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Decoder decision

Started by Chris G, February 03, 2009, 10:39:10 PM

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Chris G

Hello all,
I need to determine what decoder / speaker to attempt to install in my 0-4-2 Porter, 2-6-0 Mogul, Climax, Shay, Railtruck and Davenport. I have read various articles on most installs and understand that space is a premium in some instances.
The Climax and Shay is DCC ready. The Railtruck and Davenport is DCC onboard.

Is there a simple list out there which puts it all together and possibly also advise on minimum performance and top of the line performance ?

Such as

0-4-2   decoder   speaker
2-6-0   decoder   speaker
Climax  decoder   speaker

etc, etc

I want to try and get it right the first time and avoid the "if only I bought that one" scenario.
I figure end users may know the answer rather than retailers.

Thanks Chris



Hunt

Bachmann has partnered with SoundTraxx for factory installed sound in On30 Bachmann models.

Review SoundTraxx Tsunami and Micro-Tsunami decoders and their speakers recommended for your locomotives. Consult with the folks at SoundTraxx. What modelers have been using, there maybe different recommendation today.
2-6-0
Climax
Shay
Rail Truck

Also
Davenport see http://www.datamasta.com/emags/how_to/d_2004_dec_01.asp
                        Can use SoundTraxx TSU-750 Micro-Tsunami for Galloping Goose

Sound in a 0-4-2 Porter -- I will wait for the factory install model  ;)
If sound has been installed someone at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/On30conspiracy/ may know about it.

JohnR

The 0-4-2 porter is tiny.  Just getting a decoder installed is a fiddly process - but has been done successfully.  For motion only, I've heard of Digitrax DZ123's being used due to their small size.  I've also seen the smallest Lenz Gold decoder in one.

While I hadn't seen the Davenport link before, I do recall hearing or reading about that same method.

The Goose microTsunami is ... delayed.  They needed to resample Goose #5 and found that it's motor and transmission had been torn apart for maintenance.  Per Soundtraxx support last week, they'd like to have it out by mid-year.  Loksound is a good alternative. 

For the railtruck, you'll need a speaker/decoder enclosure - scratch or kit - in addition to a decoder.

For the Mogul, there is a good tutorial at this link -
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/mogul_dcc/

I've used Tsunami Light Steam in my Mogul.  I believe Bachmann is using the equivalent of the Tsunami Light Logging in their factory sound Climax's and Shays.

-John

finderskeepers

I have a tsunami micro light logging in my climax, a light steam in my 2-6-0 and a medium steam in my 2-8-0. All of the components and decoders came from G-M-E.com and all are cam equipped.