Soundtraxx Tsunami 2 install and review. Part 1.
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- A first look at Soundtraxx's new Tsunami 2 decoder, installed in a Kato AC-4400. Initial impressions are very good , with excellent low speed motor control and great sound. All the set up CV's are the same as the original Tsunami, though the advanced sounds require reading indexed CV's, which most DCC systems cannot do, so Decoder Pro is the easiest way to adjust them. Part 2 will deal with fine tuning motor control, consisting and lighting and sound .
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Great to have you back!
Thanks Tim! First comment from you:-) Looking forward to more G scale action mate!
Gregg.
Good to hear from you again Gregg! Very well done and informative video. Looking forward to part two!
Thank you Sir! Been too long, time sure does fly these days. Glad you liked it, part 2 after new year.
Cheers Gregg.
You don't need decoder pro. Some command stations do have limitations on which CVs they can program all of the CVs on our decoders. You can get to all of our CVs on and updated NCE power cab.
it is a new recording of the prim mover...great to see you back making videos.keep rolling
Ok, thanks for that, I wondered as it is different to the Gevo's?
More on the way.
Gregg :-)
Tsunami bringing the goods again, think ill stick with the older ones for now until i gain a little more knowledge under the belt about these new ones
Hope you have learned enough to try a Tsunami2 by now!
Great video and explanation on the decoder. And really good to see you back on my screen!! Cheers and thanks a heap. D. Muse WTCMRR
Thanks David! Nice to be back and as Lord Stan says, the pleasure is all yours..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Awesome review Gregg! You've had better luck with yours than I did mine. I got a replacement from Soundtraxx but I haven't done anything with it yet. Glad you didn't have any problems with yours.
~Deryk
Thanks Deryk! No dramas so far, have been running it with these cars for a few days and refining the settings and its very good. The k lighting is the big thing as I cant use the Kato light pipes, so I have to install all the leds separately, Hope you new one is all good!
Cheers Gregg.
Fantastic review, i am actually getting a tsunami 2 for my ac4400cw. They make great decoders.
Thanks Peter! They are very good and the slow speed is fantastic! Just remember to go in and cancel all the random sounds that are not required as they drown out the prime mover a bit.
Cheers Gregg.
Will do definitely do not want and steam crap on my modern loco. Not that I have anything against steam era lol.
Hi Gregg nice to see one of your videos, I agree the sound is much more realistic the quieter it is, you could say the sound is within the scale of the trainsLooking forward to your next production. Albert.
Thank you Albert! Yes its all about quality rather than quantity, plus a room full of loud locos can get annoying ! Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers Gregg
Don't forget about Lord Stan. Excellent video.
Thank you! Yes, Lord Stan is coming up before Christmas!
Gregg.
Nice seeing a video from you finally, enjoyed it! Not sure if you know now but Jay Thompson is now a distributor for intermountain, bowser, and loksound in Australia.
Thank you! I don't know Jay but will keep the info handy! Good for parts and repairs.
Cheers Gregg.
Great update my friend.
Thanks Chris, more on the way sir!
Great to see you back. You have done a good review of the decoder. They did a good job on the new decoder. I prefer the ESU decoders.
Scott
Thank you Scott! Yes, a big step up from the original, nice sound and motor control matches the other new decoders. I do like ESU, just their notching is a issue with me.
Cheers Gregg.
You'll just have to replace all your old decoders with T2's Gregg lol. Great vid and I will be waiting for part I with great interest
LOL...thats what they want Neale! Just like computer software :-(. I still have about 30 locos to do, with my speed they will be up to version 3 by the time I get them all done!
Thanks for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
THANK YOU...for sharing.
Beautiful!
Thanks Jackson!
Thank's for great review . Hope you and Lord Stan have great Xmas and New Year .Hope the old bugger is going to do Xmas vid ???
Cheers Glynn
Thanks Glynn, a while coming but there you go..LOL Yes , Stan will be back! All the best to you.
Gregg.
