sound decoder

[ClintOHenry]

I have a Rivarossi 2-8-0 I am converting to DCC. What would be a good brand and size of sound decoder for it.

 

[Motley]

Get a Soundtraxx Tsunami Heavy Steam decoder. Its sounds great, and its very reliable.

 

[bigB]

Here's a couple links to the Soundtraxx info and site:

http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/showwistle.php?s=lsteam

http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000.php

 

[Selector]

I am off Tsunamis for now. I have several, all of them installed as an after-market product, and I truly have enjoyed them. However, I find their drives clunky, they don't support CV2 adjustment, and their neutral sounds are now run-of-the-mill and they all sound the same across the variants in my steamer stable. I also have been unable to get rid of that fake rod clank. Hate it!

So, I have taken, rather gratefully, to the newer QSI Titan. I would put in on par with the ESU Loksound for sounds. I haven't had to tinker yet with their fine motor control, so I can't say that's on par with the exceptional Loksound (#1 as far as I am concerned), but the two I have do a good job of getting their host locos underway smoothly at a crawl.

In respectful disagreement with Michael, I would hesitate to recommend a 'heavy' steam decoder variant from Tsunami in a small loco like a 2-8-0. There were some huge Consolidations out there, such as on the IC, but they were still smaller than the larger Heavy Mikes, the Mountains, Berks, Northerns, and the mega-articulated monsters into which a heavy variant Tsunami would, IMO, more properly be placed. A medium steam would do nicely. If you don't mind the eight year old sounds of the Tsunami, they mostly being a 'close' fit at best since their numbers are few in the decoder, and if you don't mind tinkering with the CV's controlling the motor, they running between #208 and 212, or something like that, they are just fine.

 

[Joe Daddy]

Crandell,

Thanks for the brave 'insight'. Not so sure I could counter your comments. I rather like the Paragon 2 steam sounds which IMHO are much richer than the Tsunami's which as you said, now seem dated.
Long time since our paths crossed, hope you are well.

Joe

 

[Mark R.]

I too would recommend the Loksound decoders. They have one that would work fine for your engine. About 1/3 down the list ....

http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/soun...age]=2&cHash=518df4b0dd4c28ff3db12c00a6473b46

I know they say just adding a decoder to any engine won't make it run any better, but I gotta tell ya .... I've installed a number of Loksound decoders in older brass steam engines, and they truly do run a lot better with this decoder in them. I have yet to see a decoder smooth out even the toughest engines like these do !


Mark.