I have not seen this talked about anywhere(maybe I just missed it), and I don't think there has been any official announcement, but apparently Digitrax has sent some dealers information about a new N scale hardwired sound decoder with motor control and 4 function outputs(SDN144PS on this page). Has anybody heard anything else about this? If they really produce this at the price listed, I will seriously consider equipping a good portion of my fleet with sound. Also, if they can do this decoder at this price, then I would think they could do drop-in decoders that would give more features at a lower price than MRC's sound decoders.
I like the standard 8-pin connector. If by "fully-customizable sounds" they mean you can download any railroad sounds in, I think they'll have a really good product there.
Nice sign prices are coming down the duel decoders and offered by Digitrax nice. I agree though testing is the best test. Will have to look into this further. Thanks for posting the link Think I'll try one out in HO first then work down to N Scale. I have to plac an decoder order next month to cover the two FVM models so good time for another project
Wow, a decoder with loadable sounds for $50 really changes things. Keeping my fingers crossed that these sound good.
Come on with more plug and play. Even with the small speakers played very low I would be happy as I only want those close to the loco the be able to hear it and not from accross the room. Thats just me though.
By the dimensions it looks like it would take up a bit of space, and then there's the speaker, might be a bit of work to get it into some N scale diesels. I'd say it's aimed primarily at the HO and On30 narrow gauge market as evidenced by the 8 pin plug. They've got to come up with drop-in replacement board versions like MRC to crack the N scale market. If you don't like the generic sound you've got to buy the programmer and download your sounds, but maybe dealers could provide this service for a small fee.
It seems like it would fit in a B unit dummy loco just fine, something like an Alco PB or any of the EMD B units.
Not just you. Rather limits the applications though, especially for post 1960's modelers. Not many dummy B units out there in n scale either. Before MRC came out with drop-in decoders I fitted a Soundtraxx sound only decoder in a baggage car, but I never use it now I have F7's and PA's with MRC decoders and factory fitted Athearn FP45's and BLI E8's. Drop-in decoders seem to me to be the only, or at least easiest, way to do freight hood units unless you're always going to have that same sound equipped boxcar behind the engine.
I would love to have something fit more of the locos we use. I was just pointing out that I prefer having more choices to fewer choices. I still think this is a step forward for N scale sound.
I don't think it would be to hard to get this in some powered hood units with some frame milling. It would easily fit in a lot of steam engines. It would also fit well in the Con-Cor Zephyr, Aerotrain, and M-10000. What this really gives me hope for though is the possibility of inexpensive, reliable, drop-in sound decoders.
difficult task for digitrax. there are the low-end mrc decoders, high price but poor sound and engine performance... then there are paragon2 decoders as bli uses them for example in their e8/9. excellent running characteristics (better than usual digitrax decoders), and outstanding sound. guess once more, digitrax will only be able to make into the top 3 but not on 1st place.
Hmm, now that I look at the dimensions, these won't be suitable for most hood units. Cab units and cowl units, and steam tenders, could use them though.
