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Post by antoniofp45 on Mar 6, 2017 2:36:59 GMT -8
Hi crew :-)  I've enjoyed reading the comments on several forums regarding the Athearn SDP40F. Looks like it's getting a big "Welcome"! (Amazing twist from the negative commenting we saw just a few years ago. Thankfully, now water that's passed under the bridge).
On a side note: I made an inquiry regarding the sound version. According to Athearn, it will be equipped with a factory installed Tsunami that features improved sound and includes the correct horn and brass bell. The Nathan K5LA horn (split version), should also be one of the options since the majority of the Leslies that were fouling severely were replaced with it. I plan on getting two units, but am on the fence as to whether to get the sound equipped version, or go for "non-musical" units and equip them with LokSound decoders. I've always liked LokSound's hard-to-beat motor control. Perhaps Jim "Jwii" will be provided with a unit that he could demo on YouTube. On a DCC group, I asked if LokSound offers a Leslie S4T/SL4T horn scheme. According to ESU reps, Loksound has a sound scheme. I had forgotten about the Kato SDP40F: projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/6I'm hoping that the Tsunami version does perform well, sound and motor control-wise. But I'm glad that there is a good option with Loksound. Thoughts? |
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Post by notabob on Mar 6, 2017 3:26:18 GMT -8
Get a silent version, install a LokSound (especially if the horn you want is offered), and give yourself a hearty pat on the back. LokSound excels at more than just motor control. Sound file quality for the prime mover is going to be better too. They offer three distinct sound files for the correct turbo 645E3-16 vs. a generic 645 turbo sound that SoundTraxx offers. Not to mention a number of other benefits that I could get into.
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Post by scl1234 on Mar 6, 2017 5:26:41 GMT -8
What ^he said. Don't wait too long though; if you do, those SDP40F with Soundtrax decoders will be all that's left.
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Post by dharris on Mar 6, 2017 6:24:20 GMT -8
Interesting.
I do know Tsunami2 has improved their motor controls to include some sort of ability to automatically change sounds when the load on the engine increases due to a hill etc.
But I do not know if that makes them equal to Loksound. I always noticed the sound differences most with GE prime mover sounds. The Tsunami2 sound files are on their website if one wishes to hear them online.
In the end it is probably a trade off each has to decide if the amount of work and the $ difference is worth the improved sound or controls.
It is nice modelers have such choices !
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Post by riogrande on Mar 6, 2017 6:31:38 GMT -8
At this point, I'm planning on one with and one without sound. I'll give Tsunami 2 a fair try but willing to listen to the discussion as I've got a few months till these hit the shelves.
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Post by NS4122 on Mar 6, 2017 7:37:12 GMT -8
I have a couple of the EMD Tsunami 2s and the sounds and motor control are much improved over the old Tsunami decoders. The Tsunami 2 horns are very loud and vastly superior to Loksound's horns in my opinion. I recently installed a Loksound Select Direct decoder (latest sound file) in an Atlas Dash 8 and was very disappointed with the horn. It's so quiet that it easily gets drowned out when another train is running. Also, the horn recording (RS3L) is poorly done and sounds like it is cutting out when the loop starts over.
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Post by bn4180 on Mar 6, 2017 8:39:51 GMT -8
Get a silent version, install a LokSound (especially if the horn you want is offered), and give yourself a hearty pat on the back. LokSound excels at more than just motor control. Sound file quality for the prime mover is going to be better too. They offer three distinct sound files for the correct turbo 645E3-16 vs. a generic 645 turbo sound that SoundTraxx offers. Not to mention a number of other benefits that I could get into. To help all of you to make an informed choice on this matter, our sound equipped SDP40F will come with two tuned high-bass speakers, the correct horns and two custom mixed 645-16 turbo sound files. When double-heading two of these, you may want to choose the alternate sound file in one of the units to avoid sound phase cancelling. (This feature is an Athearn exclusive and also available in our 567 Tsunami 2 sound equipped units.) We hope this helps, Janek and Tom Athearn |
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Post by notabob on Mar 6, 2017 12:13:21 GMT -8
Get a silent version, install a LokSound (especially if the horn you want is offered), and give yourself a hearty pat on the back. LokSound excels at more than just motor control. Sound file quality for the prime mover is going to be better too. They offer three distinct sound files for the correct turbo 645E3-16 vs. a generic 645 turbo sound that SoundTraxx offers. Not to mention a number of other benefits that I could get into. To help all of you to make an informed choice on this matter, our sound equipped SDP40F will come with two tuned high-bass speakers, the correct horns and two custom mixed 645-16 turbo sound files. When double-heading two of these, you may want to choose the alternate sound file in one of the units to avoid sound phase cancelling. (This feature is an Athearn exclusive and also available in our 567 Tsunami 2 sound equipped units.) We hope this helps, Janek and Tom Athearn Thanks for the clarification and it's good to hear that you guys are using a custom sound recording vs. the generic SoundTraxx 645 turbo and improved speakers. This should help. My personal preference is still for ESU for a variety of reasons beyond the sound file itself, but having an improved quality sound file in this model will be great for those who do not wish to tinker. |
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cp9002
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Post by cp9002 on Mar 6, 2017 15:20:31 GMT -8
I'll definitely get the non-sound so I can put ESU in it. I wish they'd announce something other than steam with Loksound. It'd be great if they switched everything over. I bet Soundtraxx is really sucking up to Athearn right now.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Mar 6, 2017 17:16:11 GMT -8
Very cool to read from Athearn's reps! Like I was told years ago, the manufacturers do check these forums from time to time!
