I've been thinking of getting one of these decoders to add sound to an ABA set of PRR E7's. The A units are Kato E8 chassis with LifeLike E7 shells. They are equipped with drop in non-sound decoders. The B unit is strictly an unpowered LifeLike unit to which I want to add the sound decoder with speakers at each end. I want to use the Lok Sound decoders as I have heard people rave about them. My problem is that they require programming with the correct diesel sounds. To do that requires purchase of a separate programming unit and they are not cheap. So, my question is if anyone knows of a source for these decoders that will do the programming and sell a preprogramed decoder?
sbs4dcc will get the proper sound file in for you. When you order the decoder there is a field on the product details page to input the ESU sound file number you want installed before adding to the cart. To get the sound file number you have to go to the ESU downloads and search then choose the sound file you want. This is a search for emd e8. So say you wanted EMD Dual 12-567BC 2EXH NT just locate the corresponding article # for that file and use that for ordering the decoder.
I also order from Streamlined Backshop. They advertise here on trainboard, and their banner is on my screen right now as I'm typing. I don't own a LokProgrammer, so I can't upload files, but I do have JMRI, so I can program pretty much everything else. Being able to specify the sound file you want sure is convenient, and so most of my DCC equipment comes from SBS. The second sound file on this page is the one you want: http://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=18&q=E8. The sound file is the Article Number on the right side. It looks like the file code is S0761. This is the newer Hi-Fi version, the first file on the page looks like the old one. They both would work fine in an ESU V5, but if you are using two speakers, the upgraded Hi-Fi file will give you the best sound.
You may also want to look at the ESU 58210 LokSound 5 Fx decoder, if you are putting into a dummy unit. This is a full blown LokSound 5 decoder, but without the motor control (so about $30 less). It isn't a Micro sized decoder, so you will want to verify size, but there should be ample room in a dummy unit. Bryan (SBS4DCC) has them in stock
Loksound is great and streamlined is too. The idea about the bigger decoder for the sound is ok, but I think you will be happier with the smaller custom fit in the powered unit. The ESU motor control circuitry and programmability and fine control is second to none.
The two A units are already DCC equipped albeit not sound equipped. Thus, the sound equipped dummy B unit. This will give me the flexibility to run either with sound or, leaving the B unit out, without sound.
Sound off on ESU is F8, all quiet! I do that after a stessful day when all I want to do is run trains and just watch them roll.
One of the beauties of this is that I have four DCC equipped Kato PRR E8's. Two I run as E8a's and two I run with LifeLike E7 shells. PRR did not have any E8 b units but they did have E7 b units which they sometimes used with the E8's. So, I can run the B unit with either the E8's or the E7's and have sound in either consist. If I can pick up another LifeLike PRR dummy B unit I may add sound to it but for right now I don't have enough passenger cars to run two passenger trains with an ABA engine consist so I'm good.
