Any word on when the Tsunami will be available?

[WilmJunc]

About 6 weeks ago someone posted here that the Tsunami sound decoder by Soundtrax would be available within a few weeks. I have not seen anything about it since. Has anyone heard a revised schedule for release[?]

[DigitalGriffin]

I have a couple Tsunami installs waiting on backorder myself. [%-)]

I received a letter two days ago saying they have not shipped and may not be in for a while.

I would have gone with their 90 or 100 series if they just weren't so darn noisy at slow speeds. And I don't want the DSX because of a different decoder address. So I must wait for the Tsunami *sigh* (That is unless the LL Berkshires come out with QSI sound before the Tsunami does...which is in December.)

I really wi***heir was an alternative. I can't wait for the SUSI add ons for sound.

I wonder if they are trying to clear out old stock before releasing Tsunami?

I've seen a number of big CE companies withhold new releases till old stock is just about depleted. (To move stock, there is usually their a price break on the old models right before release also.)

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by WilmJunc

About 6 weeks ago someone posted here that the Tsunami sound decoder by Soundtrax would be available within a few weeks. I have not seen anything about it since. Has anyone heard a revised schedule for release[?]

Wil, Guys,

A lot of us are wondering. I recently talked with a friend of mine in the computer industry. He strongly suspects that Soundtraxx may be experiencing more glitches with the Tsunami decoder than is commonly known OR Tsunami is not performing to expected levels. Don't forget that right off the bat, the Tsunami's performance is going to be compared to QSI!

In looking back at the advertisment, the Tsunami does promise a lot. Vendors at demonstrations were reported to be impressed, however, does the product deliver?

Soundtraxx has not put out anymore statements regarding the expected delivery date.
Customers and dealers have been patient, however, 1 1/2 years later....no product!
Customers that were once very excited are moving on to other options. This is where Soundtraxx is losing. The advertisment on the Soundtraxx website, other than the photos is bascially unchanged from Spring 2004.

Glitches and problems are understandable, but IMHO, Soundtraxx would do well to make a post on their website regarding Tsunami's status. Even if it says: The decoder is currently in the testing phase...further updates will be posted" that would be a decent move, public relationswise and basically tell us all to "just hang in a little longer". Most of us could deal with that.

Guys, don't forget that scores of customers have paid Tony's Trains and Litchfield Station the $179 discount price for the Tsunami. These customers paid faithfully! I wonder now how many got tired of waiting and have demanded their money back?

As my friend stated so eloquently, it's past time for Soundtraxx to do the following:
PUT UP, OR SHUT UP! Roger that!

Since 2004 I've been saying "Guys, hang in there it's worth the wait........" I must say now that I agree with him.

As soon as I fini***weaking my locomotives, I'll likely go with DSX decoders on my roomier engines and (dare I say it) LC series decoders in my more cramped engines. If the Tsunami comes out between now and then, I'll be happy and go for it. I'll celebrate with you guys on this forum. If not, I won't be surprised, sad to say!

But in the mean time, Soundtraxx's lack of communication to customers is not helping them or modelers any.

If QSI is smart, they'll eventually produce individual decoders and/or sound platforms. I think they would stay on top of the food chain for a long time!

Before I get flamed for my comments, I admit I may be wrong about all this.....but these are just my thoughts.

[Anonymous]

I am literally slowly buying engines already equippted with QSI rather than wait for Tusnami.

I have a need for a electronics that detects both DCC and DC automatically.

QSI has done this while Tsunami fiddles and soundtrakk burns.

Maybe one day Tsunami will be fitted into some of my surviving analog engines. But little by little those analogs get sold off when BLI or LL releases a QSI equipped engine I need.

[SpaceMouse]

Humor me, I'm ignorant.

Besides running on DC, what's the big deal?

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DigitalGriffin

I have a couple Tsunami installs waiting on backorder myself. [%-)]

I received a letter two days ago saying they have not shipped and may not be in for a while.

I would have gone with their 90 or 100 series if they just weren't so darn noisy at slow speeds.
I really wi***heir was an alternative. I can't wait for the SUSI add ons for sound.

I wonder if they are trying to clear out old stock before releasing Tsunami?

