DCC with sound decoder options for Kato E-8?

[rogergperkins]

I have one DCC E-8 and would like to pair it with another one that would be converted to DCC.  I want sound, too, but do not know if there are any options. Thanks.

[SkipGear]

Roger,
 There are two options.

MRC - http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=7758

Digitrax - http://www.digitrax.com/products/sound-decoders/sdn144k0a/

The MRC is the only "drop in" decoder. It still requires a little trim here and there of the factory plastic tray. The Digitrax requires frame modifiactions best performed by Aztec. The MRC is their older 1600 series which isn't as good as their latest (1900 series) but it will do the job just fine. The Digitrax will require a lot of user "tweaking" to get the best sound out of it and the BEMF is un-usable.

[TiVoPrince]

Current  
decoder is a factor here too.  Pairing non-sound with sound will involve some tedious speed table editing.  Consider a Digitrax PR3 programmer and free JMRI software to avoid insanity.  PR3 also programmes sound decoders without additional hardware other than the regular 12v power supply...

[SkipGear]

It's not hard to match to the MRC decoder. It doesn't have any delays built in waiting for the engines to spool up. It is no different than speed matching any two loco's.

I usually set momentum pretty high to match the ramp up of the engine sounds then speed match the second loco to the sound loco.

[SkipGear]

Roger,
 I have been reading but I didn't see a question to answer. From your original question, choice is between the Digitrax and the MRC decoder. I personally feel the easiest answer is the MRC.

Speed matching is not difficult, just time consuming.

[peteski]

Roger,
if you bough a Kobo version of that loco, all you have to do is either take the shell off or read the manufacturer's ID CV (CV8 and possibly CV7 for version) from the decoder. Once you know what decoder is installed, you can buy couple more and install them in the other E8s. Then matching the speed will be relatively easy.  From past history I suspect the the decoder Kato uses is from Digitrax.