Uploading Sounds To A Digitrax Decoder (195)

Now that I showed you in video 194 how to instal a Digitrax decoder in an Athearn ready to roll Athearn diesel locomotive it's time to take a look at how to upload new sound projects into those decoders. So kick back with a favorite beverage and get ready for the action. For those of you wanting to avoid the up front discussion and get right to the action skip ahead to about the 4 1/2 minute mark. So let's get started!
To download sound projects got to www.digitrax.com/sound-depot/list/
Or go to Groups.io sign up and join the AnPRR group

[@brent7513]

Another great video. Thank you for this walk through.

[@tvtoms]

Appreciate the look at the Digitrax interface and uploading process. Seems pretty straightforward and painless, other than the piercing scream of a Star Trek phaser on overload.

[@TheDCCGuy]

It does get your attention, and provides evidence it is doing something!

[@nickpatel8199]

Excellent instructional video....clear, direct, and well explained.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry, 🐾🚂 BearCreek KY.

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

very informative. THANKS

[@jasonpalmere695]

very good video

[@geraldjones2278]

Another informative video. I might suggest for those who want to actually program and run the locomotive in a limited space to invest in a set of rollers so the loco's wheels can actually turn without it moving.

[@TheDCCGuy]

That is another reason I do most programming on the main. I do have rollers but for some reason I thought that with Soundtest it only ramped up the rpms and did not power the motor, then I saw the loco was actually moving on me!

[@SirLANsalot]

The decoder is only part of the sound quality aspect. The major part that makes sounds good or bad is the size or the speaker, bigger meaning better range of sound. So you CAN take a Digitrax decoder, and trade out the speaker it comes with for a sugar cube or bigger speaker. And as he is pointing out, your secondary locomotives, aka the ones NOT in the lead, you can just use a cheaper decoder if its just going to be making engine noises. You can then put the good high end stuff in the lead loco, for good bell and horn. Like for example, using a Scaletrains or BLI locomotive as your lead loco, and then using a Kato or Atlas with an added sound as your MU units.

[@adamserafini6945]

Cube speakers have been tested here over cone type and have the lower frequency benefit ala base then general cone speakers as long as the enclosure is oversized custom to fit the loco .Actually got good sound out of a MRC 645E sound decoder that way .Beware all 11+ 15mm cube speakers are not the same. Did some experiments with cell phone speakers with the same enclosure and identical input on the bench and a Samsung outperformed others the same size . Apple I phone 6 are odd shaped ,but are amazing in a GE dash 8 where there is room under the radiator .Note they have to be original Apple not a China knockoff .They are junk but look identical .

[@dannyervin3486]

Enjoyed the video! My jury is still out on sound. I'm weighing the pros and cons of n scale sound. This helps since I utilize digitrax on my layout. Thanks!

[@SirLANsalot]

I have both Digitrax and BLI sound units on my N scale layout. I have a pair of NW2's from BLI (tiny little locomotives) and I cannot believe how good they sound (once you turn the damn things down). However the BLI AC6000 just is amazing, obviously because its a bigger locomotive and thus bigger speaker. I have some Digitrax ones as well in a Kato SD40-2 in BNSF H1, and I haven't adjusted the sound files yet (still sounds like an SD70) but the sound is good even for the default oval speaker. Also have one in a Kato E8B (E8A is just a decoder) and it also sounds great. I have also gotten some XL systems (xlsystemsdcc.com) sound decoders, XL is the manufacturer of MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation) decoders. Now these decoders are the basic of basic with a hard wired speaker, and the sound qaulity is what you expect, not that wonderful but not horrible either, they are super cheap and are perfect for MU secondary units (Horn and Bell aren't great but the engine running is, ok).

[@dannyervin3486]

@@SirLANsalot Thanks for the information.

[@stuartaaron613]

On many of my diesels, and a few steam engines, I use SoundTraxx Econami decoders. Yes, there are fewer sound options, but the sound is just as good as Tsunami2, but for less money.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I love the Econami PNP and 21PNEM decoders. My favorite was the ECO-100 and I still use them for my UK fleet. However all my US steam locos have WOWSound decoders. I have an eBay dealer who sells them for $65 which os a great bargain.