I've seen a number of big CE companies withhold new releases till old stock is just about depleted. (To move stock, there is usually their a price break on the old models right before release also.)

DigitalGriffin,

I wonder about the old stock because the DSD150 was their "Premeir" decoder. Production was stopped and the Tsunami was slated to be the new, innovative replacement. After the fall of 2004, DSD 150 decoders became much more difficult to find at vendors like Loys, Litchfield and Tony's.

BTW: PLEASE explain your info regarding the 90 and 100 series decoders being noisy at slow speeds. What type of noise? Buzzing? Feedback?
I'm new at this and would appreciate knowing.

Thanks![;)]

[DigitalGriffin]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45


BTW: PLEASE explain your info regarding the 90 and 100 series decoders being noisy at slow speeds. What type of noise? Buzzing? Feedback?
I'm new at this and would appreciate knowing.

Thanks![;)]

I purchased a DSD-LL080LC my 0-8-0. It works and sounds great, except for the buzzing at low speeds. It's quite audible, so much so, I may purchase the QSI based LL 0-8-0' s. (Release around ?December 2005?)

At high speeds they are more quiet, and the sound is quite good. Throttle ups support is excellent also.

I not 100% sure the 90/100 series do the same thing. I'm suspecting they do because they aren't advertised as "silent" decoders. Can anyone confirm my suspicions?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys, just wondering, what sounds will be offered in the Tsunamis? More correct diesel engines? More variated steam sounds?

[AntonioFP45]

SpaceMouse,

Go to www.soundtraxx.com Click on the Tsunami advertsiement and you can read about the special features in detail if you have not yet seen them.

O.K, the big "hoopla" about the Tsunami is that the sound will be more dynamic and powerful than Soundtraxx's previous decoders and current decoders. Including the DSD150 (discontinued) which was a sweet sounding decoder.

On the Tsunami there is an equalizer offered, so you can actually "fine tune" sounds to your taste, just as you can with an equalizer on your home stereo. Also, the feature that offers that extra "oomph!" to modelers' taste palletes is the adjustable "Reverb" feature. This allows that slight "echo" effect that prototype locomotives produce when passing through canyons or towns.

Another feature that modelers also wanted to see: Horn or whistle toots---The short little horn blasts that engineers frequently make during switching operations or when departing a passenger station.

So this is why many of us became excited when reading about these features. This is supposed to be the decoder that will give QSI a serious run for their money. However, my criticism on the post above is Soundtraxx's lack of communication to potential customers.

Oh, and the friend I mentioned? He owns a successful technology software company. He knows the business well and is not prone to wild guessing. In the many years I've known him, he's usually right on the mark about companies that manufacture software related products.

10-4!

[rrinker]

The OTHER big benefit of Tsunami is, finally, SILENT DRIVE for DCC! No more buzzing that overwhelms the actual sounds. The best way to do sound with the current Soundtraxx offerings is to useone of their sound-only decoders and add in a quality decoder from someone else to controlt he motor. More expense and tougher to fit it all in, especially on a smaller model.

--Randy

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

Hey guys, just wondering, what sounds will be offered in the Tsunamis? More correct diesel engines? More variated steam sounds?

Good question, amigo!

I visited the Soundtraxx Yahoo website. According to posts there, Soundtraxx will offer the same sounds that they are currently offering, only they are remixed and sound clearer.

I admit that I was dissappointed since in the diesel area there are other very popular and common horns, such as the K5H, RS5, and the P5 used by various railroads. The current Soundtraxx listing though, is a reasonable cross section.

A while back I wrote Soundtraxx's Nancy Workman an e-mail that she never replied to. It was an idea that I still feel has potential:

There are several locomotive horn and whistle clubs in the U.S. I suggested that Soundtraxx consider talking to these clubs and use them as a source for clean, crystal clear recording of locomotive horns and whistles. The usual required legal contracts or "red tape" can be worked out with business attorneys. No reply.

Now, here's my guess for the future. I'm no expert but I've heard this more than once!

Sound decoders that will enable a customer to "Upload" sounds are coming down the pike! A basic version is already available. A modeler can, let's say, contact a club like "Diesel Air Horns" or even Matt Donnelly. For a fee they can request a quality digital recording of a hard to find horn (like an Amtrak SL4T, or a UP RS5 ) on line or they can purchase a CD already professionally recorded. That digital recording can later be downloaded into a computer, which in turn can be uploaded to a sound decoder.