I admit to being biased towards Loksound but fully agree with BNSF-971's comment about "giving them a listen".
Since I want two units (starting out), I'll secure one by ordering a non-sound version. By the time I receive it, input from modelers with the sound version should be trickling in and, hopefully, a vid or two posted on the "Tube" (hopefully Jim will have one). If I like what I hear regarding motor control and the sound scheme itself, I'll order a Tsu-equipped unit.
I've been teased with the question: "Well Tony, what about the extended air let off (pop off) sound that you've complained that Soundtraxx doesn't have?". My reply: My pop-off posts were primarily regarding GE U-Boat locomotives. I spent A LOT of time around Amtrak SDP40fs. Their pop-offs tended to be short and (from my cobwebbed memory) were just slightly longer (by, maybe, one extra second) than Soundtraxx's diesel air let offs. Acceptable, imho.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Mar 6, 2017 19:36:55 GMT -8
Here are two responses from ESU Loksound's rep: From ESU Loksound: 1. Already on the website. projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/6 There is a chance the Athearn version will be a upgraded Prime Mover as we just recorded a more appropriate block with a more correct exhaust… Best Regards, Matt Herman ESU LLC ------------------------------------------------------- 2. We are well aware of the locos as we have already produced a file for the Kato N Scale version. The Athearn version also will be set up for the lighting as it is produced. Best Regards, Matt Herman ESU LLC |
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Post by NS4122 on Mar 7, 2017 9:59:18 GMT -8
Yup, Tsunami 2s. If I like what I hear regarding motor control and the sound scheme itself, I'll order a Tsu-equipped unit. (Is this Tsunami 2?) |
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Post by canrailfan on Mar 7, 2017 11:59:49 GMT -8
Here are two responses from ESU Loksound's rep: Am I confused or do these responses seem to imply that ESU is doing the decoders for Athearn's SDP40F? Matt references doing a new recording and setting up the lighting for Athearn. Maybe a switch to ESU is in the works? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2017 12:29:54 GMT -8
Here are two responses from ESU Loksound's rep: Am I confused or do these responses seem to imply that ESU is doing the decoders for Athearn's SDP40F? Matt references doing a new recording and setting up the lighting for Athearn. Maybe a switch to ESU is in the works? I just take it to mean that ESU is competing with Soundtraxx by releasing a soundfile that's compatible with the layout of the Athearn motherboard, and hoping that people will buy the soundless one and a LokSound to do the install themselves. |
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Post by antoniofp45 on Mar 19, 2017 8:01:05 GMT -8
I'm tempted to go for one each: A non-sound unit and install the LokSound setup and also buy a sound version. Of course, I would still prefer to see and hear the sound equipped version's performance.
Although I'm biased towards Loksound, I do want to see Soundtraxx be successful with this and other sound projects.
I'm sure that the sounds from the Tsunami will likely be very good.......but I'm interested in the feedback regarding "smooth motor control" as well as the ability to adjust the synchronization between the prime mover's RPM's and movement.
