.
hobo9941I have several diesels with Sound Value decoders, and I will be getting more.
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
Thanks for all the answers folks! While there are some draw backs it seems they are still worth having. Soon as the budget allowes I will try to pick one up.
Thanks again, Cuda Ken
I don't believe they offer a five chime. I purchased them in early November, and left for Florida, hours ahead of the dreaded Polar Vortex.
I didn't have much time to play with them. The layout is up in Michigan.
I have 2 Sound Value locomotives An Alco S- 4 and the 2-6-2 steamer Both function well for the purpose that I use them for (showing off the layout). Beyond that I have no use for sound since the SIW operates late at night and I can't have the train people or my family complaining.
Joe Staten Island West