mdq
Full Member
Posts: 131
|
Post by mdq on Jan 14, 2020 13:45:13 GMT -8
Sorry to ask so many questions...
I am looking for feedback on TCS WOW sound (diesel - HO) I have seen some videos - sound very good - know one person that has them (but did not see it in action) .I have also heard the decoder runs hot to the touch and that is a concern for me.
I am thinking in the future to go with TCS du to sound quality and realism
Any feedback , info is welcome
Thank you
|
|
|
|
Post by canrailfan on Jan 14, 2020 18:04:49 GMT -8
Take a look at ESU Loksound as well. The Loksound decoder's sound quality is excellent and the slow speed operation is very smooth. I changed to Loksound from Soundtraxx Tsunami about 4 years ago. The deciding factor for me was that Loksound decoders can be updated without removing them from the locomotive. ESU updates the decoder firmware when necessary and sound files can be changed when new versions are released. When ESU updated all their sound files with the "Full Throttle" feature (also known as Drive Hold) it was easy to update the Loksound decoders with the newer files.
All CVs on Loksound decoders can be programmed using DecoderPro or from a command station. Updating firmware or changing sound files does require the ESU LokProgrammer.
|
|
erb
New Member
Posts: 26
|
Post by erb on Jan 15, 2020 17:24:30 GMT -8
The only feedback I've ever seen on the TCS WOWsound was one of the people here stating that the decoder had actually melted the dynamic brake section of his Athearn R-T-R SD40-2... And the response that he got from TCS was that their decoders run a little warmer than others because of the extra processor. Kinda made me not want to try them for some reason...
I've been using Soundtraxx decoders for almost two decades now and have very few complaints, the only truly legitimate one being that they didn't have an accurate dynamic brake sound, although they've started changing the sound dependent on if you get GE, EMD or (I think) ALCo. I've tried ESU and have had nothing but problems with them either in operation or trying to program them - granted, they do do some things that I can't do with a Soundtraxx, like dual power mode for ALP-45DP, and I'll use them for that.
|
|
|
|
Post by ncrc5315 on Jan 15, 2020 17:49:48 GMT -8
Before sound, TCS was my decoder of choice, started to put their sound decoders in a few locomotives, then I found ESu. Now I only use ESu.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Jan 15, 2020 20:23:33 GMT -8
I believe Rapido is going over to TCS after a "failed relationship" with ESU.
The only TCS wow loco I ran was a Rio Grande articulated. I thorougly enjoyed it, enough to quiz the owner a bit.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Jan 16, 2020 8:56:06 GMT -8
What's wrong between Rapido and ESU?
|
|
erb
New Member
Posts: 26
|
Post by erb on Jan 16, 2020 12:14:19 GMT -8
Probably a good chance that they think the V5 decoder is the reason their latest products are cooking so many motors...
|
|
|
|
Post by canrailfan on Jan 16, 2020 19:25:36 GMT -8
I believe Rapido is going over to TCS after a "failed relationship" with ESU. The only TCS wow loco I ran was a Rio Grande articulated. I thorougly enjoyed it, enough to quiz the owner a bit. Ed I notice that for the new M420 Rapido is calling the sound "Rapido Sound by TCS." We'll have to wait and see what this means. Is it TCS WOW sound or a completely customized sound system exclusively for Rapido, made by TCS. The new F59PH will come with a Loksound decoder so I'm not sure Rapido's relationship with ESU has "failed." |
|
|
|
Post by canrailfan on Jan 16, 2020 19:38:12 GMT -8
Probably a good chance that they think the V5 decoder is the reason their latest products are cooking so many motors... There may have been an error in the V5 CV settings that caused some motor failures. However, the Rapido video on the RS-18 motor issues would appear to indicate they have more concerns about the motors than the V5 decoders. Changing motor suppliers and moving to coreless motors were talked about in the video. How to Fix the RS-18 DCC Motor Issue(Jason also states that the "Awesome Slow Speed Thingy" should not be used after setting CVs 51, 52 and 54 as recommended in the video.) The V5 decoders are being used by other manufacturers with no reported problems. |
|
|
|
Post by sd80mac on Jan 17, 2020 14:27:01 GMT -8
TCS Wow Sound does sound great, but their recordings aren't any better than ESU's, in my opinion. They are also very quirky to program which has led me to stay loyal to ESU.
|
|
