Which decoder?
- Thread starter scook
- Start date
Neil Robinson
Registered
I concur with the above.
I've not fitted many decoders myself but there's a wealth of info and assistance for Massoth on here. Piko's current range of decoders are also made by Massoth.
I suggest you also consider the Massoth XL PluG as it appears to have the same extra functions as the XXL.
I have a petty niggle with locos running with the cab interior lights on. According to the instructions with the PluG or XXL you could have automatic directional cab lighting that only lights when stationary.
I've not fitted many decoders myself but there's a wealth of info and assistance for Massoth on here. Piko's current range of decoders are also made by Massoth.
I suggest you also consider the Massoth XL PluG as it appears to have the same extra functions as the XXL.
I have a petty niggle with locos running with the cab interior lights on. According to the instructions with the PluG or XXL you could have automatic directional cab lighting that only lights when stationary.
D
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Zerogee
Clencher's Bogleman
Handy link, Arthur!
That is for an XLS driving AND sound decoder, which would actually be another option for you, Sam - remove the LGB sound module (I assume it's one of the "black box" all-in-one units?) and sell it on - that should raise enough extra cash to buy an XLS rather than just an XL, then you only have the one thing to install (plus you can get the XLS loaded with the "correct" sound files for the Br194 rather than the generic sound files on the LGB unit).....
Jon.
That is for an XLS driving AND sound decoder, which would actually be another option for you, Sam - remove the LGB sound module (I assume it's one of the "black box" all-in-one units?) and sell it on - that should raise enough extra cash to buy an XLS rather than just an XL, then you only have the one thing to install (plus you can get the XLS loaded with the "correct" sound files for the Br194 rather than the generic sound files on the LGB unit).....
Jon.
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
I agree with Zerogee, the black box is getting a bit old now and I am uncertain if you can actually access all the sounds through a driving decoder. The XLS will give the correct sounds actually digitally recorded from the original loco. Just as easy to fit as the driving only decoder except there is a speaker to mount and plug in to the decoder.
Actually - are there many different sound functions on the black box units?
Actually - are there many different sound functions on the black box units?
Zerogee
Clencher's Bogleman
As far as I'm aware, the 65000 series "black box" units all have (had) integral MTS decoders, so would run on analogue or digital with full sound control on MTS. That said, I don't think they necessarily had the very wide range of sounds available on a sound decoder like an XLS, but all the sounds they did have (whistles, bells etc) were fully controllable on MTS/DCC. The were designed to simply be connected to track power with two wires (brown and white) and to act as a separate decoder, so if one is installed along with a basic driving-only decoder then both must be programmed to the same loco address.
Jon.
You will get some sounds played automatically, and general 'driving' sounds, which will change with loco speed.
There are two trigger inputs, which can be used to trigger sounds.. Usually, these are used to trigger whistle/horn or bell. - The LGB track magnet can be fitted into the 'four foot'. There is a magnet in it (to one side, where the 'LGB' is embossed). If the magnet is on the left, it fires one switch (this is usually the whistle/horn). If the other way round, the second switch is activated, sounding the bell.
This is your limit whilst the loco is on analogue power. - You need a fully digital system to allow the triggering of other effects.
Yes, you will need a power-buffer to keep the sound going (for a time) when analogue power is turned down to zero (or dirty track). Once the loco comes to a stop, the engine noise will be at 'tickover'.. After a short time, the loco will go through the engine shutdown sounds, and the sounds will end.
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
I am not at all sure a power buffer can be used in the usual sense on analogue. The loco will keep moving when the controller is turned off. It is suggested analogue running is turned off in the decoder when a buffer is fitted. Whether a buffer can be fitted to just the sound bit I don't know!
Must admit I was thinking of some analogue units I have fitted 'S' (sound only) decoders and power-buffers to.. - Also the DC motor controller.
Hm sounds to me like there is an expectation of a pretty tricky thing to do without going DCC. Personally I think you may be better sticking with what you have till such time as you make that switch, if you ever do.
JonD
JonD
The problem is the Buhler motors LGB use start the loco moving at about 2-3 Volts, but the decoder/soundcard will not 'wake up' until 5 Volts plus..
Without something to restrict the volts to the motor, the loco moves off before the sounds (start-up etc.) kick in.
Me to, do it.
I would rather have just 2 fully functional Sound DCC Locomotives than a fleet ot silent ones. Flog some off to pay for the conversion if you have a lot or if you need to? After all how many Locomotives can you run at the same time with some semblance of proper Control? 2-3 at best I reckon.
JonD