Large Scale Central

How good is a ZIMO/Däppen Sound combo

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

On the occasion of KISS’ RhB C-C delivery - a visually almost perfect brass model with a few flaws at approx. US$ 4000 - it was interesting to see the first videos of the reptile in action. Hmmm personally I would expect more for that money.

To present a comparison with a LGB C-C with a ZIMO/Däppen sound decoder I shot a short movie.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/100822485[/vimeo]

Superb slow running capabilities and excellent, prototypical sound combined with servo operated pantographs (freely selectable) together with the prototypical RhB head/tail light result in an affordable model for the model railway in our garden.

PS I haven’t videoed the Ge 4/4"and the Ge 2/4 yet, but they are in the same category. What needs to be noted, all three engines were obtained through eBay in used condition, with a lot of patience.

PPS Filmed on the EMM test track - that doesn’t get cleaned.

#2

I like the Zimo decoders, but thier sound library for US locos is thin.

The structure of sound files really makes it a pain, but most European sound decoders have the antiquated “sound bands” that make a sound file a lot of work to create and a LOT of work to modify, and of course impossible if you don’t have all the source sound files.

Have you even investigated how many of the 10 possible bands these are using?

Greg

#3

Greg Elmassian said:

I like the Zimo decoders, but thier sound library for US locos is thin.

The structure of sound files really makes it a pain, but most European sound decoders have the antiquated “sound bands” that make a sound file a lot of work to create and a LOT of work to modify, and of course impossible if you don’t have all the source sound files.

Have you even investigated how many of the 10 possible bands these are using?

Greg

Greg,

Mr. Däppen is currently in the USA recording sound for additional US sound projects.

Many years ago, when the first ZIMO sound decoders came on the market, I considered “rolling my own” … eventually. That was/is no longer necessary since Heinz Däppen does a super job and I have enough other items on a very long list that need to be built.

#4

To be clear, I have heard his work, and it is definitely a cut above.

But, aren’t his sound files a $25-$30 premium per decoder?

When you are doing 40 locos, it does add up!

Greg

#5

You’re right, but luckily I don’t have 40 engines.

That many would be a bit much for my layout and my traffic patterns. It’s mostly one engine per train and a few switchers.

#6

Hans, you don’t have a few dozen locomotives? :wink:

I have over 30, even though I can only run 2 at a time on my railroad. The cost of adding sound to them is why many of them are still mute.

Greg, it would be nice if we could get quality sound for a decent price. Of course, each person’s idea of sound that is “good enough” differs. But I do agree, an extra $25-$30 quickly becomes prohibitive when adding sound to a fleet of locomotives.

#7

David Maynard said:

Hans, you don’t have a few dozen locomotives? :wink:

…

I buy/bought just enough to run the planned schedule. They are specific to the era and area, it’s amazing how one can shrink the “need” by being specific. BTW same applies to rolling stock.

#8

HO decoder projects are $25, Large scale decoders are $35.

Actually the sound charges are MX64X are $25 (current ratings less than 2 amps) and MX69x decoders are $35 US (actually decoders over 3 amps).

#9

Dan, I don’t do DCC, I just need sound. Are you saying I can do just sound for $25 to $30?

Hans, I started out with a plan to model a railroad that only had 9 locomotives. But something happened along the way.

#10

David Maynard said:

…

Hans, I started out with a plan to model a railroad that only had 9 locomotives. But something happened along the way.

Yes David, you’re in good company. Lots of people are afflicted by the “I just have to have one of those, too” malady. Not just model railroaders, it goes right across the whole “goodies” spectrum. That’s what keeps the economy going and the merchants happy.

#11

Hans, yea. Well, I enjoy all my trains, even though many of them don’t fit my original vision. And the look on visitors’ faces is priceless when I show them my storage area.

#12

David Maynard said:

Hans, yea. Well, I enjoy all my trains, even though many of them don’t fit my original vision. And the look on visitors’ faces is priceless when I show them my storage area.

Few visitors get to see our storage area aka “Samedan”. They walk along and around the layout and then need to sit down. It’s not the distance, it’s the realization how much work went into it so far and how much is left 'til all the bridges, buildings etc. etc. are done.

#13

Some sound projects have user fees for zimo decoders, you still have to purchase the decoder.

#14

David: translation, $35 premium on top of the cost of the decoder, i.e. the really nice sound files cost extra.

One of the reasons I looked elsewhere for most of my fleet.

Greg