In response to Mr Clutterbuck's query regarding the Ossynths sound system and DCC I can confirm that the two are mutually incompatible.
The Ossynths unit puts out pure DC (so you need locos with coreless motors). The sound provided by both the IC and steam systems is superior in every way to that provided by DCC, which, as the sound chip is in the loco, does not benefit from the auxiliary speakers, nor the powerful output Otto has cleverly contrived. As far as I am aware, Otto's diesel system is the only one to offer 'diesel mechanical' sound, with a choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4 cylinder units. No DCC system I know of offers 'wheel and rolling stock' sound options either. Hearing a loco running 'light engine' rumbling over light rails, buffing up to a train, then the whole moving off with the clatter of skips or groan of timber wagons is a treat DCC owners can only dream of.
DCC though, does have benefits, particularly with large systems, where multiple train movements are required. This aspect is of less importance for narrow gauge operations where often, only one loco is 'in steam' as a matter of course. I know Otto can make systems that cope with more than one loco, my own diesel system provides 2 or 3 cylinder modes (for a Ruston LAT & LBT). My steam system will cope with either UK, European or US narrow gauge steam.
Roy
