Freelance 2013

[torikoos]

I made up my mind and replaced the ESU sound decoder with Zimo plain DCC decoder in the GP15. One of each pair of Gensets became a dummy. That permits the combinations of Genset/Genset(D), GP15-1/Genset(D) and GP38-2/Genset(D). That is a nice collection of choices seen in the LA basin without speed matching problems and only one drive noise. Finally became a SW1500 a dummy too. I like the prototypical combination of GP15-1/SW1500(D).

I used to have the hearing ability of a child, but since I have worked in noisy environment (including the use of hearing protection), it has deteriorated a little (not that bad yet) but I have not yet heard an ESU decoder hum, but I will also be the first to say that I've never heard one in a completely quiet environment.
Other DCC decoders also make noises, from high pitched buzz an squeals to pulsing noises, usually emitted by the motor when driven, but then again I own no Zimo decoders and could be that those are completely silent. I do have some Lenz Gold decoders which are also pretty quiet, but they don't have the flexibility for auxilary output lighting programming that I'd like. If ever your ESU sound decoder come up for sale, before sticking them on e-bay I would like to know as I'd be happy experimenting with one. I know I might need a programmer, but I know some people who have one, so that's not a huge issue.

Love the switcher lashups, and using dummies is a good idea, saves hassle of matching as you say, and reduces power draw.

Koos