Constant stoking sound fix?

[Otterbear]

****** SOLVED ******
I just copied the correct code from an .sms file that didn't have this issue. Did the trick.


I have been away from MSTS for a few months.
Has a fix/hack been discovered that will eliminate or fix, the constant fire stoking sounds?

[hiball 3985]

You didn't say what sound set you are using. How much time to spend in the cab? If all else fails, cheat, remove the .wav that makes that sound. I had to do that with a flat axle sound that drove me nuts.

[Otterbear]

Thanks for the feedback Hiball,

You didn't say what sound set you are using.

I'm not using anything other than the default sounds as far as I know.
Are there sound sets that DON'T have this problem? Seems I did hear shoveling sounds after the firebox closed with the default Scotsman, and others, and it would eventually quit, but, now it just doesn't stop.
Sounds like there may be a way to fix this problem if some .sms files do not have this problem.

How much time to spend in the cab?

I spend a lot of time in the cab when I manually fire..a good 90%

If all else fails, cheat, remove the .wav that makes that sound. I had to do that with a flat axle sound that drove me nuts.

I've done that for some things like Safeties lifting and sand, but I like to hear the sound of coal/wood being added to the firebox, so I don't forget and overfill it.

I was hoping someone could point me to the general problem in the .sms that can be changed to alleviate this problem.

[hiball 3985]

I've searched through almost all of my cab.sms and most don't have the stoking sound. I found one that did and maybe you can compare that section to yours and see if its any better.F1280_cab.zip

[Otterbear]

Thanks Hiball. I'll give it a shot.

Ok, so far the only difference I see,(still looking), is this:

Your file(under shoveling sounds):

"SelectionMethod ( SequentialSelection )"

My file:

"SelectionMethod ( RandomSelection )"

This may be the problem, I will adjust and test it.
Must rest now, will test in the morning.
Thanks again, for helping me with this. (I think we may have solved it.)

[hiball 3985]

good luck, it may help, nothing lost in trying.

[Otterbear]

No joy.
That didn't change it.
rats!
Thanks for trying anyway.

[hiball 3985]

No joy.
That didn't change it.
rats!
Thanks for trying anyway.

Sorry that didn't help, back to the drawing board.

[baldwin]

I have a hunch that this problem is something to do with the way MSTS handles the sound streams. It is also manifest in external view after bringing your train to a stop, and all of the external wagon noises continue. I think it was fixed by using a modified sound.cfg file.

[Otterbear]

Thank you Baldwin.
I'm guessing these upgraded sound.cfg's are in the library somewhere.
I must confess, I do have an updated sound.cfg that utilizes more sound streams for higher end sound cards.
Sound is great, but this never ending coal shoveling deal is a puzzler.
I don't know squat about adjusting the sound variables in either the .sms or sound.cfg. I usually just cut and paste if I hear of a better way, or just download the newer/better version.

[hiball 3985]

I've used different sound.cfg files and it has never had an effect on default steam sounds glitches. That's why I never use them.

[baldwin]

Just another thought or two. Is this with your modified files, and also is it with the auto fireman. If with auto, does he in fact ever stop shovelling?.

Answered myself. Using your modified Betsy file as posted in your other thread on speed, and running with auto fireman I get the following. Firedoor opens at 2400lb firemass. Stoking starts at 2398lb firemass. Stoking continues until 2610lb firemass is reached at which point the firedoor is closed. Stoking sound continues for about a minute after that, with the sound actually stopping when firemass reaches 2590lb.

Using the original soundcfg.dat file dated 2001.

[Otterbear]

Thanks Baldwin, (Sorry for the late response).

I copied over the code from an .sms file that didn't have this problem. Turns out you don't need 60 lines of coding, only 2, Why all these engines have 60 lines of code in their .sms files to adjust for speed and shovel mass differences is beyond me.
Now the shoveling sound ceases as soon as the firedoors are shut.

Problem Solved. Thanks again for all the help everyone.

[Noisemaker]

Not to defend Kuju, but I think at the time MSTS was being developed the Red Book, Blue Book, White Book et al on 'CD Publishing Standards' was changing rapidly. And audio editors were quickly adding all types of new markers for CD Track Start, Continue, Loop Points, Region Markers, etc. So I think Kuju wanted to maybe take advantage of these, and/or were worried which would remain the 'standard'. Thankfully 'generic marker' still holds supreme. But I've noticed in some Kuju WAV files both Loop and Generic markers in them. I too hoped I could fool MSTS with both somehow, but to no avail. So I think Kuju was in a bit of a rock and a hard place at the time audio wise, and though looks sloppy - was best to be on the safe side. Whatever 'safe' maybe?

[Otterbear]

Thanks Noisemaker,
It looked like somebody had obviously put a lot of effort into making these .sms files. That is what had me scratching my head. Now I know what they were up-to. Good to know. Now I know what to look out for when making changes. I've been doing some reading in the "sound config" forums, and there are some good things you can do. Messing with coal shoveling is obviously not one of them.