Description
American Diesel (GE 3rd Gen) Sound Card
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nealemonks (verified owner) –
Absolutely essential sound card for the modern North American model railroader!
This is the card you want for freight locos like the 'Dash-9' (C44-9W) and AC4400CW and the Genesis-series passenger train locos, as well as some older locos like the U28C that also used the FDL-16 prime mover. Like a lot of these sound cards, there are three different horns to choose from (two Leslies and one Nathan) as well as the usual brake, bell, and coupler sounds. As with most Kato sound cards, there's feedback between the loco and the Sound Box so that the engine revs up when speeding up or working harder, while the dynamic brake cuts out once the train stops. There some nice coasting and start-up sound effects too.
You can use the card in two ways: easy drive or sound synchronised. Easy drive is reacts immediately to the throttle, speeding up and slowing down as quickly or slowly as you turn the dial. Sound synchronised features realistic momentum and appropriately triggered sound effects for a more immersive (if challenging) experience. By adjusting the starting voltage and momentum dials on the Sound Box (or in the Smart Controller app) you can tweak the rate at which the loco speeds up and slows down. It takes some getting used to but does make things like shunting or coasting to a stop in a station rather more fun.
Overall, a solid addition to Kato's sound card range and undoubtedly one of the most useful.