You can shut off the chatter by shift zero to F20-28 and press 2=F22 and the chatter is off on NCE power cab or NCE pro cab
wow Tsunami 2 way to go Gregg!
Thanks Shazza! Pop in for a look someday!
Gregg :-)
Gregg!!! What's up man! Great Video with a wealth of information my dear friend. I am curious about the functions and the performance of the new Tsunami 2 decoders and you have basically answered most of my concerns. The new decoders appears to run better that the old ones but you still have to tweak it a bit on get the most out of them. The old Tsunami's took so much time to tweak the motor control for butter smooth operation. I see what you are saying about the speed matching the engines with the new decoder verse the old, that can be a problem. Me personally I would just only run the locomotives with the same decoders, but that would not be very cost effective and prototypical. I was hoping that Tsunami would have came out with a decoder with the ability to update the firmware, but that a dream now... I will be looking forward to your part 2 on motor control. Cheer!
Hey Maurice, good to hear from you. I set my decoders up different to most people, so I do a lot more adjustments than most. Tsunami have their factory settings on the soft side , and every unit is different and responds differently. This new version is better out of the box and need fewer adjustment to get the slow speed running. This loco has run in now and some of the settings have been turned down a bit. Very happy with it so far and will have the shell on early in the new year. Thanks for the comments and for watching. SAy G'day to the crew for me.
Gregg :-)
Hi Gregg. Thanks from SoCal. Totally groovy films. Enough of the weirdo talk. I am truly in awe. Now if I can just get my wife... Decoder Pro is just too easy. It let's you adjust named fields and update en mass. CVs? I don't need to memorize no stinking CVs. And you get to test your changes immediately with your handheld. A fast computer is a must. Hyperdrive 2 is motor control nirvana for me. Serious creeping (at least to me) is possible. A level 12 inches with Athearn RTR @step 2 (step 1=0); 3 min 40 sec. Add cars totaling 31 oz.--5 min 50 sec. This is not hurky jerky but real creepy crawly. Thanks again for your hard and to me rewarding work.
Hi Jeff, thank you for the kind words! I've been to SoCal but didn't get to Cajon as I didn't have a car, so thats for next time! I do have decoder pro now thanks to some local guys that put it on a old lap top. But as you say I think the old girl is a bit slow as it takes ages to programme settings. This loco is on the bench awaiting a new motor so I'm doing another which should be on the tracks soon? The new hyper drive equals ESU in my opinion . Its been too hot to be in the shed so not much happening at the moment, but more videos of my US trip on the way.
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video.
Cheers Gregg.
Jeff McClain oops I already printed out all the cvs for my soundtraxx tsunami 2
Best comment: "because in real life you don't hear a locomotive all over the world"...lol
Thanks Jerram! You can use that if you like..LOL It really does make a huge difference to all the other sounds! Comes from my old days of sound mixing bands, when muso's have their amps too loud on stage, then complain they cant hear anything else..LOL . I'm a ex drummer so I have been on both ends of sound experience..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
You can Do index cvs on your NCE
Great video, it's been a long time. Did you complete the home remodel? Can't believe all the random free sounds it has. One question, what did you do to tune up the Kato locomotive? I still have not purchased a sound decoder is this a great decoder for a beginner? Great video
Thank you Sir, yes it's been a while..LOL The house is nearly finished, taking a break from it over Christmas! By tuning I meant the settings on the decoder, Kato's don't need any tuning !! You could try the "Econami" for a first decoder? A bit cheaper and less functions, but with the same motor control, they seem to be very good! Give one a go!
Cheers Gregg.
Can't wait for the video on speakers. Again great video. Cheers from the frozen chosen.
Will be early in the new year!
Cheers Gregg .
Great, I now see how to fit this part. I think I can do it, I KNOW I can do it.
Of course you can! Go for it Ian!
I have done it, sounds work, but now my controller has given up. I hope to get a replacement this week and then I can really see how it goes.
Good for you Ian! The first one is the hardest. I hope you get it up and running soon.
Cheers Gregg.
