The Locomotive: Switching TCS Wow Sound for ESU Loksound v5.

[@TMandN]

Ya...the more I use Loksound the less I will settle fot TCS and Soundtraxx

[@boomerdiorama]

I do like the "keep-alive" feature on the TCS motherboard and they do sound good. On the other hand, ESU offers the "keep-alive" option as well coupled with a richer set of sound features.

[@MotownModels]

Warren, I believe I had programmed the decoder to kill the ditch lights on F12 (dimmer) because that's what most prototype locos do. If you want to change it so the ditch lights work the same as the headlights, program the following CV's in this specific order: CV31=16 CV32=3 CV372=0 CV31=16 CV32=5 CV324=0

[@boomerdiorama]

It`s O.K. Tom. I wasn`t complaining about the ditch lights turning off with the dimmer (this is a desired ESU Loksound prototypical feature). I was only making an observation in relation to the lack thereof with TCS.

[@christopherrobinson66]

There is a simple fix for your complaint: remap the functions on TCS WOW-sound decoders. I have remapped the ditch lights to F3 in sound mode and removed the sound function associated with F3 while also programing F3 as dual mode function. it is a snap to do this with JMRI. I have also made F4 dual mode and eliminated the sound function from F4 so it serves to dim the headlight(s) without playing any sound. The sounds associated with F3 & F4 were remapped to a very high function numbers so that they bare not lost, but merely out of normal range when operating -- i can bring them back into use any time I wish.

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate the fix tip. As much as I respect and like TCS, my simple fix is going with Loksound v5 in all my locomotives. I also don`t need JMRI. Thanks anyway though. Cheers.

[@woodalexander]

I figured there had to be a solution to this problem. This video is basically BS it's just showing the default, not how it works once it's function mapped to the owner's preferred function map. Also, LS5 function mapping is a total nightmare. It's very powerful, but very confusing. I may have to get the LokProgrammer, as it's rather confusing in JMRI.

[@Mercatoyd]

thrilled that you covered this issue. I only have one sound loco and it is a Broadway Limited switcher. I have three four axle units that I want to add sound to in the future and issues as you've described sure helps in making a choice. Thank You for bringing this out. What you've shown is not a nit pick.. its a real issue.

[@boomerdiorama]

I`m glad it helps. I still like TCS, but the issue I described causes me to put the locomotive away over the ESU Loksound equipped units. I still think TCS has the best horn "quill" sound, by far, over the ESU Loksound though. Furthermore, I just picked up an ESU Loksound Programmer, because almost all my locomotives are ESU Loksound equipped now. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Thanks for the sound decoder comparison, sans the company sponsored bias. Much appreciated.

[@boomerdiorama]

No problem!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Boomer, I really appreciate this video, as I am drinking info from a firehouse at the moment, and want to try installing a couple of decoders, instead of always having it done by a train store all the time (-cost prohibitive). Question: Do you do your own decoder installs? I want to buy an Athearn Genesis MP15AC, and install a Loksound 5, but I'm nervous about installing a decoder / speaker / keep alive in such a tiny space.

[@boomerdiorama]

You don't really save money when you install your own decoder. Best to force yourself and learn how to do it like most of us. The advantage is you get to create your own personal locomotive nobody else has when you do it yourself. But you don't really save money. You get to spread out the cost. I don't do commissions anymore because I do not have the time. Cheers and thanks for asking.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

@@boomerdiorama Really appreciate those clarifications / insights. So, do you have an ESU LokProgrammer, or do you have the store install your locomotive sound files at the time of purchase?

[@brian5606]

Up close, these hooligans look splendid man. I know this was about sound and function, but as you were discussing issues bout decoders, all I good do is admirer how good these two locomotives look in they're environment. Lol 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You. I am having a few issues with the SD38AC Decoder (TCS). It appears to have a short. I might replace it with ESU Loksound so I can reliably MU them both together, Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@waynehawkins2157]

You have another voice!! I like TCS but changing from light mode to sound mode is a pain. LOKSOUND is great and Soundtraxx is easy to use. Soldering for dcc sound I suck but Loksound and Soundtrexx easy

[@boomerdiorama]

I have never tried Soundtraxx, therefore I can`t say how they are. Loksound is easy to solder for sure. Cheers mate.

[@ianisaacs2340]

That is a pain in the ass, but for whatever it’s worth I believe you can switch the audio assist off. I don’t know but I believe you can re-map the function keys, I know that can be more hassle than one may want to deal with.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes, it is painful. You probably can re-map, but who wants to? Not me. This is one of the reasons why I am sticking with ESU Loksound v5, even though I think TCS builds a great sound decoder. Cheers. - Boomer.

[@ianisaacs2340]

I totally understand, something else I noticed in the video I’m very curious about is how did you get the headlights to not be black while they are off? That is one of my biggest pet peeves is black headlights, looks toy like

[@boomerdiorama]

@@ianisaacs2340 Those LED's are yellow when off. It's the way they look with the panel they are mounted on. I get them from:www.motownmodels.com/shop/nano-leds

[@ianisaacs2340]

@@boomerdiorama damn, they only do HO sized headlights. ☹️ Hopefully someone has a N scale version. Another awesome detail that puts you in a special league Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@ianisaacs2340 Cheers. It's never to late to change scales if one desires. Cheers. - Boomer.

Great 😉👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the sub! Cheers.

[@jonnyspeed]

Pronounced "LokeSound" btw... Lok is short for Locomotive. Per ESU... TCS is better for steam, but I still like LokSound for Diesels. To be fair TCS has a new sound decoder version coming that is being developed with Rapido.

[@boomerdiorama]

Some Canadians pronounce things differently . . . Lol. I hope TCS fixes the "Light Mode" to "Sound Mode" issue . . . otherwise they still have my respect anyway.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Heard directly from Rapido is that they’ll be designed to work with ESU decoders. Some guys use Lokprogrammers to customize their engines so it might not work for them.

[@johnnyfuller4110]

Got a bowser with lok sound 5 it’s amazing and simple never buy another decoder I do like my mth proto3 too had one sound traxx nothin but issues

[@boomerdiorama]

They just came out with a new Loksound v5 Motherboard with built in "keep Alive"! I'll be looking to do a review of one of those soon. Cheers.

[@WestCoastRails]

I did the same

[@boomerdiorama]

This is no disrespect for TCS. If they change it, they win me back. Until then I`m going with Loksound v5. Cheers

[@KingTrump2024]

Had 2 TCS Wow Sound decoders, and now I have 0 .

[@boomerdiorama]

I have two as well . . . I parked them. Still good though.