where is the best place to find Dcc dropins with sound for atlas engines? GP38-2 , SD9 , VO-1000 ,and a dash 8-40cw thanks for some imput ! cause im not having any luck finding Decoders for my fleet conversion.
Unless I've missed something, there are no 'drop-in' sound decoders for the locomotives you've mentioned. All require some modification to the frame to make room for a speaker. Usually space is made inside the fuel tank.
http://www.modelrec.com/resources/trainSound/Decoder Chart 2010-06.pdf N 0001636 EMD Modern Large and EMD Modern Switcher for Atlas Locos Dual Mode drop-in* replaces oem board 28: F1 to F28 This MRC N-gauge diesel sound decoder for Atlas GP and others, includes synchronized diesel prime mover with randomly associated locomotive sounds N 0001811 U23B sound for Atlas GE U23B Dual Mode drop-in* replaces oem board 28: F1 to F28N 0001812 Atlas ALCO/SD60/SD70/Early EMD Dual Mode drop-in* replaces oem board 28: F1 to F28 N 0001828 Atlas SD50/60/70 drop-in* replaces oem board 28: F1 to F28 N 0001953 Diesel ALCO, EMD Early, SD60/SD70 16 bit-sound universal Data not available 28: F1 to F28 This is a very small universal fit, full-featured diesel sound decoder, that is easily adaptable to most N-Scale locomotives. All 28 NMRA functions, 2 or 4 digit addressing, 14, 28/128 speed steps, directional lighting, full fidelity speaker with MRC's Brilliance sound reproduction Not released yet N 0001954 EMD Modern, EMD Switcher, Electric Locomotive 16-bit sound universal Data not available 28: F1 to F28N 0001955 Atlas GP7, GP9, GP30, GP35 16-bit sound drop-in* Data not available 28: F1 to F28 It may not fit all of the units requested
If you want good diesel sound forget MRC. N scale has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to sound.
Speaking from experience, if you give the sound someplace to go (aftermarket fans or grills), MRCs drop in decoders are very nice. For the price they are reasonable options. I have installed 6 MRC sound decoders and have been very happy with all of them.
You've missed something... The MRC 1955 will work for quite a few of those engines. The speaker in the tank was an older MRC model and the newer Digitrax design.
MRC sound decoders are a very nice option to begin with.. This is my SD90 with a MRC decoder installed.. The phone microphone doesn't help the recording quality but its really nice and comparable to other units. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbIm4E44YVk Some of the higher priced ones are a little better.. but hey with the space available.. Its not bad at all!
I have been using the MRC drop-in decoders for about a year now and am very happy with them. I was in HO prior to that and have a lot of HO sound-equipped locomotives so I know what good sound should sound like. The N scale sound I have so far is not as good as the HO, but it does pretty good and is a remarkable achievement, especially as an after market drop-in for locomotives that were not necessarily designed for DCC or sound. Plus, I find that I immediately start dialing the sound level down when operating on my layout. In the end, a faint generic whine coupled with a subdued bell and horn is sufficent - just enough to mask the normal operating noise of the locomotive and its motor. Its not much, but it adds greatly to my perceived realism of the locomotive and its train. Gerry
I'll second that, all my GP7's and 9's are getting them. IMHO MRC's newer sound decoders are among N scale's most under rated products. I have 1811's in my SD24's so they should fit SD9's as well, no modifications or milling the frame for speakers and wires like you have to do with Soundtraxx and Digitrax so called 'drop-in' decoders. Apologies for committing blasphemy for speaking against Soundtraxx and Digitrax.:tb-wink:
Thank you for the video. I was impressed! I have not ventured into the sound elements with N-scale. I thought that I might use the software available with my RR&Co Gold Loco Control. Time will tell!
I heard that the newer "blue boards" are lasting better than the old ones. I think my Challenger is supposed to come back from Athearn with a "blue board."
