Which Sound/Decoder will best Fit your Application

[NWCanuck]

Which Sound/Decoder will best Fit your Locomotive Application

Just wondering if anyone has ever posted a thread on this topic? I think it would be a great ongoing article to have in this DCC section of the forum and would help allot of modelers in choosing the right decoder or sound decoder combo for their specific locomotive application.

I don't know about the rest of you but I prefer to by Atlas Silver series locos (non-decoder equipped) because I can afford to buy multiple road numbers and add DCC later instead of only being able to afford one road number in the Gold series (decoder and sound equipped). I find that the releases from Atlas are usually gone pretty quick when the locomotives hit the shelves. Wait too long and you are out of luck.

I am looking to consist three Atlas SD35’s. I only want to install a decoder and sound system in one unit, the other two will get decoders only. I would love to see pictures of anyone else’s sound and decoder installs in this particular type of unit. Any recommendations on decoder brand and speakers would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 16758

And if anyone feels like posting pics and recommendations for decoders and sound systems for the following would also be greatly appreciated:

Atlas:
EMD MP15DC
GE U30B
Alco RS11

On that note if anyone feels like posting any combination of decoder vs. manufacturer brand of locomotive, please do, I think it would be a great asset in the DCC section of this forum.

 

[UP2CSX]

Brad, I suggest you check the web sites at www.tonystrainexchange.com and www.litchfieldstation.com. They have already done a lot of the leg work for you and have decoder suggestions for almost all types of models out there. A quick phone call to either will connect you with a tech that can give you some good advice.

 

[NWCanuck]

Right on, thanks for the links Jim.

 

[CBCNSfan]

Jim, that Litchfield Stn. link gave me some interesting info.
Namely that the SB3 (NCE smart booster) will not work with any reversing module. That sort of puts a kink in my plans as I'll want that unit and reversing loops. Or! do they mean with the use of the CP6 (short cct protection) that it will work? Any ideas?
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=524026&cat=280&page=1

Will NOT work with any known auto reverse module - the SB3 shuts down before the module reverses. Will only work with the CP6 as a short circuit protection system.

Cheers
Willis

 

[NWCanuck]

Does anyone know what brand of decoder and sound Atlas is using for thier most current releases of Gold Series Locomotives?

 

[UP2CSX]

Willis, you have to add the CP6 to protect against the short caused by the auto reverser. The SB3 should work fine then. I'd give the guys at Litchfield's a call and make sure though.

Brad, Atlas sound locomotives currently in production use QS! decoders, I believe.