Heavy Steam ULT

[KPack]

Some of you got the email, but just in case you didn't Ring has released their highly anticipated Heavy Steam ULT.

Requires the latest LM-3S revision to play (2.30).  I don't think it works on LM-2S modules.  I'm not sure of the size of the file, but Tim mentioned to me that it was incredibly complex, which makes me think it is rather large.

-Kevin

[JRad]

Great news!  Now we know why the 2.30 update was posted    I'm going to load this into my test LM today.

[nodcc4me]

I'm downloading it now. It does take awhile.

[nodcc4me]

It is very large. Took over a half hour to copy to the LM-3s. I highly doubt it will fit on a LM-2-s.

[KPack]

Just spent some time playing with it (on a diesel engine....no steam at my place right now), and it sounds really nice.  I'm not very knowledgeable with steam, but I can tell that this is a good file.  I especially like how the chuff really barks when the load is up high.  Very smooth chuff rate changes up and down the speed range. 

Might need to pick myself up a steam locomotive just to enjoy this.

-Kevin

[nodcc4me]

You should, Kevin. They’re a lot of fun to run.


I only had a minute to spend with the new file. I’ll mess with it tomorrow and try adjusting the chuff rate.

[G8B4Life]

It is very large

Not large, just very slow. I'll complete today an analysis of the time taken as I've always wanted to do it. I may or may not post it, I haven't decided yet but I think you'd all be a little shocked at the findings.

- Tim

[KPack]

Yes, the file sizes aren't big.  But transfer is very slow....I'm assuming because how the programming is written.  Radio transfer should be near instantaneous, so it's not a limitation of the signal but rather a limitation of the software.

Comparatively speaking the Heavy Steam ULT is larger than most (or all) other files.

-Kevin

[G8B4Life]

Your assumption would most likely be correct. The only thing that is not known is how fast can the PIC and flash memory in an LM be written to, that would set the maximum transfer rate as I wouldn't think an LM includes RAM to put a buffer in.

Comparatively speaking the Heavy Steam ULT is larger than most (or all) other files.

Almost, many of the diesel ULT prime movers are bigger.

- Tim

[t4hrtrh]

Quick Intro. My name is Tom I jumped on the RP wagon last year.
I will give a better into in the proper section later.

Just wanted to comment on the new Heavy Steam. WOW.
I do Large Scale and was waiting on this for my Hudson. I put it all on the bench last night and finished it this morning. I have a 4 Ohm 2.5" speaker hooked up to it. Let's just say I am in the dog house.
I cranked that baby up and woke up the wife!!!!! The neighbors are going to love this.

[nodcc4me]

   Welcome, Tom. You'd better figure out what you're making your wife for dinner tonight. 

[nodcc4me]

I fooled around with the new file a bit more today. It does sound really good. I have noticed that the chuff rate still can not be adjusted properly. Also, if you slow down too quickly it messes up the chuffs so don't hit the brakes too hard.

[JRad]

I have two Bachmann Fn3 C-19 locomotives. I upgraded one with the the new Heavy Steam ULT sound then ran them together to compare.  I agree with all the WOW comments.  I recorded a video of the comparison...

Not a valid vimeo URL
We still need the chuff trigger input for good timing, especially at very slow speeds, but this is a huge improvement.  Thanks Tim!!!

[DaneG]

Has it been confirmed that the Heavy Steam ULT file works with a chuff cam?

[KPack]

As far as I know, chuff cam has not been implemented yet.  The hardware is there, software is not.

-Kevin