"Sounding" Locomotives

[Harold N.]

Recently my dad and I started installing sound decoders in our soundless diesel engines. It all started when I inherited a QSI C40-8W chip from Matt G. Then we got some more QSI decoders, and then a QSI Revolution chip flashing tool. So far we have successfully added sound to an Atlas Silver Series GP38-2. It sounds like a DDA40X right now, but it's always consisted to another Geep, so it's awesome! Right now our project is fitting a 1988 Kato C-424 with a Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder.

What we have learned so far:

-The QSI small oval speakers work very well (a lot better bass sound than the mini oval speakers) and fit easily inside the long hood of a diesel.
-Double-stick foam tape is awesome for mounting speakers.
-Use only enough wire to get the shell off to allow for motor and gear box lubrication.
-The QSI Revolution chips have built-in resistors to accommodate LEDs, whereas the Soundtraxx decoders need resistors wired to them, requiring more room in the body.
-Replace light bulbs with LEDs to prevent the bulbs from possibly melting holes in the body, also they look nicer.


What we are learning:

-Don't use too much wire, takes up too much room in the body and may cause the body to not sit on the frame right.
-Try to use thinner wire where possible to conserve space.
-If space is too tight, the motor may have problems working or not work at all due to the cramped conditions.

[Harold N.]

Finally got the old C-424 done! It runs just as good as any other 20 year old engine, but the sound is awful nice

Now we're adding QSI sound to an Alco FA1 A-B-A set!