DCC Impulses Column - 6
While the specific examples that Matt demoed were inter-
esting, it was his experience as a railfan and comments
about specific locomotive operation that seemed to impress
the attendees most. For example, areas that we discussed
included:
There are three basic types of bell (manual, air and electronic)
with various sounds within the types. While the electronic ver-
sion can sound like either of the other, depending upon what
was recorded, there is one sonic difference. When you shut
down an electronic bell it stops immediately, even in mid-clang.
The other two will fade out when either the air supply is inter-
rupted or the operator stops pulling the cord. Matt reinforced
that the appropriate type and sound would be included in any
LokSound prefabbed sound file for the Select and all would
be available to the tinkerer who “rolls his own” for the V4.0
decoders. He also showed how, for the first time, LokSound has
made it possible for the E-bell to play automatically when the
horn is blown as is prototypical in many modern diesels.
Another sonic aspect of prototype locos that is supported
by LokSound is “smart start.” Since I reside in the warm
Southwest, I was not aware of this operation. To save fuel (and,
of course, reduce pollution and noise), modern locos will shut
down after an extended period of idling. In cold climates, they
will then automatically restart when they get too cool and run
for a bit to heat things up. Changing a CV will allow a LokSound
5. LokSound V4.0 XL decoder for large-scale locos. ESU
photo.
5
6. LokSound Select Direct HO-scale light board replace-
ment decoder. ESU photo.
6
MRH-Dec 2014
