Just to close the post out, I finally received my Phoenix sound card. I decide to install it into my Connie, but the mogul will be
next. I was not surprised by how good the Lenz gold maxi (+ hybrid
drive) decoder is, as I have used its smaller cousin in HO. I especially love
the smooth motor control and BEMF. I know some purists don’t like BEMF on decoders
as real trains don’t behave this way. The phoenix performs very well; I easily programmed it using
the programming software and cable. The fact that this works just amazed me! I’m
not sure why I had convinced myself that the computer interface wouldn’t work. I have simply placed the speaker in the tender, no fancy enclosures
as yet. I think it sounds great, and I am very critical of sound systems, the
test will be to see what the train buddies think. As I don’t have an outdoor layout I can’t fully test the
capabilities of the phoenix (which is code for drive the neighbours mad! ),
but I hope to set up a loop on the lawn temporarily and enjoy it in the next
few weekends! |