Sound decoders
ESU Sound decoders
ESU kicked off the sound decoder revolution. They are famous for their high tech decoders and large choice of international sounds.
58923 Loksound 5 Nano
0.75A With 10 wires + 2 speaker wires
You would choose this because:
Very small and complete solution.
Large choice of sounds.
ESU’s smallest
Specifications:
Dimensions (with connector): 25.0 x 8.4 x 3.9 mm
Compatible with systems: DCC, MM, DC-analog
Max. motor current: 0.75 A
Max. driving voltage: 18 V
Nominal Speaker Impedance: 4 - 32 Ohm
With SUSI interface
Important notes: the connector plug should NOT be turned 180 degrees. This will not work.
Also, the ESU 2021 brochures claims it has a Powerpack connection. We have not found this on the decoder and suspect this is a copy and paste error in their documentation.
Zimo Sound decoders
Sound characteristic values
Sampling rate: 22 kHz/16 Bits
Independent sound channels: 12
Memory size: 128 Megabits
Memory period: 760 s
Maximum output rating: 3 W (4-32 Ω)
Please note: An 11 x 15 mm speaker is included. Buy an alternative sized speaker here.
Zimo sound installation with
MS500N and STACO3A
Zimo sound decoders are known for their ease of use and with a Roco Z21 and a computer (Windows, though works through Parallels with a Mac), you can actually upload new sounds to the decoder. No additional hardware necessary! The Tramfabriek will only sell the tiniest decoders, mostly suitable for N and 009/H0e/H0m gauge.
Pre-installed sound
If you would like to have a certain sound installed, contact me about this. The Tramfabriek can install free or paid sound from for example Zimo, Digitrains at cost, or any other sound supplier that offers re-blow service. Check for available sounds here.
MS500
MS490
MS590N18
MS500 series
Zimo’s smallest (wider, shorter)
- Size: 14 x 10 x 2,6 mm
- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)
- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions
- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps
- With RailCom
Zimo sound decoder MS500 is functionally identical to MS490, but wider and shorter.
MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.
Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.
The decoders of the MS500 family are not mfx-compatible.
For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here
Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.
MS490 series
Zimo’s smallest (narrow, longer)
- Size: 19 x 8.6 x 2,9 mm
- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)
- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions
- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps
- With RailCom
Zimo sound decoder MS490 is functionally identical to MS500, but more narrow and 5 mm longer.
MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.
Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.
The decoders of the MS490 family are not mfx-compatible.
For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here
Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.
MS590N18
Zimo’s smallest Next18 solution
- Size: 15 x 9.5 x 3.3 mm
- 4 wires (2x speaker, 2x for optional stayalive)
- 4 functions (0.5Amps Total Max) + 2 Logic Functions
- Current Rating Avg 0.7 Amps , Peak 1.5 Amps
- With RailCom
Zimo sound decoder MS580N18 is functionally identical to MS490 and MS500, but with Next18 plug.
MS-Sound with fully digital sound amplifier of 1W.
Stay-alive: Direct connection, limited to 1000 µF. In addition, as with all decoders, an external circuit with the StayAlive controller STACO. Also some diodes, resistor and the energy storage electrolytic capacitor can be connected.
The decoders of the MS500 family are not mfx-compatible.
For Zimo’s STACO stayalive, click here
Zimo decoder do not come with a speaker. Get them here.
Doehler & Haass SUSI Sound modules
The German brand Doehler & Haass is well known for their quality sound decoders. There is something special about the way their decoders bring the sounds to you. Anyone can make the sound of a steam train huffin’ and puffin’, but it’s in the fine details where you hear the difference. It all feels more natural. The sound projects for these decoders are mainly from the German speaking countries and (curiously enough) Spain and can be listened to here. To upload the sounds to the decoder, you would need the Doehler & Haass programmer. The project file can be downloaded from within the programmer software. But when ordering your sound module, we are happy to install the desired sound project for you.
The SUSI system is a way to add extra functions to a normal train decoder. Any Train-O-Matic decoder has four SUSI solder pads. When this sound module is connected, it will be controlled by the train decoder and sound will be added to the existing setup. This is therefor not a full decoder, but a module to connect to a decoder that has SUSI connectors.
SH05A Sound module
SUSI connection
You would choose this because:
A price worthy solution to add sound to a locomotive or function decoder with a SUSI connection.
Leaves possibility to connect Powerpack to our tOm decoders
Smallest SUSI sound module
Specifications:
Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.3 x 2.9 mm
Sampling rate: 22 kHz
Independent sound channels: 8
Memory size: 128 Megabits
Memory period: 760s
Max. output rating: 1.6 W (8 Ω)
Max. operating voltage 30 V
SH10A Sound module
SUSI connection
You would choose this because:
A price worthy solution to add sound to a locomotive or function decoder with a SUSI connection.
Leaves possibility to connect Powerpack to our tOm decoders
Thinnest SUSI sound module
Specifications:
Dimensions: 20,0 x 12,0 x 1,9 mm
Sampling rate: 22 kHz
Independent sound channels: 8
Memory size: 128 Megabits
Memory period: 720s
Max. output rating: 2.6/1.6W W (4/8 Ω)
Max. operating voltage 30 V
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