Decoder for Athearn Genisis F7s?

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grumpybob

Lake Shore Lines
Ron,

Soundtraxx makes a first generation EMD decoder that has a similar footprint to the board that is currently in your genesis. So it would be a swap out. As far as the speaker goes, it would probably be best mounting over the rear trucks facing downward, with a baffle cover over it. best bet is to bring the unit into your LHS and have them fit a round speaker with baffle to it. Or contact someone like Tony's train exchange.

Not sure what fit's the Stewart.

Bob A.
 
No board-swap for sound...

I have Athearn Genesis F7s a/b units
If you want to simply swap the analog board for a decoder, that's relatively easy. I recommend the DA-SR by NCE. If you want an easy-to-install sound system, see if Athearn is offering the hardware that they have MRC manufacture for F units - mind you, this is not really great sound hardware. Other sound decoders will be custom installations.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

grumpybob

Lake Shore Lines
frank,

I have two of the genesis units with the MRC Sound decoder in them. I got them at a really good price, because I liked the Athearn finish work on the engines. I also put DASR's in the others. The MRC units are at best OK, not great and they are a real pain to tune as doesn't program well. I don't know about MRC's sound decoders aftermarket, but I really wouldn't want to spend any more money on somethng that performs only so so.

Just my opinion.

Bob A.
 
MRC Decoders

I have two of the genesis units with the MRC Sound decoder in them. I got them at a really good price, because I liked the Athearn finish work on the engines. I also put DASR's in the others. The MRC units are at best OK, not great and they are a real pain to tune as doesn't program well. I don't know about MRC's sound decoders aftermarket, but I really wouldn't want to spend any more money on somethng that performs only so so.

I agree 100%! I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for an MRC decoder - with or without sound! It's just that if someone is looking to do a board swap, that may be the only option. Since the Soundtraxxx Tsunami for diesels isn't out yet, the best option, in my opinion, is LokSound.
 

Myowngod

Pennsy Tuscan Red Blood
Thanks guys,
I think I'll put some DASR's from NCE in for now. Any idea about an upgrade for sound later on down the tracks?
 

grumpybob

Lake Shore Lines
Soundtraxx makes a good Decoder for 1st generation EMD units. The decoder board is equivalent to the DASR in size and shape. I have used this same decoder on some GP's and they work and sound just fine.

Bob a.
 




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