Just getting back into n-scale due to space limitations.I am acquiring a few ATLAS GP38's and GP40's.My question is,i'm looking into using MRC's #1812 sound decoders for these as they are drop-in.Are these any good?,or do I need to look into others? As I am still new to dcc,using a NCE powercab,I want to have sound in my engines,but don't have a lot of money to waste on the wrong ones.Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
I have three of these sound units. They're good for the price point and ease of installation. Since you're new, I recommend you test your installation skills on them. Just be aware that people hate them for the following reasons: -Not loud enough. -Sound is not 'hi-fidelity.' -Motor control 'stinks.' -Can't add lights or features. However, trying to shoehorn an ESU LokSound decoder in these engines takes a LOT of skill and patience. For me, the motor control is decent. I like the sound for the price point ($59 at woo woo woo ¤¤¤¤¤). I have actually added blinking beacon lights to my Santa Fe engines using a Digitrax TL1 decoder, so I'm not worried about extra features. Go for it and decide for yourself!
Thanks,Gatrhumpy,I've seen some of the reviews on the woo woo woo***** website,since i'm only talking a small (6-8 units) fleet for a freelance shortline,I may try one out,putting BLMA see-thru fans on an engine to see if that will help enhance the sound.
I've used the fans, and I did not hear a noticeable difference in sound output. What others have done is to use lower impedance (8ohms) speakers, but I'd rather not shorten the life of the decoder by doing that.
The best motor and sound control combination will be the ESU LokSound decoder. However, trying to find space for the decoder and speaker and cap will be, well, a probable impossibility.
Here is an ESU LokSound install in a GP30. John also posted detailed installs of the same in GP7's and RS3's. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?155926-Atlas-GP30-Sound-Install
ESU Loksound is the very best N-scale diesel sound decoder...period. JDColumbo who is the expert in the link in the previous post: tells and shows you exactly how to both get the decoder in, but how to extract the very best sound out of it. The problem with MRC decoders is where the speaker is mounted and how. It's not enough to just have a speaker in the loco body somewhere, but it is ESSENTIAL to have an airtight speaker enclosure. A bare speaker with both the frontside and the backside exposed is cancelling out its sound waves unless one half of it is tightly enclosed, or the enclosure is "tuned" so that the sound waves, directioned by baffles, exit the vent properly. I haven't seen a vented/baffled speaker enclosure for a N-scale sized speaker, so I just build my enclosures out of lead sheet, or brass and make sure they're airtight...which then, with vents in the loco body or chassis (usually the chassis has enough holes/gaps in it to be "vented" already) makes the sound plenty loud for both shows and at-home running. Just another point about ESU Loksound diesel sound decoders...their sound is exponentially better than MRC's. Locomotive motor control is also exponentially better. And they are a lot more expensive, but well worth it IMO. Look at John's videos and/or read his articles about putting Loksound decoders in just about everything...follow his directions and you should be just fine...and very very happy with the results. Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
Thank you all for your input.For now I am using NCE decoders until I finalize the fleet,will only be 6 engines anyway,and will look at JOHN'S video.I do want the best I can get for my units.
The ESU LokSound decoders are great sounding decoders, but the installation is NOT for beginners, as the OP is.
In the very near future, I will be replacing the MRC sound decoder in my SD35, SD40-2, and SD26 with ESU LokSound decoders.
I replaced all 35 of my MRC 10mm 32 ohm speakers with either a 8x12 or a 9x16 mm 8 ohm sugar cube speakers with sound bafels that I made. The sound volume is much louder. Some even have the volume turned down.
I did the same thing Thunderbolt, and yes, the sound was much louder. Never had a problem with the impedance or a speaker blowing either.
