I'm looking for your recommendations for a N Scale Drop In Sound Decoder model which is "DC Compatible" and/or "Dual Mode", has AUTOMATIC SOUNDS (like bell ring when running slow, horn/whistle when starting/stopping/increasing speed, pumps, brake squeals, etc.) as well as being able to use the manual function keys when I want to. I have a lot of diesel DC GP (6 & up to 40) engines that I want to convert to DCC Sound. I'm looking for less operational key manual work and more automatic sounds as I run the trains. Your shared opinions are welcome and wanted by me a "DCC BEGINNER". Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge!!!!!!!!
Agree esu loksound probably best. None of what you mentioned will be out of box drop in . Will all need to be programmed with the rules etc. Fully doable but you'll need to read up of find someone who's more experienced to help you out but once you do once you can save to load to others.
The ESU LokSound Select Direct Micro are available in two versions: #73100 and #73199 The new Intermountain locos equipped with the same boards. The speakers are sold separately at sbs4dcc.com. Take sugar cube speaker... . Click the link: https://store.sbs4dcc.com/9x16mm.aspx SBS has a very good selection and is highly recommended. Regards Thomas
And here's an another example. A KATO N C44-9W with ESU LokSound micro V4.0. As a speaker again a sugar cube 9x16. It is easier to modify the analog board. See the pictures.
Do you think I could use the ESU LokSound Select Direct Micro #73100 or #73199 and have a good program person put all my wishes (mentioned above) in the decoder? Another question can I cut the above boards to help them fit the engine I want? If my ideas seem crazy please remember I am completely new to DCC.
My question: In which locomotives do you want to install the boards? What manufacturers are they? Regards Thomas
I have many Atlas GP 15, RS1, C420, GP35, GP38 - Life-Like GP18, GP20. I have a total of 70 different DC engines. Mike
Ok. You must milling the most frames! The ESU boards are universal boards and the LokSound micro are a wired decoder. Plug'n play is almost impossible. It's a lot of work....many work! Please do not cut the ESU boards .... never! Regards Thomas
Mike, NO! You cannot cut the decoder boards. The 73100 and 73199 are Select decoders. So, unfortunately, no. Even with a LokProgrammer, you cannot meet your wishlist. To have a lot of that automation of sounds (bells at slow speed; automatic reverse horns; etc) can only be done with custom programming in a V4.0 decoder. In terms of some of these sound effect wishes, the Tsunamis have them built in. Almost all LokSound installations require some form of frame milling in diesels. At least for steam, you can use the tender.
I think you narrowed it down for me. I have a few Bachmann DCC with sound (Soundtraxx) and they seem to fill all my wishes. I never thought I would say that about Bachmann products. — Mike
Honestly the easiest way for you it to look for drop in decoders (from TCS, Digitrax, Soundtrax (Tsunami) or NCE) for a couple of your favorites and see what you can program and do with JMRI. You can do a lot straight out of the box on all the major brand decoder playing with CVs. If it ends up you truly want to do some really custom, complicated programming stuff then yes ESU is probably best bet but as others have said there is a lot involved not only in the programming part but getting the board and speaker to fit. Certainly not something I would tackle unless you have lots of time and experience. If you want to try one then by all means pick a loco you have that has examples posted (like the one above) and give it a whirl but milling frames and installation is not for the faint of heart and while I have done several usually if there is a good drop in available I will go that route as it's just not worth the time and effort in my opinion.
Very interesting pictures (pictures speak a thousand words)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you please tell me what the yellow tape is and where to get it and what is the best size to get in your opinion. A thanks for your time, pictures and info you shared with me (super helpful). — Mike
Hi Mike This yellow tape is Kapton Tape. Look here: https://store.sbs4dcc.com/kaptontape-10mmx100ftroll.aspx This is very important for insulation. 10mm is ok. You cut it off the roll as needed. Note: DCC decoder installation by YouTube Regards Thomas
Rick, The difference between the "ESU LokSound V4" family of decoders and the "ESU LokSound Select" family of decoders is that a "Select" decoder can only be loaded with a "Select" sound project and you cannot change the sound samples in a "Select" sound project but must use the sounds put in the project by ESU. With the non-Select sound project for a non-Select decoder, you can add your own sound samples to an existing project or even build one up from scratch. However, the "program-ability" of the decoders is essentially identical and very "feature rich" once you've loaded a sound project.
I am very well aware of the differences between V4.0 and Selects. With a V4.0, one can add triggers within the prime mover to, for example, start the bell when one is between certain speed steps; or automatically sound the horn three times when starting from a stop in reverse; even a single short horn for when starting in forward. These effects are what Mike describes in the OP. There is no way to do this in a Select, but can be done in a V4.0.