My friend explained to me that the steps are actually much more involved, especially since sound still requires digital mixing and "cleaning up". but this is the "layman's jist" of it. If this does happen, IMHO, sound will really take off in this hobby! [:D]

[davekelly]

Antonio,

I think uploadable sound is an excellent idea. How about this one? Soundtrax sells a "undecorated" decoder. You get the decoder, use a USB cable to some sort of black box to your computer and go to the soundtraxx website. Once there you upload: type of engine, dynamic or non dynamic, type of horn etc etc. I would think this would help out LHS with stock. They'd only have to stock one type of sound decoder vice a dozen different models.

Just a thought.

[AntonioFP45]

Dave,

Very good!

That's along the lines my friend is talking. I'm not an electronics or software expert so I try to understand as best I can.

Interesting thing though, while Soundtraxx or QSI may the source for all of the prime mover related sounds, speculation is that other companies, clubs or individuals will make the wider variety of steam whistles and diesel horns available for downloading.

We'll see what happens!

Cheers!

[rrinker]

The ESU Loksound decoders are able to do this. I think they are finally becoming available in the US. I need to check those out, could be a good alternative. I think they are DCC only, but that's all i really need anyway.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

ESU has announced their intention to introduce the latest version of the LokSound V3 in the US. It is fully programmable via an interface&software package called LokProgrammer. Those interested can dowload the decoder manual, the software and the sound projects package to try & see how it can be customized, if you have the right sound recordings. Try <http://www.loksound.de/en/> .

[Anonymous]

One delay factor with the Tsunami is the lawsuit by MTH.

It will be interesting to see the COST of the decoder, once it is finally out.

All those features won't come cheap - some might be shocked !!!

[DigitalGriffin]

"One delay factor with the Tsunami is the lawsuit by MTH."
I'll happily take a "disabled" back EMF decoder if that's what it takes until this whole mess is straightnend out.

It hasn't slowed down QSI sales, that's for sure.

[rrinker]

Yes, but QSI was already making their decoders. AFAIK, Soundtraxx has not been sued - but if they release a decoder that uses disputed features, look out. Although they haven't come out an said it, this is probably a very likely reason for the delay in the Tsunami release. Bruce at Litchfield Station posted on his website MONTHS ago about going to dealer training at Soundtraxx and getting to actually install a Tsunami decoder, but he was not allowed to disclose any more than that.

--Randy

[AntonioFP45]

Randy,

Thanks for that info!

If this is the situation, Soundtraxx should post something on their website, even it it's vague so as to not give the actual reason. Most of us can read "between the lines".

But while it may not be the intent, Soundtraxx's "silence" is not doing them any favors as far as Public Relations. Caution can easily be mistaken for apathy or even arrogance. "Customers will flock to buy the product once they 'hear' how good it is...." seems to be the unwritten credo that Soundtraxx is currently operating on.

I hope that they do get all of the legal pains worked out.

[jfugate]

One thing that bothers me is seeing a business stop selling its existing product line before the promised replacement arrives ... and the replacement just nevers seems to surface ...

I have to ask how they can keep the doors open doing that?

Makes me wonder if we'll *ever* see the Tsunami ... I hope so, but every day they delay with the old product line defunct as well doesn't look good for the company's health. Lack of any updates on the web site is not a good sign ... [%-)]

[WilmJunc]

Has there been any word as to the cost of the Tsuami once it is released? If it's a significant increase over their current decoders and approaches $200, it's going to be tough to justify purchasing an aftermarket sound decoder.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate

One thing that bothers me is seeing a business stop selling its existing product line before the promised replacement arrives ... and the replacement just nevers seems to surface ...

I have to ask how they can keep the doors open doing that?

Makes me wonder if we'll *ever* see the Tsunami ... I hope so, but every day they delay with the old product line defunct as well doesn't look good for the company's health. Lack of any updates on the web site is not a good sign ... [%-)]

Well put Joe! Your statement gives a lot of credence to our wondering about this situation, especially since you are very familiar with the technology business.

