RS-11 Sound Install Tutorial (with photos)

[craigolio1]

I will write them as well.  I'm in the same boat as time with several smaller locomotives.

Craig

[jdcolombo]

I will write them as well.  I'm in the same boat as time with several smaller locomotives.

Craig

I did a post on the LokSound group at Yahoo Groups requesting a smaller (narrower) decoder; I know that Matthew Hermann, who runs LokSound's US division, reads that group and sometimes posts as well.  Maybe he'll respond.  ESU LLC (the US operation of LokSound) also has a Facebook page where you can leave comments - a request for a 9mm-wide decoder could be left there, too.  I keep thinking that the decoder going into the S-2 must be smaller than the current LokSound micro; once they have that developed, it seems like it wouldn't be too great a leap to make a standard wired version for aftermarket installs.

John C.

[peteski]

I suspect that because most European locomotives (diesel and electric) have full-width hoods, there isn't much call for narrow decoders.  Well, some of the small switchers have narrow hoods, but I'm not sure how much interest there is for adding sound to those.  This is strictly speculation on my part.

[cnw mike]

John:

Yes, I had wondered about an angled installation to reduce width. 

angled install fits with minor frame milling in a C425 (LL C424 chassis) and C628s.

[BCR 570]

angled install fits with minor frame milling in a C425 (LL C424 chassis) and C628s.

Thank you for your post - that is encouraging as I have a C-420, four C-425s and four engines running on C-630 chassis which I would do.


John:

Can you clarify which specific LokSound decoder you used, and what it allows in terms of light functions?  I want to be able to have what I have now:
- front headlight independent of direction
- rear headlight independent of direction
- front ditch lights on/off independent of direction

I have checked the sound files and everything I need seems to be available.

Thanks,

Tim

[jdcolombo]

Hi Tim.

I used the LokSound Select Micro.  It has 4 functions, which should accommodate separate front/rear headlights and separate ditch lights.  However, I think only one of the extra functions comes pre-wired; if you need the 4th, I think you have to solder a wire to a pad.

But since I'm not all that familiar with the ESU's lighting capabilities (though I believe they are extensive), probably the best thing is for you to download the manual and read the section on lighting effects.  I'm pretty sure it will do everything you want, but this would be the best way for you to confirm it.  You can download the manual from this page (look for the LokSound Select manual, third one listed on this page)

http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/instruction-manuals/digital-decoders/

John C.

[BCR 570]

Thank you - I have given the manual a quick glance over and will have to read it in greater detail.  I look forward to your 8x12 speaker review.

I am thinking that in the new year I would like to select one locomotive from my roster and give this a try, and then gradually convert the fleet if it works.  I am intrigued by the possibility of running a locomotive with the correct prime mover and horn sounds.  I need K3 for the RS-3s and K5H for everything else.  I need to identify the specific Leslie horn on the former E-L ALCO C-425s.


Tim

[jdcolombo]

Comparison between Knowles Fox and Star Micronics SCP-08B (8mm x 12mm) posted.

The Star Micronics sounds pretty good, but finding them is an issue.  Newark Electronics listed them (that's where I ordered from), but they may be out of stock now.  If someone finds another source, let me know.  I've still got a dozen of the Fox speakers, and may order a few more before they go bye-bye since they fit all the stuff I'd be putting a speaker in.

For steam tenders, the 13 x 18mm Dumbo is still the winner by far.

John C.

[Wutter]

I can confirm that the LokSound Select Micro does indeed have 4 functions. I flipped the original LED for the headlight and used an additional three 1206's to light the rear headlight and for independent flashing ditch lights. I'm not sure how wide the inside of the SD70MAC shell is but I also had to mount it at a slight angle for it to fit under the hood with no bulge on the radiators. The ditch lights are wired with 38 gauge magnet wire back to the board to minimize space.

[jdcolombo]

Very nice work - and I see you have what I think is the Zimo 8mm x 12mm sugar cube speaker back there - I'm pretty sure that the speaker itself is the Star Micronics SCP-08B that I just posted about, except that Zimo sells it with an integrated enclosure.   

John C.

[BCR 570]

Thank you for the post with the lighting functions - looks like I can do everything I want to if I can get the Micro Select inside my shells.

Thank you also for posting the speaker comparison - most helpful.  I will try and order some of the Knowles Fox and put them away for future use.  I assume that I don't need the waterproof version?  it and a non-waterproof are listed and I assume you are using the latter.

Tim

[jdcolombo]

No waterproofing needed; it's always sunny in my basement

John