sound decoder

I've got a P2K Heritage 0-6-0 steamer that has a factory installed QSI sound decoder and an upgrade chip installed. While I love running this little critter it has a tendency to stall over turnout frogs and crossings. Now that TCS has two different styles of Stay Alive's I'm tempted to screw up...

I have in my possession a first generation QSI sound decoder without an upgrade chip that I would like to use as a stationary decoder mounted underneath the table and used for background sounds. My question is, does anybody know if I need to put a load, like a resistor across the motor leads on...

I've had a first-gen Athearn FEF for a while now and have never been fully satisfied with the factory-installed MRC sound decoder. I've been kicking around the idea of replacing it. Tsunami Heavy Steam seems to be the replacement decoder of choice. I'm interested in any comments, tips...