Now that the dust is setteling, what decoders for FEF3?

[Paradise275]

I've waited to purchase a decoder for my FEF3 after the initial problems.
I eventually want sound so, for that, is it a two decoder install?
If so, what is the decoder for motive power that is best? The TCS?
I read that Loc Sound are working on theirs to get the right sound.
The Tsunami 750 heavy steam is also mentioned as a good choice.

Comments please.

Rick

[jdcolombo]

I used a two-decoder setup, with a Zimo MX621 for motor control and a Tsunami Heavy Steam for the sound.  Results are here:

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My understanding is that TCS has now solved the problems with their FEF drop-in, and it now works well.  You could pair this with the Tsunami, as well (you'll have to do a full speed table to get a good match between the chuff sounds and driver rotation whatever motor decoder you use).

If you want a single-decoder solution, folks have had success with the ESU LokSound, which has very good motor control circuits (I got almost as good results with the ESU LokPilot motor-only decoder in my FEF as I did with the Zimo that I ultimately chose; the Zimo was a nose better, but only a nose).   The great thing about the ESU is that it uses the BEMF circuit to time the chuffs; getting a good match between driver rotation and chuff sounds takes about 5 minutes with the ESU; it takes a couple of hours with the two-decoder solution using a Tsunami.   My only hesitation in using a LokSound was that I don't think their two-cylinder steam files are all that great, and prefer the Tsunami's sounds.  But that could change if they release a new dedicated sound file for the FEF, which I'm told they are working on.  Since the ESU decoders are re-programmable, you can always install one with what they've got sound-wise for now, and upgrade the file if a new one comes out (most ESU dealers will do this for a nominal charge; you would send them the engine, they put it on a dedicated programmer, and out comes a new sound file).

John C.

[EspeeGoldenState]

I installed a Tsunami in mine using a combined method of cutting the original Kato circuit board and the Soundtraxx install pdf. I used a Railmaster DS1425-8 speaker in the tender without drilling any extra holes.

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Chris

[C855B]

The revised TCS decoder works quite well. We ran for about 5 hours last weekend with excellent control. Caveat is dual-mode - DC operation was less than stellar (for us) after the new firmware.

[peteski]

Caveat is dual-mode - DC operation was less than stellar (for us) after the new firmware.

Was it actually better with the old firmware?

I will be installing a QSI Revolution-U decoder in the tender. It will power the motor and some additional lights I will be installing.

[Nick Lorusso]

I have LOKsound installed in mine and love it. I need to finish my second unit so I could Double head them.

[Paradise275]

Nick, did LocSound come out with a new sound program for the FEF3?
There was talk that their heavy steam was not correct.

Rick

[Dave V]

[delamaize]