MRC "Sounder" Install??

iis612

Member
I picked up a couple of the MRC sound only decoders to put into my bachmann spectrum steam engines.
Has anyone installed these before? Has anyone programmed them before?
Should I just get rid of them before I open the package?

Matt
 

Squidbait

Recovering ALCO-holic
Yes, just chuck 'em, bite the bullet and get a Tsunami. Unless you're running DC.

The 2 function decoders that come with the Bachmann locos are really not anything to write home about - no back-EMF or anything.
 

bob_suruncle

New Member
Have to agree with Squid on this one.... I tried to work with both a standard and a brilliance decoder in my P2k 080..... it was impossible to get the loco to run properly and even at the max setting the chuff rate was still not synced to the drivers and as I recall the only way they would take CV changes was to reboot the system after each change.

Squid did an install of a tsunami in a bachmann decapod and the difference in motor control and sound quality is well worth the extra $20 or so.

sorry...nothing like regurgitating an old post.... just realized this was from a month ago.
 

iis612

Member
Even though I was given sound advice by folks wiser than I, I installed one anyways.
Shortly there after, I removed it. They are junk.
I am going to hang on to them for my DC christmas layout, as the sound quality is not the worst I have heard.

Trying to get my hands on the Tsunami, which they are supposed to make a drop in for the spectrum 8 drivered steamers, is like finding ingredients for a mythical witches brew.
 

bob_suruncle

New Member
Even though I was given sound advice by folks wiser than I, I installed one anyways.
Shortly there after, I removed it. They are junk.
I am going to hang on to them for my DC christmas layout, as the sound quality is not the worst I have heard.

Trying to get my hands on the Tsunami, which they are supposed to make a drop in for the spectrum 8 drivered steamers, is like finding ingredients for a mythical witches brew.

Squid had done a few custom installs with great results so he may be able to give you some pointers.... the ACL Russian Decapod he did for our demo layout sounds awesome and always gets peoples interest.
 

Squidbait

Recovering ALCO-holic
Matt,

The Soundtraxx drop in for the the Proto 0-8-0 isn't a Tsunami. It's OK, but there're a lot of sounds missing (especially once you've heard a Tsunami!). Even with the plug-in, you still have to install the speaker in the coal bunker, and drill a bajillion holes in the coal to let the sound out.

That said, you can't go wrong with a micro Tsunami, and if you're interested, I can tell you how to install the speaker. The "kit" that comes with the plug-in decoder is no big deal, basically some styrene strips and a baffle that you have to glue into the coal bunker.
 
The MRC sound decoders aren't my first choice of sound decoders,but if set up properly they work just fine.I do have a few of them,mostly diesel and maybe 2 steam.The only thing i've found wrong is they are a tad too loud and a little tricky to speed match,but do-able.So before anyone wants to toss them out just send them to me and i'll find something to install them in.
 

Squidbait

Recovering ALCO-holic
Just a quick vid of the Decapod-equipped Tsunami. I have the sound effects set on full auto, so it gives correct whistle signals for forward and reverse, bell kicks in at a given speed (I didn't go fast enough here) and it will blow a grade-crossing whistle signal if you blip the throttle.

 
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