ESU LokSound 4.0 Micro Install in Kato RDC-2

[RBrodzinsky]

Stepping up from the ESU LokSound Select decoder, I have now successfully completed my first LokSound v4.0 install.  The difference between the Select and v4 decoders is that, with v4, you can load your own sounds and home made sound projects.  I've wanted to convert my Kato RDC to sound, but the lack of a ready-to-use Select file had held me back.   It was while perusing the SBS4DCC site that I saw that Bryan had made two custom v4 files of RDCs, and has them (and other projects) available for download.

The actual installation is very straight forward.  I cannibalized the existing Digitrax DN143K2 decoder, reusing the front and rear light boards.   I simply added my own white and yellow wires to each board, and connected them to the respective white and yellow wires from the decoder.  Track pickup was soldered to the brass contact strips, and the motor wires to the motor tabs below the seats.  No frame modifications necessary, though I did take a couple seats out to help the decoder sit flat to the floor.  Soberton 8x12mm speaker in a Keystone Details Shapeways enclosure.  3 150uF 20V tantalum caps round out the install.

I did modify Bryan's file a bit, changing the horn to use the WP's ubiquitous Nathan M5

[lashedup]

Nice job Rick.  With Rapido RDC's coming out, I wonder if the sound file they used will be available through ESU. Latest Rapido newsletter makes it sound like the projects where they recorded the sounds themselves will only be available through their website.

[RBrodzinsky]

Yeah, I doubt it. They don’t make their HO RDC sound project available, either. I went looking for it, when I came across Bryan’s.

[jdcolombo]

Nice work as usual, Rick.

I've always been tempted to play around with the 4.0 and the sound editing capabilities to see how it all works.  But everything I have on the layout is covered by one of Matt's new sound files, except for my Berks - and he's said several times that recording NKP 765 is on the to-do list.  So I've let things stand.

I did install the new SP4449 sound file in my Berks, though.  While not exactly correct for the NKP units, it is a huge improvement over the old "heavy steam" file - and the whistle is surprisingly close to the NKP 765's.  And this is why I continue to be a fan of LokSound.  12 Berks.  In 12 hours, all of them converted to a brand new sound file that is an order of magnitude better than what they had before.   And eventually, they will be converted again, when Matt gets 765 done.  Can't do that with a Tsunami or Wow.

John C.

[RBrodzinsky]

Thanks, John.  I love that 4449 file, too.

I didn't do much "customization" of the file (substituting one horn for another barely counts), and then just some usual function remapping and playing with sound slot volumes and min/max playback speeds to make everything "sound right" to me.