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Post by Mark R. on Mar 19, 2017 8:45:07 GMT -8
I'm tempted to go for one each: A non-sound unit and install the LokSound setup and also buy a sound version. Of course, I would still prefer to see and hear the sound equipped version's performance. That, I wouldn't recommend - especially if you plan on running the two together. Loksound's Full Throttle (FT) and Soundtraxx's Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE) won't play together. Soundtraxx's DDE is done automatically by reading the BEMF and the amount is set by adjusting CVs. Loksound's FT is turned on by a function button and has infinite adjustment manually with the throttle. Other features of Loksound such as Run 8 and Coast and Brake may not interact with Soundtraxx properly either. If you are going to run two together, stick to the same sound decoder. Mark. |
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Post by notabob on Mar 20, 2017 10:47:29 GMT -8
I'm tempted to go for one each: A non-sound unit and install the LokSound setup and also buy a sound version. Of course, I would still prefer to see and hear the sound equipped version's performance. That, I wouldn't recommend - especially if you plan on running the two together. Loksound's Full Throttle (FT) and Soundtraxx's Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE) won't play together. Soundtraxx's DDE is done automatically by reading the BEMF and the amount is set by adjusting CVs. Loksound's FT is turned on by a function button and has infinite adjustment manually with the throttle. Other features of Loksound such as Run 8 and Coast and Brake may not interact with Soundtraxx properly either. If you are going to run two together, stick to the same sound decoder. Mark. While having the same decoder in both makes things easier - unless you plan to actually take advantage of the advanced functions like ESU's Full Throttle or ST's DDE - there is no need to have the same decoder in both. Speed matching can allow both to play together just fine. If you speed match your locos anyway - this may be an acceptable solution for you and will give you an opportunity to experience both. Just be aware that you'll need to be prepared to not use the FT or DDE feature when running them in consist. That said - if you're interested in comparing the running qualities of the two decoders - there is no need to wait for the SDP40F to be released. If you don't have either decoder in one of your own locos - try to find a friend who has one or the other on a different model of a locomotive and compare their non-sound performance that way. This will give you a chance to play with DDE & Full Throttle, and at least decide if these features are something you care enough about (or can't stand) and this can hopefully help in your decision. I'm personally biased toward LokSound. In addition to better (in my opinion) running qualities and all around flexibility their sound files are upgrade-able and ESU has a very good track record of constantly updating their sound file offerings with new and improved recordings regularly added to the library. |
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Post by calzephyr on Mar 21, 2017 12:52:46 GMT -8
Get a silent version, install a LokSound (especially if the horn you want is offered), and give yourself a hearty pat on the back. LokSound excels at more than just motor control. Sound file quality for the prime mover is going to be better too. They offer three distinct sound files for the correct turbo 645E3-16 vs. a generic 645 turbo sound that SoundTraxx offers. Not to mention a number of other benefits that I could get into. To help all of you to make an informed choice on this matter, our sound equipped SDP40F will come with two tuned high-bass speakers, the correct horns and two custom mixed 645-16 turbo sound files. When double-heading two of these, you may want to choose the alternate sound file in one of the units to avoid sound phase cancelling. (This feature is an Athearn exclusive and also available in our 567 Tsunami 2 sound equipped units.) We hope this helps, Janek and Tom Athearn The latest Tsunami have a much improved motor control and great sound. Larry |
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Post by dharris on Mar 21, 2017 17:25:08 GMT -8
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Post by antoniofp45 on Apr 15, 2017 16:41:19 GMT -8
Hi DHarris, Thanks for the link. I checked out this link that demo's a sound equipped 1st generation Geep. www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami2/tsu2features.php?1=feat . Interestingly, the bell sound scheme on the Geep is the same type used by the 600 series SDP40f's that I saw and tape recorded back in the day. That's a plus  . The 1st generation prime mover sound from the Geep does sound good, however, it will be interesting to hear the SDP's scheme. With that said.....However, (sorry to nitpick Athearn)....I did find the double & triple air let offs ( "Che-che" and "Che-che-che") bursts a bit annoying. Sounds like the same one from the Tsu-1. I'm likely in the minority here, but as teen back in the day I spent time (maybe too much) around 1st and 2nd generation units and tape recorded a number of them (yes with a boom box in the late 70s). Unless the air compressor's system was rebuilt and/or the governor/unloader was replaced, most units emitted single let-off ("pop-off") bursts, including SDP40f's and F40s. Many older units at full throttle still emitted single pop-off's, although they may have been just 2 seconds apart. Quick samples:1. Check out the let offs on this video with an SD45 . Listen at time index 3:12, and then move the slider forward to 3:34. Single bursts! 2. Some older units emitted long pop-off's like this one. Long and short yet single bursts: 3. Pop-off's at full throttle: Back to back yet still individual, not coupled. -> I don't intend to be annoying but for me the air let off (pop-off) is as much of a diesel locomotive's "personality" as its prime mover or horn. I did respectfully suggest to Soundtraxx, as a customer, to consider recording a longer "pop-off" scheme. Loksound does have several, one which is on a Genesis SD45-2 that a good friend of mine customized for me. Has a "husky" sound to it. So Athearn, is the Tsu-2 let-off burst adjustable? |
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. The 1st generation prime mover sound from the Geep does sound good, however, it will be interesting to hear the SDP's scheme.