Gregg, you need not feel bad for anything, mate! I forgot who you are as well, as I called Glynn "Gregg" at least TWICE in the past month!!! 😠😲😲
I'll be amazed if he still responds to me posts.......
Anyhoo, glad you're back!
And, responding to your video comment, Yes! I have seen your "How To Program Your Tsunami Decoder For Realistic Operation" AD NAUSEUM!!
Very good series - I recommend that EVERYONE watch it.
But Gregg, did Tsunami 2 not FIX the slow speed running problems? 😲
.... And, about GE prime movers, they usually confuse US as well!
As Soundtraxx and TCS put it, "7FDL-16 Modern" usually represents GEVO and other Tier-4 locomotives.
"7FDL-16" or "7FDL-16 Early" is supposed to be EVERYTHING ELSE in GE's inventory!!! 😠😠😐
They leave out "7FDL-8" from the U18B, and the "7FDL-12" from early U25's, B30-7 and B33-7
I believe that Lok-Sound actually offers BOTH of those less popular sound packages...
Glad you liked the programming series Carmine! Yes , the slow speed is great in the new decoder, I have turned the BEMF down so it needs to be adjusted back up a bit for a smooth low speed. It will run slower than this .
Gregg.
LOL , Glyn will answer to anything!.
They have 2 "Modern" files, one Gevo and a 7FDL16 which does not sound like their old GE Modern? The FDL16 file matches the old "Modern" sound, so Ill go for that one on my AC4400s. Is all a bit confusing as you say :-)
I notice your masking tape scenery. Check out Ken Patterson's "What's neat" in MRH for December 2016 for his testing of spray foam over various materials to make quick and easy scenery.
I will do !
It's "Trendsetters", from a old Aussie comedian years ago, but I guess train setters works too!
Gregg...excellent video as always. Maybe I'm uninformed or just ignorant but can't you turn off the "random sounds" by setting their corresponding sound CVs (called Primary Mixer Volume Levels) to 0? For example, to turn off Clickity-Clack, set CV 153 to 0. I've tried this with my Digitrax system and it seemed to work...Harold
Thanks Harold! Yes you're correct and thats what I did initially but to turn them off you need to use indexed CV's , but works the same I guess, good thinking 99!
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg,
Based on my research, (I just ordered a new decoder yesterday for a dash 9), there ARE two versions of the FDL-16. What the manufacturers label as "Early" and "Modern". And they are slightly different. You're lucky if they're both in the Tsunami 2, in the LokSound you have to choose which one you want and you don't get the option of both.
Hi Pal, The AC4400 & Dash9's use a 7-FDL-16 which has the electric "whooping" compressor, this is the modern version as you say. The version of this engine on the original Tsunami is different to the recording on the new decoder, according to another post, they have re recorded the 7FDL-16 for better sounds? This decoder has all 3 versions plus the 12 cylinder Gevo !
Gregg :-)
Good deal! I kind of figured there had been some changes to the engine itself to gain more emissions control. But then I thought, if they were going to do that they should just use the GEVO-12. Bottom line... they didn't ask my advice before building any of the engines haha and in all honesty, that's a good thing I'm sure!
Well , believe it or not, one of our loco's down here, the NR class , has a
7FDL 16 and they are going in for rebuilds to lower emissions and gain
performance? And they do sound a little different!! Dont feel bad , they didn't ask me either..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Hey Greg have you thought about the monthly payment with Adobe for access to Final Cut Pro. I use it for photoshop and Lightroom so not sure what it would cost fir FCP but might help...at least you don't have to cough up all the cost up front!😎 Love the vids.
Hi Stephen, I did think about Adobe, but the monthly cost soon out strips the cost of FCP, my nephew uses Adobe for work and tried to lure me to the 'Dark side" with no success..LOL. The money's not a problem, just sheer stubbornness!! .What makes it worse, is that I have FCP x on my Mac from a free trial, so I'm just paying to unlock it! Glad you like the videos and thank you for the comments.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, Bryce here from down the coast. still yet to get up for a layout tour and a cup of tea with Lord Stan. if i get some time i could also help out with decoder pro have been using for a few years now on both power pro and power cab. I have a portable setup I could bring up. of course busy time for me up to Christmas but might have some time if you are also not to busy. Cheers for now catch up soon I hope
Hi Bryce, that would be great mate! I have a update E-prom and USB cable on order from Gary at MRRC . If you get a spare break come on up for a run and give me a lesson..LOL
Talk to you soon .
Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms No worries weekends probably best for me, what day suits you? Don't you have a power pro? if so usb cable not what you want that is more for Power Cab. Best one I've found is ESU rs 232 to usb I think Gary stocks it just not on website you have to ask. Maybe that's the one you ordered. no matter I can bring up mine anyway.
Hi Bryce, yes I have a Power Pro plus a 5amp booster and you're correct, I remember Gary saying something about a ESU cable...I glaze over when he starts talking technical..LOL I should have it and the new chip next week? I'm working next weekend , then its Christmas! So maybe after that? I will have to crank up my old laptop so we can use that!
Talk to you soon.
Cheers Gregg.
Ok sounds good. Merry Christmas to you and Lord Stan
Great ,video again , I know you said you won't use the DDE function ,but is it possible to show how to program it with decoder pro ,in your next video , some of us train setters out here are not so bright!!!. I would be just using it on a single loco and I don't know of any videos ,showing how to program the DDE function, Cheers John.
Thanks John! When I get Decoder Pro and work out how to use it, I will do a video of the DDE set up , but you will have to keep reminding me , OK!
Cheers Gregg
Okay,Cheers
You work trackside for a railroad don't you? I know you've mentioned some about real ones just can't remember.
Yes Harry, I work for Queensland Rail as a Signal electrician/maintainer , here in Brisbane.
Gregg.
hola... Ojalá se pudiera colocar subtitulos al eapañol...
gracias...
mauricio yañez
chile...
Gracias Mauricio!
Gregg.
I like the sounds on the TS2, but I find it way too complicated to setup. I prefer the ease of setup/use of the WowSound personally.
TCS chose the audio set up to get around the CV issues, clever idea but decoder pro will solve them hopefully?
Cheers Gregg.
I also find that they just run better out of the box. Smoother low speed, better sound. Tsunami can do a lot, but out of the box they aren't very good. A lot of people I know don't want to program many CVs. They just want to run. If you don't put the time into Tsunami you aren't getting the best performance or sound. I'm not a DCC fan though. I like the sound and digital control, but it is way overcomplicated. I hate programming CVs. Thanks for the video.
I hate programming CV's too John..LOL I feel Soundtraxx set their decoders on more generic settings and as you say, some adjusting is required to get the best out of them. They are more for "fiddlers" if you like..LOL , or people who hate scenery????? DCC is great but can sometimes lose its "fun" due to the complexity of it..very true.
Thanks for watching Sir.
Gregg:-)
Haha. I love scenery, maybe that's why I hate CVs :) Thanks for the videos Gregg. Keep them coming. Cheers- Jonathan
Well , there you go then!! LOL
Cheers mate.
And......... NO MATE!!!
*I am* the last Model Railroader on Earth NOT to have JMRI !! 😲😲😲 LOL!
Maybe, I don't have it yet either!! LOL
Hi Gregg
It's always a real pleasure to see you on new video, and I am all the more interested because I want to equip 2 AC4400 Athearn with a tsunami decoder I had planned the AT1000 (ref 828057) because I want to hear the noise of the compressor " Whoop " you can confirm that on the decoder you use it is possible to program it because on your video I don't hear that "whoop" ? so we can hear it very well on one of your old videos" https: / /ua-cam.com/video/3XBVmH9AzVc/v-deo.html" thank you for your help and Merry Christmas , Sincerely, Phil from France (so excuse my poor English ;-) )
Definitely no sense in giving Apple any more money than they have already accumulated. The sums that are being exchanged in their efforts to ensure a share of the Chinese market for mobile apps in the Orient are staggering.