I really hate to ask this question (because I think I’ll know what the answer will be) but did Soundtaxx have their Surroundtraxxsystem (DSP-80) displayed at the NTS this year? Iemailed them a couple months back and asked them the status of the system etc.and they stated they hoped to release it (finally) by July timeframe and it’dbe demoed at the NTS. So far all’s beenquiet on the western front…
Surroundtraxx has been due to be 'released in the Summer' since 2004 to my certain knowledge, I gave up chasing years ago and its one to write off I think, just like my N&W hoppers from Precision Scale and quite a few other very exciting products that turned out to be just announcements, but let’s not go there! Shame because Surroundtraxx was the clincher for me to go into N scale when it was announced way back, and it still would be the best solution for our scale in my opinion. I'm still very glad I went N scale though, there is so much good stuff coming through now. In the end I got sound using one dummy loco in each consist with the motor removed leaving room for good quality Loksound decoder and speaker. For engines bigger than Geeps the modern sound equipped models like the Broadway E's are fantastic I think.
Yes I know but I was hoping this year would be different . I guess I was more curious than anything if they had it out and demoing. I don't recall hearing about it atlast year's NTS. From what I've been told by guys who have seen it it sounds awesome. Apparently no matter where you're standing in relation to the loco it sounds like the sound is emanating from that loco. I just wish they'd be more honest and didn't lead us along so much. If they'rehaving developmental problems, tell us! we'll understand. Don't keep saying it'll be out in the summer then not deliverissed-off:
It was displayed at NTS. I got some of the paperwork and detail sheets for Surroundtraxx. The DSP-80 system sheet shows a price of $595.00 but does NOT show what is included in that price, whether just the box or box and speakers.
Soundtraxx is shipping SurroundTraxx. They had them for sale (through a dealer) at the N Scale Enthusiast Convention in Hershey. Rich
What Rich said. They had a nice demonstration of the system and referred interested folks to a nearby dealer's table where he was offering a nice show discount. I'm glad I'm not that far along on my layout or I would have been verrrry tempted. Seems like a nice system for us N scalers who want sound without trying to install and operate sound decoders. Charlie
Well allow me to eat my words! That's great news to hear it's finally on the market. Hopefully they'll update their site soon with more info and instructions. What were your impressions of the system? I've heard good things but I'm always interested in hearing others opinions. Thx!
Hey guys just found this on the web, should answer a lot of questions. http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/MRHT_2011_NTS/SoundTraxx Alan
You beat me to it! Very cool and the MRH guys say that the video doesn't do it justice. My only complaint is that there's only 5 prime movers and none of them are modern and there is no (apparent) way to upgrade or add new sound files. A lot of N scalers are modern era guys...
PLUS...it seems it will only work with a Digitrax system... This could also be a deal break for some. .
It was pointed out on the SoundTraxx Yahoo group that during the MRH interview he did say 12 prime movers. I went back and “relistened” andindeed he did say 8 steam chuffs and 12 prime movers. Discounting the various subtypes there arecurrently 12 prime movers in the Tsunami inventory so it appears that it is the entire Tsunami catalog. I can see where Digitrax only would be a problem for some but as of right now only Lenz’s RailCom offers the only other bi-directional system that I know of and I’m notsure if it’s capable of the same kind of operation as Digitrax Transponding.
Having been interested in this since the dinosaurs roamed the earth, I watched teh MRH video with keen interest. The big balk for me was when he mentioned programming via the Digitrax throttle. Argh! I have had a Digitrax radio Chief for a decade (I think) and it works but jeepers I hate Digitrax manuals and what always seemed to eba convoluted way to program. Please, oh, plaese let there be a computer interface for people like me -- probably already is something and I am too out of it to know.
I have a Lenz Set 100 so the transponding wouldn't work with it but it can still be used as an under table sound system. My layout is only 3'x10' with a 7' extension so it might work out fine for my needs. Hearing the prime mover rumble is the big hook for me so after the first wave of bugs are worked out and no catastrophic system failures are reported I'll spring for one. Long wait but at least it's here. Now, to talk the club into a few of these!
Lenz, ESU and Zimo all offer the bi-directional synchronous DCC systems. I believe that SoundTraxx will be interfacing with them in the near future. The only problem will be that the rail sounds will only work with the Lenz, ESU and Zimo decoders, or any other that may support asynchronous communications. That would not include MRC, DIgitrax or NCE. I am not sure about TCS. In any event, the European market will really drive SoundTraxx to build the Bi-Directional Asynchronous version.
Soundtraxx told me last Friday that shipping of surroundtraxx was put on hold as there were some unclear instructions within the manual. They have been busy editting and should be finnished in a week, then make CDs and resume shipping all orders. Alan
I have just found the manual for surroundtraxx is now available on the soundtraxx web site, it is worth a read if anyone is intrested. Alan
