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Bif's service...........


boxbrownie

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Just wanted to say a big thank you to Bif and Charlie, before Christmas I ordered the Deltic chip, seems Deltic sounds are a bit thin on the ground (but not in the ear!), anyhoo I wanted to check it out in my 4mm before going the whole hog and getting the bigger chip for me 7mm version.

In the Bachman I installed two 18mm speakers in a sound chamber in the fuel tanks, these were a pair of rubber suspension coned laptop speakers I have used before to great effect, the whole sound box amounted to about 17cc......quite big for 4mm, I was sure it would do justice to the Deltic sound.

Long story even longer after Installing the chip I found the sound a bit muffled and with background hiss, probably my ears being too sensitive but I spoke to Charlie and Bif about it and they reblew it for me but it seemed the same upon return, we had discussions so Bif reblew it once again  with class 25 sounds (I of course had one of those waiting around for install, as you do!).

 

I was extremely happy with the Cl25 sounds, briliantly clear and defined, one of the best installs I have heard using a sugar cube speaker (these should not be underated, they are pnenomenal performers for thier size punching well above thier weight).

 

After that I forgot all about the Deltic until Bif contacted me to say he had done some research on the chips and had another project and would I like to try that, well how could I refuse.

 

Suffice to say the new project is really good, the Deltic is a very distinct sound and as I have found difficult to reproduce well especially in 4mm even with twin speakers in a large enclosure ( I even tried the original "dry mounted" into a PC speaker).

 

I think the service I got was exceptional, as far as Charlie and Bif were concerned I tried it, didn't like it and swapped for another, then Bif went ahead and made improvements based on my "complaints" and contacted me to let me know.....thats above and beyond.

 

Thank you Bif, sorry I have not been in here earlier to praise you but Christmas and all that..................now my little Deltic sounds like a little bit bigger :good:  

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Totally agree. I did the same, got a Class 27 and Deltic chip from them, just after Christmas. Had the same problems with the Deltic start up hiss, etc and Biff sent me a sound locked file for my Chip I think the same night that you posted this message. I'm just writing the new sounds on to it now, so looking forwards to the results. Regardless of the start up prob, the running sounds of these are superb. I'm using 2x enclosed and ported bass reflex speakers http://www.flickr.com/photos/bricktrix/11779191536/

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Totally agree. I did the same, got a Class 27 and Deltic chip from them, just after Christmas. Had the same problems with the Deltic start up hiss, etc and Biff sent me a sound locked file for my Chip I think the same night that you posted this message. I'm just writing the new sounds on to it now, so looking forwards to the results. Regardless of the start up prob, the running sounds of these are superb. I'm using 2x enclosed and ported bass reflex speakers http://www.flickr.com/photos/bricktrix/11779191536/

Cracking  :laugh: absolutely brilliant, love your Locos...... :good_mini:

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Seconded...Bif helped me out with a duff Peak (the ones where Bachmann didn't update the sounds for the new V4 chip), explained how to tell what version it was, re-blew it when it was confirmed as a duffer, and boy it sounds.....like a Peak!  Great communication, reasonable prices, highly reccomended.

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The only problem I find with some of Bifs sound chips is the fact on receipt the overall volume is pre set to a maximum 192 [Deltic + 50 + 31], which is below my regular Zimo volumes.

As I cannot increase the Loksound volume further, I either have to reduce all my Zimo  volumes to compensate  - which wouldn't be an issue if I had a small layout..........

The sounds themselves are fantastic, just the per set volume is the problem......

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Sorry to display my ignorance but who are Bif and Charlie and do you know if they have steam sounds for my 2 and 4 cylinder GWR locos?

 

As you may have already worked out from Charlie's response, Charlie is Charlie Petty of DC Kits.

 

Bif is Legomanbiffo, who also posts on these forums and does some great sound projects (which are marketed by DC Kits).

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The only problem I find with some of Bifs sound chips is the fact on receipt the overall volume is pre set to a maximum 192 [Deltic + 50 + 31], which is below my regular Zimo volumes.

As I cannot increase the Loksound volume further, I either have to reduce all my Zimo  volumes to compensate  - which would be an issue if I had a small layout..........

The sounds themselves are fantastic, just the per set volume is the problem......

Thats interesting, I wonder if that was the reason I could hear too much "background noise" maybe the amps are not as clean an output as we are used to in domestic/personal amps designed for music, could be that ramping up the basic volume would have the effect of reducing amp noise.

 

One thing I'd like to be able to do is individually adjust various "effects" volumes using sprog, but not sure if thats possible as when I look into the depths there is no indication of what adjustment controls what sound  :music:

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  • 2 weeks later...
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Ordered my 37 chip Thursday afternoon it arrived Friday morning. I wanted a 37/0 with a bass reflex speaker, not on the site, however no probs, ordered a 37/4 chip then e mailed Charlie who swapped the 37/4 with bass relex for 37/0 with bass reflex. The service is second to none and the sound? Absolutely fantastic clear and crisp. And every inch a 37

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Yes, must agree, nothing but praise for my dealings with Mr Biffo (Ian). 1st rate service!  Always has time for queries, etc.

 

Dave K

We both try our best, thanks for all your comments, how it works is simple really: 

We have in Leeds (dckits) over 150 Pre Loaded decoders sat here and visiting shows, Biff (Midlands) has another 50 - 70 blanks awaiting my instructions for programming,

even then we don't have everything, this being the case they come direct from Biff, all stock items, speakers, ESU spares and systems come from Leeds.

Delays do happen on occasions, we are currently waiting for 50 X 8P, 50 X 21p & 50 X Micros coming in from ESU, ours stocks currently are quite low (140 ish), but the delivery

we were told should arrive next week.

Our aim is to supply everything within 7 days maximum, normally items are posted out within 24 hours of orders placed, this we do 75% of the time, if you are unlucky then it could

be 48hours, on weekends I personally (dckits) are at model railway shows, leaving here at 12am Friday until 10pm Sunday, so Friday orders are always slower I am afraid.

 

We do try our best, the be THE BEST, on Service & Project sounds.  Our new MPV and Class 40 seem to be going silly at the moment!   Should'nt complain though.  Thanks to all: Biff & Charlie

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Many thanks for the kind words everyone, we do our best on the customer service front.

 

Regarding the LMS twins. I have been working closely with an authority on the subject; someone who worked on them extensively in his role as a test & commisioning engineer at Derby Works. All 'ancilliary sounds' (horns, compressor, brake sounds etc) are completed. The engines however have been a tougher nut to crack. Other suppliers have used Class 40 sounds on the premise that the engines were the same, but I am told that in reality the two types sounded completely different and the 'twins' did not whistle at all. I am currently experimenting with manipulated files from other locos and running them by the man to see if we can get somewhere closer to the original. A finished product is still a way off yet.

 

The Ruston 37/9 is probably top of my most wanted list at the moment but given that there are so few of them about, recording options are limited. I have pursued one avenue but no bites yet. Always happy to hear from anyone who can oil the wheels though.

 

Bif

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I have heard so much about the legendary 'Biffoman' sounds, but what is the proceedure for ordering / reblowing ?

 

I have a couple of factory fited 'chips' ( V3.5 ) that I intend getting reblown, but can't find any link for the Charlie and Biffo website.

 

Any help, chaps ?

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