Soundtraxx has made a major investment $$$$ into developing this new decoder. From what I understand in reading past Yahoo posts, Soundtraxx has a very small staff, so this is one of the reasons why they discontinued the DSD 150 to concentrate on the Tsunami. Also the same reason work was stopped on the new "SurroundTraxx" system. The owners are Steve(?) and Nancy Workman.

Just assuming, but it's likely that the sales of the DSX, the DSD "LC" decoders,and the Sierra System (for large scale trains) is what may be helping Soundtraxx stay afloat.

But the question persists:

Mr. and Mrs. Workman........What's going on? Can you please just post an answer on your website? Your customers are asking. Are we being unreasonable?

I have e-mailed this thread to [e-mail]

[cacole]

The only price I have seen publicly released is $147 for a pre-order, but I don't recall if it was Tony's or Litchfield Station that has that price.

[Anonymous]

Hey guys,

I think that you all need to lighten up here a bit. I know that the wait is frustrating. There are lots of examples in the hobby of products taking a lot longer than advertised to come out. This product is extremely complicated and Soundtraxx wants to get it right. I need to remind folks that there is one other decoder approaching the complexity of the Tsunami out there and I not super impressed with it myself. You all want it to work correctly with your stuff, be easy to program and be reliable right???? They could be like lots of technology companies I could name and release an inferior product and fix it with “upgrades” later, but they have chosen to take the time to get it right.

These guys are not Ford or Microsoft. They are a small company trying to do something big. They are just people…Put yourself in their shoes, this situation must be putting an enormous amount of pressure on them. The Tsunami has had numerous setbacks and delays for a variety of reasons already mentioned in this thread. I’m sure that they must get 100’s of e-mails each week asking them about the Tsunami. Add to this all the other business details that they have to deal with and I’m sure things are completely crazy over there right now. I think that if you look at priorities, you have to put the Tsunami inquiries at the bottom of the list after, product support for stuff that they have sold, sales of existing products, product development, etc…. I would rather that they spend the time working on it and taking care of business than answer the e-mails asking the same old question. What if they don’t know when it will be out? Do they post that on the site?? Will that really be helpful and make everyone feel better? When there is news they will post it.

I’m sure that one might make the argument that they should be more on top of communication, but really how bad is their communication? If you e-mailed them with a problem about something you bought that doesn’t work, How quick is that turnaround time? I bet they are taking care of that stuff and ignoring the “When is the Tsunami coming out” e-mails…

They are caught in a difficult spot, be patient and kind…….

Lastly…….

There is a “gotta have it now” mentality in the hobby sometimes that I find myself falling victim to occasionally. The Tsunami will come out. My shelves are full of products and kits that I had to “have right now” that are still not built. I’m sure everyone here has lots of stuff they could work on while they are waiting…..

My two cents,

[simon1966]

Guy, your points are valid, but I think you understimate the importance of marketing and communication with the customer base in the equation. As has been pointed out, Soundtraxx is a small company. TheTsunami development has I am sure been a big financial gamble fo r them. With the onslaught of QSI equipped decoders appearing in locomotives from most of the main manufacturers, Soundtraxx must not only be under pressure from reduced sales from existing product, but also must be facing a signigifcantly reduced market for the Tsunami when and if it comes out. I am in the process of making a decision right now that will have an impact on Soundtraxx business. I have a P2K E7. I am deciding if I should purchase a Soundtraxx drop in solution for $120.00 where I am not sure if I will get great sound quality, or spend $160 on a QSI equipped BLI E7 and sell my P2K on Ebay. There really is not a lot of difference in price in these 2 solutions and there is a lot more risk in the Soundtraxx solution. This is one modeller making one decision. Multiply this by thousands and it is easy to see that Soundtraxx is in real trouble. The only good thing I can say, is that the market for sound must have grown exponentially, so there is surely a place for Soundtraxx if they can get it right. If I were in Soundtraxx shoes, I would be communicating with the market as much as possible to provide compelling reasons for modellers to delay these decisions.

[Anonymous]

I think the days of "install it yourself" sound will soon be over - with the BLI, Atlas, and now LL P2K offerings (Kato and Athearn are soon to follow the leaders, I bet!) most folk will just buy the sound loco that they want - usually as part of a upgrade in loco detail and drive system over their older models (why add sound to an inferior model when you can buy a sound-equipped better one ???).