[@how_to_hallagon1]

I'm in that position with cost as well. I work part time and a $189 wow sound is to far for me to reach. Plus I need simple installation and plug in play is part of that

[@charlesmitchell487]

Hi Larry - thanks for all the very useful info! I've got a question about a non-digitrax decoder. It's and XL 1960 decoder I installed in both of my Kato N scale SD 70mac locomotives. Oddly the same engine sound files have differnt characteristics - not sure why that is, but on the Wabash Heritage unit, the shutdown lasts apprx 5-6 seconds, whereas the Erie Heritage unit is only about 3. As I say, both sound files according to XL Systems sheet, are the same. I suppose I could go through all the different sounds to see if they were assigned different #'s... Anyway, would the time difference be due to the sound file or a slight difference in the card?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have no experience with these decoders. I suspect you will find they are based in China and the NJ address is just a contact point. If their instructions don’t provide the info on the sounds then you will need to contact them through the contact form on their website. I would be interested in hearing your resolution to this and how responsive they are to your requests for assistance. Good luck-Larry

[@charlesmitchell487]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks for the quick response Larry. I've been in contact with the fellow from New Jersey, but he's not terribly communicative. I guess I was asking more of a dcc functional question, but I'm going to do some experimentation with the JMRI software. I'll get back to you on my findings. Anyway, I forgot the most important part, especially for us model railroaders, who on this very day, was born our love of this hobby, MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

[@bobainsworth5057]

Did you put a sugar cube speaker in this engine? If so , in previous videos you said sugar cubes are 4 ohm speakers and you should keep master volume at 1/2 volume because you blow speaker. Did I get this wrong?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, and all those I know of are 8 ohms.

[@modelrailfan37]

Great information! Does the Digitrax SoundLoader system work for uploading sounds to other brands of decoders, or just Digitrax decoders?

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, just Digitrax.

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

Hi Larry, excellent video as always. I have just one question about this whole process. I have done some sound improvement projects and have loaded them without any major problems, but I have a question about how to assign each sound to a function button. Could you explain this in a video or tell me if you have already done them, where can I see it? Thank you very much and greetings from Chile.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I think I might have covered this in a video on mapping functions but the issue is it differs somewhat with each brand of decoder. I know I covered it in a video on LokSound decoders but there I have done almost 350 videos and so your best bet is to do a search for videos on function mapping or scan down the list of my videos. To be honest it is easiest done with DecoderPro since that way it is click and choose and I never do it any other way.Also with Digitrax decoders it is written into the code for the decoders so cannot be altered unless you do a deep dive into programming them.

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

@@TheDCCGuy Good day, thanks for you response. I will review your videos. Regards...

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

I have an other question. I work with some 8-bit SDN147K1c decos... I uploaded files at 44ks/s with some at 11ks/s, it loads them but when testing the deco it doesn't sound... Will I have to lower them all to 11ks/s? Unfortunately, I can't upload an image of the file to give you an idea... Well, thank you very much in advance.

[@Michrailfan]

Question here: At the train club I go to, we use JMRI programmer, and use a NCE DCC system. Is there any way where I can upload sounds the the JMRI programmer and not a PR3 or 4 to a digatrax decoder?

[@TheDCCGuy]

As far as I know you must have a PR3/4 or command station with it built in to use the Digitrax Soundloader program and upload sound files.

[@jrasche]

I have older Athern locos that obviously are not equipped with DCC. I’d like to have sound, lights ect. I am using a Bachmann EZ command. I see online that digitrax has a module with just a speaker… but I also see a pc board. Can I simply use the module with the speaker or do I need that pc board? And lastly- are those compatible with the Bachmann EZ command? Thanks in advance- I’ve been racking my brain on this.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I think some new EZ command systems have function controls like that. Check your instructions to see if yours is one of them.

[@spacecalander]

Can you get sound files if you do not have digitrax programmer? Can this be done with decoder pro maybe? Thanks

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, sound files require a system specific program and hardware to upload. Only Digitrax, LokSound, and Zimo off this capability as far as I know.

[@tomschmidt3165]

Larry, I use a RR-CirKits LocoBuffer-USB as my interface for my computer to command station when working with JMRI. Can I use the LocoBuffer as my interface with the Digitrax program? I do have an old PR3 that I've never used.

[@TheDCCGuy]

To be honest I am not sure, however since Soundloader uses the PR3 protocols I think not. The quickest way to find out is give it a try.

[@tomschmidt3165]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks Larry. I'm going to give the LocoBuffer a try first.

[@railwoodgamestarandrailfanandb]

Hello Puckette Sir, I have a query, can I install sound files to esu lokpilot decoder through digitrax PR 4 from Esu Software ?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Lokpilot decoders are mobile only, no sound capability. If you meant a LokSound decoder you can only upload sound projects with the ESU interface.

