Decoder for Athearn Genesis MP15AC

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meanjean

meanjean

Member
I have the non sound unit and want to add sound to it now that I have DCC. Is there a unit made specificly for it? What sound fits and sounds best. What is it going to cost to add something like this? Least to the most? I know there are many options but basic sound is what I want. I dont need one with 25 diffrent sounds.
 
I have a Athearn Genesis MP15AC that I have installed a QSI Quantum Revolution in. Revolutions are lighboard style decoders, so installation is not difficult at all. Remove the existing lightboard and install the new sound decoder.
Two things should be noted. In order to mount a OVAL speaker in the front grille area, there is a weight that you will need to remove (two screws) to make room. In addition, the Quantum Revolution has a "keep alive" capacitor which is attached to the board with wires. This gives you a little freedom of places to put the cap, as it is fairly good size. With a little adhesive, you can mount the cap just in front of the front truck. Make sure it's secure, so it doesn't start to restrict movement of the truck. (Ask me how I know :))

I would think that the new Soundtraxx Tsunami lightboard version would mount just as easily.

You should be able to find the Tsunami for around $80 and the QSI for right around $90.

Right now, QSI is my first choice. I like the sound and the motor control is good. I also have the Programmer, so I can change sounds and use my PC to program CVs. Not necessary, but makes life easier.

I haven't read if the Tsunami lighboard style is doing the same glitch that the universal style is. Apparently some of them just "take off" at full speed.
 
Chad, probably the least expensive is the MRC Soundbug. It goes for about $60 including speaker. It's also the weakest sounding and the decoders have had reliability problems. The Digitrax DSD-100LC is also in the same price range and is an all around better motor and sound decoder.

As we move up the line, the QSI Revolution and the Tsunami DSD Diesel are both top of the line models that go for about $100. There are, as usual, good and bad points about both but I think they are nearly equal in performance. Remembering that I am half deaf, both sounded equally good to my one good ear. :) Check out http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/products/sound.htm and browse around. You'll find all the sound systems currently available with some reviews and instalation information.
 


There is no specific part number for the decoder? What I mean is I dont want the sound of an SD40 or Alco in my MP15, or does it matter? Seems it would. You have given me great info on product lines but maybe I need to do more research or reading.
For the price it almost seems I should look for another Loco with sound on it already. The price of the decoder and speaker is almost the same if not more. Some BLI with sound go for $89 (minus shipping and still need the decoder). Just thinking out my options. I really want a loco with sound now that I have DCC but have to work within my budget. Looking at some it seems I need seperate items just to program the decoder? Isnt there one with sounds on it already? I dont want to add more later.
 
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Chad, if you go to the link at Tony's, you'll see that most decoders have models for different types of engines. You look up your model to get the code and then enter that when you buy the decoder so you get one for an MP15 instead of an SD-40. Getting exactly the right decoder doesn't matter much if you're running similar engines, like any model of F unit, but it does make a big difference between a smaller switcher and a big road engine.

The issue with BLI DC sound engines is you still need add a motor decoder and then make both decoders work well together. I really don't like BLI's DC sound system and having two decoders can be a real pain when you're trying to set up the sound to match the speed steps, for example.

All sound decoders already come with all the sounds you need. Some have the ability to download different or additional sounds but this is strictly optional.

You will always get what you pay for. It is usually cheaper to buy a sound equipped DCC locomotive rather than assembling one from parts but you have to be careful of what you're paying for. Athearn Genesis sound equipped engines are reasonably priced and look good. The trouble is you're stuck with a crummy MRC sound decoder. An Atlas Gold line engine is usually about $75-$100 more than an Athearn Genesis but you're getting a high quality QSI decoder.

I really suggest you read the beginner's tutorial on DCC at Tony's. You will have a much better understanding of how DCC and sound works when you're done.
 
You might want to spend some time reading at Tony's Train Exchange

http://www.tonystrains.com/
or at Litchfield Station

http://litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm

Both are excellent places to buy DCC stuff and to learn about what's available.

To specifically answer your question:

QSI Quantum Revolution can be purchased with a MP15 sound scheme with a few different horns. The Programmer is NOT mandatory. If you ever get into sound big time and start to get a fleet of decoders, it might be helpful.
In case you haven't seen or heard a QSI decoder:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhHpRGTLI0s
It's factory sound, but the Revolution sounds the same.

Soundtraxx Tsunami Diesel can be purchased with 2nd generation EMD prime mover sound. It also has a bunch of horns to choose from. No programmer required, you set it up using CVs like any other decoder.

Both of the above decoders have sound, light and motor control.

In addition, you can find some "cheaper" solutions.

Soundtraxx (not Digitrax) makes the DSD-100LC and 101LC. Those cost between $50 - $60. They are also sound, lights and motor. They can be purchased 2nd gen EMD. However, the motor control is very old technology and quite honestly isn't very good.
Soundtraxx also makes a DSX series (sound ONLY), but programming a loco with two seperate decoders is not that easy. I have an Alco RS3. It runs and sounds good, but too hard to set up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPwtfI0VASg&feature=channel_page


Digitrax has some sound available, but if you don't buy their Programmer, you are pretty much stuck with what comes on the decoder.

Loksound is another option. Expensive, around $110 and uses 100 ohm speakers which are hard to find. Lots of people say they have excellent motor control and sound. I have not tried one. Don't care to get involved with the 100 speakers.

If you buy WITH sound installed, lots of mfgs use QSI. BLI used to, now they use their own. If you are considering Blueline, read up first. Lots of people seem to like them, others say they are a bear to program after adding the DCC decoder.
I have actually purchased Atlas diesels with sound for less than I cold buy the one without sound and add my own. Just depends on how hard you look.

Athearn has chose to put MRC decoders in their sound locos. I have none and based on what I have read, I will have none. Do a lot of research before you even consider MRC. I have seen many, many unhappy people with MRC decoders. Apparently they sometimes work, sometimes program and with luck work for a while.
 
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