NSW 73 Class decoder thoughts

This week the Pi took a backseat due to home networking problems. Hopefully this week I can progress the finalisation of the Howto document.

So with the downtime on the Pi I started researching decoder options for the Auscision 73 class. I started with Mr Mackie's instructions, then looked at a Youtube video of a Loksound install. I then stumbled on the Zimo MX645 sound decoder out of Austria. It has the ability to operate 10 output functions along with sound. The default sound project is a number of steam profiles and one diesel, based on a German V12 diesel hydraulic engine. As the 73 was a V8 DH and there is no exact recording of the Cat D379 engine, it's probably as good as you will get without being a rivet counter (which I am not). Also the mini 8x12x8mm speaker is supposedly very good for its size. With the dimensions being slightly smaller than the Loksound decoder and standard oval speaker, I am hoping I can position it without too much internal modifications. And they are reasonably priced from Orient Express models in South Oz. So I think I will go down this path and give it a go. The mods to the light boards' SMD LEDs are supposedly a right royal mongrel due to their size, but lets give it a go!

Other than the abovem I've been thinking of how I want to proceed with the rejigging of Illavearf's control. I'll keep the points DCC controlled, but have the accessories MERG controlled. But the big decision will be whether to have two small or one big mimic panel/s for standalone operation, or utilise the Pi's JMRI install and setup PanelPro on a computer terminal. Decisions, decisions!

So this week as mentioned will be hopefully documenting the Pi install, ordering the Zimo decoder and speaker, and pondering the panel issue.