[@davedefrehn6257]

Quick Question. Can the Digitrax sound loader software upload sound files using an Arduino base station instaed of a PR3 or 4?

[@TheDCCGuy]

It is proprietary so I doubt you could back engineer the process.

[@davedefrehn6257]

@@TheDCCGuy OK Thanks. I thought maybe because I can read/write to the decoder from the Arduino's program channel there might be chance eprom flashing could be done also. Guess I'll just buy a PR-3 or 4.

[@derekdestefano5809]

Do I need to purchase the PR3/4 or can I just use my DCS52 connected to my PC?

[@TheDCCGuy]

That unit has a built-in usb interface and is the equivalent of a PR4 so you should be good to go as soon as you get the cable to interface with your computer.

[@dylansinge6799]

Do you need a digitrax PR4 or can you use the digitrax DCS210+ advanced command station with the wires on the program section, because it is not working for me as I keep getting the message that I have an unknown decoder

[@TheDCCGuy]

The 210+ basically has a PR4 built into it. Is your decoder a Digitrax sound decoder, those are the only ones that can play the sound files.

[@dylansinge6799]

@@TheDCCGuy I have an esu decoder installed, I’ve heard that they are all compatible

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, you can only load Digitrax files to Digitrax decoders, and LokSound files to LokSound decoders, and Zimo files to Zimo decoders, and you must use their proprietary hardware and software to do it. Now you can program the CVs of the various decoders using a program like DecoderPro or even your programming throttle and the DCS210+ but that is as far as it goes.

[@dylansinge6799]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you so much for answering this, finally a straight forward answer

[@justinmalachinski1496]

I have a question, I did the exact steps you did, but for a P42DC and I got no sound now, any suggestions

[@TheDCCGuy]

Where did you get the sound project-I don’t see it in the Sound Depot?

[@TheDCCGuy]

OK, I see it is among John’s Groups.io files. All O can suggest is try loading it again a d then if it still doesn’t play then check with John to see if he has any suggestions.

[@justinmalachinski1496]

@@TheDCCGuy i tried reloading it but it says it doesn’t have enough space, if that makes sense. I’m going to my grandfathers soon and he’s pretty good with this stuff, hopefully he can help me if not I’ll ask John for some assistance. Thank you

[@TheDCCGuy]

Ok, I bet you’re trying to load a 16K file into an 8K decoder or for some reason John’s project is just too large for your decoder. Check your decoder specs. and see if John has a smaller version.

[@justinmalachinski1496]

@@TheDCCGuy I honestly did not think about that, I’m 18 so I’m newer to this thank you so much I really appreciate the feedback, your videos have been so helpful and inspiring

[@dan8402]

I honestly can’t see spending over $50 for a decoder sound or not. The digitrax sound units should be fine. Basic things when in reality I am more about running the trains. All my locomotives are still DC so this will be great.

[@kereta_miniatur]

why you never try to upload sound file with pr3? fail??

[@TheDCCGuy]

I am sorry but I do not understand your question.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Is it just me or were that loco's movements rough and jerky?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Probably just me trying to work both the throttle and the camera.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

@@TheDCCGuy OK. I really like the idea of a loco to which I can easily add the DCC w/ sound decoder of my choice. I wish that was as easy in N scale.

[@dr.trains119]

Are you using steel track?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Does anyone actually make steel track anymore?

[@dr.trains119]

Yes many companies still do especially in starter sets

[@TheDCCGuy]

Interesting, I haven’t seen any in decades!

[@railwoodgamestarandrailfanandb]

Which digitrax decoder is this?

[@TheDCCGuy]

SDXN136, I showed how to install it in video 194.

[@claytons8263]

Hello Mr Puckette I just received your book Wiring your model rail road Like to send it to you and possibly have you sign it for me? If that would be possible.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Be happy to just make sure to include return postage and mailer.

[@claytons8263]

@@TheDCCGuy That be fantastic Thank you As soon as I get what's requested I will let you know and at that point I can get the address. To where to send it. Thank you again Clayton (love the videos great job)

[@heeznutz946]

i have a Mac, will this work on my machine? i'd really prefer to use this on a Mac rather than a buggy, slow AF, should already be thrown in the trash even though it's brand new - microshaft based system

[@TheDCCGuy]

As far as I know Digitrax only supports the Windows platform.

[@midwestmodeltrains3985]

Bad sound equals good… okay digitrax I guess that makes sense lol