The key piece that differentiates simple steam sounds that I’ve found is that the typical diesel start -> idle -> run sequence of operations doesn’t translate to steam. I think all that would be needed is to have the code be able to be set to return to “idle” with some parked steam locomotive sounds. That and a steam whistle option instead of a horn!
Otherwise the speed and function control stuff works really well running the
locomotves and customizing the rate of acceleration, deceleration, and coasting. I’ve fiddled with .wav files for sound and loaded them onto two different locos - though my sound volume levels & chuffing ‘speed’ need work. I’ve got a rambling attempt at an explanation here...
One, hopefully constructive, comment. Steam engines do not idle. No part of the drive system of a steam engine is moving when the engine is stopped. There can be hissing sounds as excess steam is released, but that is not rhythmic. The "cuff" starts only when the wheels begin to move.
Sounds very good already actually, great job!
We are currently working on the steam firmware and sounds. As soon as we have it worked out, it will be pushed out as a firmware update (applicable to LocoFi™ 3 only). LocoFi™ 3 contains the necessary hardware that supports steams sounds and is currently shipping.
When do you expect to have steam sound? I'm restoring an old pre-DCC HO setup and would like to use LocoFi instead of DCC if I can.
Wow! Thanks for the files and feedback. I'll give these a go in the next day or two and get back to you here.
Hello Glen,
Thank you for your review and feedback. The absence of "idle -> running" transition and calibration of chuff rate are the primary reasons we do not recommend the diesel modules for steam. One other thing that makes the code change harder is the fact that the sound firmware is separate from the rest of the functionality of the module and is currently not updateable over the air.
However, we see that you have made a very nice attempt at getting it to "kind of work". To that end, we've put together a whistle for you to test with plus some blank sounds. The startup and shutdown are 1 second blank sounds. Can you try to use the startup sound from your first video in lieu of the idle sound? Throw in the bell from video 2 and give it a test. The final sound scheme should look like this:
0000.wav - attached 0001.wav - 0000.wav of first video 0002.wav - attached 0003.wav - attached 0004.wav - 0004.wav from second video horn.txt - attachedSince you are a valued customer and really into steam, we would like to say that we will be coming out with steam modules very soon.
Best regards,
LocoFi™ Team.
Second of two steam locomotives setup with LocoFi.