what sound decoder to get for P2K Alco S-1?

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I just recently ordered 2 locos from trainworld. The first has DCC and QSI sound already installed, and the second is just DCC ready. The DCC ready loco is a PROTO 2000: CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN ALCO S-1 # 1227 SKU 21354

I want to install a DCC sound decoder into this loco when I get it, but am not sure which decoder to get. I looked at Tony's Train Exchange, and read one of the PDF's on decoder installation, and it listed that I should install a DH163PS, DH123PS or DZ123PS. Aren't all 3 of these decoders just for DCC, and not sound? :confused:

Any help would be appreciated. These are the first 2 loco's I have ordered, and the S-1 will be my first attempt at adding a sound decoder to a loco. I would like to order the sound decoder now so that I can install it when the loco arrives. Thanks

PS - the other loco I got was this one! :mrgreen: Walthers Model Railroad Mall -- product information page for 920-31391

I can't wait to get it! :thumb:
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I just recently ordered 2 locos from trainworld. The first has DCC and QSI sound already installed, and the second is just DCC ready. The DCC ready loco is a PROTO 2000: CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN ALCO S-1 # 1227 SKU 21354

I want to install a DCC sound decoder into this loco when I get it, but am not sure which decoder to get. I looked at Tony's Train Exchange, and read one of the PDF's on decoder installation, and it listed that I should install a DH163PS, DH123PS or DZ123PS. Aren't all 3 of these decoders just for DCC, and not sound? :confused:

Any help would be appreciated. These are the first 2 loco's I have ordered, and the S-1 will be my first attempt at adding a sound decoder to a loco. I would like to order the sound decoder now so that I can install it when the loco arrives. Thanks

PS - the other loco I got was this one! :mrgreen: Walthers Model Railroad Mall -- product information page for 920-31391

I can't wait to get it! :thumb:
Mike:wav: , i didn't look up the Digitrax numbers you provided:eek:ops: , but i think i recognize them, and i believe your right, they are NON-sound decoders.

i am really NOT one to recommend ANYTHING to anyone these days, as i have found what works GREAT for me, might not for the next guy:winki: .
HOWEVER, i have a couple Loksound decoders that you might want to check into:thumb: . my list is a little old:eek:ops: , but check out these:
part # 72494 (various Alco SW switchers, non-turbo)at the time my list was made, this decoder was under development .
OR, not really meant for your engine, but the closest one to it that was available at the time my list was made:
part# 72400 , this was really for FA 12 cyl, but it would give you the Alco sound, and IS available.

You can check into the Loksound decoders more, Here:
ESU LLC

As far as the U28B, i have one, UP of coarse:mrgreen: , it runs & looks FANTASTIC!:thumb::mrgreen: GREAT CHOICE!:winki::mrgreen:

i hope that helps:thumb:

:deano: -Deano
 
Deano and Slekjr, thanks for the input. I dug around Tony's Train Exchange website again and found the area for sound decoders. The list I came up with before was from a decoder installation PDF on their website, so I was in the wrong area :eek:ops:.

It looks like that Loksound #72494 is the right choice for the Alco S-1. Now I just need to see if I can find it for less money! The price on Tony's website...$109.95 :eek: For some reason I was thinking that sound decoders were in the $35 - $60 range. :v8:

Thanks again for the help guys!

EDIT: I just looked some more at Tony's Train Exchange website. About the only other decoder I could find that seemed compatible is the Soundtraxx DSD-100LC for Proto 2000 (specifically item 820072 for Alco). Is this a sound decoder that would work for my P2K Alco S-1 or is this too generic of a decoder? And given that it is half the price of the Loksound, what are the drawbacks?
 
Mike,

Cheap sound decoders sound just like that - cheap. The MRC diesel decoders (last time I listened) give you a generic engine/exhaust noise, and sounded (to me) cheezy.

The Loksound decoders are expensive because they have quality sampled sound, and a decent onboard sound processor. The problem you're going to have is getting your non-sound-equipped unit to sound as good as the one that came with factory sound. The factory sound units (QSI) are very good, and they have a custom chassis for sound installation. I haven't seen the S1's, so I don't know where the speaker is (fuel tank, maybe?) but on the hood units, they have two speakers back-to-back over the drive line in the cab area.

Speaker selection is also key to getting good sound - the bigger the better.

At the moment, there's no such thing as a plug-n-play sound decoder system. You're in for a bit of a chore in installing in a switcher, since the trick isn't finding a space for the decoder, but finding a space for the speaker, and giving it a good, enclosed space to pressurize for decent sound volume.
 
Squid, I think you just answered the question to my edit regarding "you get what you pay for" in terms of quality on the sound decoders. I am guessing that the soundtraxx decoder I listed for $55.95 is going to have more generic sounds, and not as good a sound in general compared to the loksound.

As for the challenge of installing the decoder, hopefully I am up to the challenge. While the model railroading stuff is new to me, I can at least say that I am a pretty handy guy (having done a lot of electrical and HVAC work in the past), which I am hoping will help shorten my learning curve!
 
Actually, the SoundTraxx decoders are pretty decent. If it's an LC decoder, it won't have some of the fancier motor-control frequencies that the LokSound ones will (like back-emf) and you can download sampled sounds for it, so you can get specific horns, bells, etc.

That said, I don't like the Loksound horns, since most of them seem to have been recorded from inside the cab, and so sound thin to me, compared to the Soundtraxx ones.
 
Speaker(s) wont fit.

I bought the Locksound 72495. I could get the decoder in but there's no room for the std speaker. I order a smaller speaker. This speaker comes in a pair and you have to use both to get the correct impedance (100 Ohms). I just couldn't find any where to place the speakers.

Regards,
Mike