Monday I replaced the existing Tsunami decoder and anemic speaker with a TCS WOWSound v3 decoder and a new so-called "sugar-cube" speaker. I replaced the decoder not because there was a problem with it, but because the C-25 has a very narrow tender, and I needed to install a Keep-Alive with the decoder. I was not satisfied with the sound that I was able to get from the existing speaker, so I obtained one of the very small "sugar-cube" speakers from the Streamlined Backshop. This is a very small speaker, literally about the size of a sugar cube. I installed a 13 x 18 mm speaker, which had a 1 watt power handling capacity. There was plenty of room, even in this narrow tender, for the decoder, the KA2 Keep-Alive, and the speaker. Once the installation was complete, I tested the locomotive on the layout, and was amazed by the quality and volume of the sound. I have uploaded a video of the C-25 as it is turned on the turntable and readied for service on the layout. This video also shows the operation of the turntable using the PTC III controller.
 |
| D&RGW C-25 375 entering the turntable in the Durango Yard. The locomotive is a Westside Models brass import, equipped with a TCS WOWSound v3 decoder with Keep-Alive, and a sugar-cube speaker. |
 |
| D&RGW C-25 375 being turned on the Durango turntable. The turntable is controlled by a PTC III turntable controller. |
 |
| D&RGW C-25 375 has been turned on the turntable, and is lined up for the service track. It will now readied for service by filling its sand dome, and topping off its load of coal. |
 |
| The C-25 is positioned at the sand house to receive a fresh load of sand in its sand dome. |
 |
| The C-25 has topped off its load of sand, and is now ready to pull forward to the coaling tower to top off its coal load. |
John: the sound from this install is amazing! What a great addition to your operating.
ReplyDeleteMark Lewis
Mark, I am completely sold on the quality of sound from these sugar cube speakers. I was amazed that it could sound so good. It now will be possible to put sound in smaller HOn3 locos, and have it sound good.
DeleteImpressive sound. Have you experienced any problems controlling the loco with the KA-2 installed? (As in the time delay involved, or does use of the braking function do the job?)
ReplyDeleteLen, I have had no problem controlling the loco with the KA-2. In fact, I now have three locos with keep alive technology; two use the TCS KA-2, and one uses the Soundtraxx CurrentKeeper. The only thing to be aware of is that if the loco runs into a turnout thrown against it, it will not stop, even though the layout has shut down because of the short circuit!
ReplyDelete