Soundtraxx IS in big trouble - as is BLI if they don't continue to improve their diesel MODELS and quit relying on just the SOUND for sales. The most recent offerings by BLI seem to show that they know this and are getting their act together.

[DigitalGriffin]

Trainnut,

What about all the venders that have thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars on backorder waiting for Tsunami?

Scenario of how this is harmful to Throttle-Up/SoundTraxx
1. Customer orders train with Tsunami which is limited production
2. There's all kinds of waiting. (six months?)
3. QSI version of train Announced.
4. Order changed, and Soundtraxx looses money.

Now if Throttle up lets us know what's going on this is more likely:
1. Throttle up tells us Tsunami in January 2006 (FIRM)
2. We look at Silent Decoder + DSX as replacement
3. Throttle-up get's money from purchase
4. Train ships out. All is good. New announcment of QSI loco doesn't matter.

Another potential scenario for vendors:
1. Customer orders train with Tsunami which is limited production
2. Vendor/Installer places train aside waiting for Tsunami
3. Half year later, customer sees same train with QSI coming out. Cancels order
4. Vendor is stuck with older train that might be harder to sell.

I'm looking at several purchasing decisions right now.
Get a P2K 0-8-0 and Berkshire with Tsunami OR
Preorder now, and wait till December January for the QSI versions which are listed for coming out.

With all these delays and no feedback, it might be the prudent choice for me to preorder the QSI version. If Soundtraxx now says, "December 2005" I might not believe them because there have been so many set backs. That's the problem of crying wolf.

This is why it is in Soundtraxx best interest to at least give us a heads up. And why can't they release a reduced version of the Tsunami that offers no fancy EQ, Reverb, or Back EMF? Just good sound (which they already have) and a silent decoder. I'm sure it would sell.

BTW: I will second the opinion that Soundtraxx service is top notch. And as a company I give them two big thumbs up for it.

Unfortunately their older products are quickly becoming outdated and as a result their current decoder drawbacks are starting to outweigh the benefits of excellent sound from their current products.

RULE OF SUCCESSFUL BUSNIESS: Don't make release date quotes you can't back keep! You will be hung out to dry.

[AntonioFP45]

Trainnut1250 and Simon 1966,

Amazing how even though your points are virtually opposing, they both make sense, however, I still lean more towards Simon's view and Digital Griffins post above.

BTW: Trainnut, which decoder are you referring to that's almost as intiricate as the Tsunami?

[dave9999]

I haven't read what everyone else has had to say. But, myself, I'm about to
give up on it. I remember when I first posted a topic about it... that had to be
way more than a year ago and still no sign of it. I guess I'll still equip the Alley
with the Tsunami, if they ever release it. Good luck, Dave

[Anonymous]

Antonio,

Oddly enough I also agree with most of what Simon and others are saying.....I think Soundtraxx may be in a deep hole here, but I prefer to be more optimistic.......

I think as Joe F. points out by not selling the top of line anymore they have limited options for everyone who wants a Soundtraxx decoder. There is the LC option or DSX (which means two decoders). Hanging over the top of this there is the tantalizing promise of something much better just around the corner.....

I don't think that it will hurt them as badly as everyone says, but you have to admit that QSI has taken quite a chunk out of the market. But they have done that by being the only game in town and by keeping prices pretty low. Besides I'm not sure that all those people who bought BLI won't also buy Tsunami when it comes out. If Soundtraxx can get some loco manufacturer tie-ins like P2ki/BLI/QSI they may do just fine.....

If the decoder is as good as early reports make it out to be then it will be up to QSI and whoever else enters the market to better the Tsunami. That type of competition would be good for all of us modelers.

The QSI decoder is the one I was suggesting approaches the complexity of the Tsunami...It had BEMF (before MTH days) and does have lots of function modes, runs quite well on DC as well as DCC, has basic command functions in DC mode and will even talk to you during programming in DC mode!!! Of course it is not available as a stand alone item, but I think it is the main competition for the Tsunami....

Soundtraxx have also started another company which is bringing in some RTR narrow guage Tsunami Equipped locos some time this year??? They may be spread quite thin at this point....