Senior editor Dana Kawala installed a SoundTraxx Econami ECO-100 Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder into a Trix HO scale United States Railway Administration light 2-8-2 steam locomotive. Check out this demo of the new Econami decoder on the Model Railroader staff’s club layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Video: SoundTraxx Econami ECO-100 DCC decoder steam version
By Dana Kawala | November 20, 2015
| Last updated on May 6, 2021
Watch a demo of the SoundTraxx Econami ECO-100 Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder installed in a Trix HO scale steam locomotive
I like these decoders. Unfortunately, from what I understand through my local hobby shop is that Soundtraxx is not longer making. Unable to get certain parts. I am not sure if they will resume production if they can acquire those parts from a different manufacturer.
Sounds good, but Chuff sound sounded a little fast for the movement of the rods
Sounds great but looked like the chuff timing was a little fast for rod movement?
On the whole a good review but when, when, when is it going to sink in with demonstrators that steam locos do not chuff to a halt in ordinary circumstances. The engineer shuts the throttle and lets momentum take over. At that point all we should hear is some rod clank and maybe some sort of snifting valve sound. To get these effects requires a significant amount of momentum to be set in the decoder. The Econami is ideally set up for this because with the working brake you have an ability to stop more quickly when necessary.
good review Dana thats how a Steam does things.
Dana, how about a video of the installation of a separate low frequency speaker on the layout to support the onboard sound decoders. Then a demo of the effect.
Thanks,
David
A very nice and reasonably priced way to spruce up a steam fleet. The sounds are quite good and reasonably balanced. I only worry about the apparent low coupler on the engine's tender.
Thanks for the review Dana. I like the idea of Soundtraxx providing a nice simple decoder at a reasonable price. A lot of us don't need all the neat features found in the top-of-the-line decoders. This looks like it will do just what I want.
Nice review of the new Econami decoder. I really appreciate that Soundtraxx added the cylinder cocks to the list of sound capabilities. Thank you for including that feature in the video. I have one of these ready to install in a brass locomotive. If I may ask, what speaker did you install in the Trix locomotive?