EZ-Command & Sound

[Cody J]

I have the Bachmann EZ-Command DCC system as well as a Bachmann DCC-Equipped SD40-2, Bachmann DCC-Equipped GP38-2 and Bachmann Spectrum DCC-Equipped C40-8W. I would like to add sounds to my engines and I already assume that the current decoders do not have the sound function, am I correct?
Can the EZ-Command handle the sound function? If so, how?
And what decoder will work best for these engines? All I want out of the decoder is the headlights and sound and someday maybe operating ditch lights.

Thanks,
Cody

[simkon]

The E-Z Command can only run 2 DCC locos with sound simultaneously. You only have access to 8 sound effects with the E-Z Command System. The SD40-2 and GP38-2 are not good locos to add sound too because it would require a good deal of work and even then the sound quality would be poor because the speakers would have to be on the small side. These two locos have light-board decoders and that adds another wrinkle. The Dash C40-8W would be a good choice to add sound because it has room for a nice size speaker and baffle and you can add the decoder very easily because it has an 8-pin socket.

[Cody J]

Thank you for your reply, Simkon.
I was thinking today that since I have to replace the decoders in the Bachmann engines why not just buy Athearn engines without decoders but all you have to do is plug it in? I should have specified on my last post, the only engine I own currently is the Dash 8, I was only looking at the SD40-2 and the GP38-2 by Bachmann.
I'm looking at these engines from Athearn:
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH89752    Ready to Run CSX GP40-2
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH95165    Ready to Run CR SD40-2
http://www.athearn.com/Products/TechnicalSpecs.aspx?ProdID=ATH95218   Ready to Run CSX SD40-2
NOTE: I'm only going to but one SD40-2, just not sure which one yet.

Will it be a good choice to fit sound in these locomotives?
Which decoders should I buy?

Thanks,
Cody

[simkon]

I have an Athearn GP40-2 and SD40, but I don't recall how much space there is in either...I easily fit sound in my Bachmann SD45.

[Cody J]

What decoders did you use?

[Cody J]

http://hobbylinc.com/htm/mrc/mrc1626.htm
I found this one at a reasonable price compared to some other ones. Will it fit the Athearn SD40-2? I decided not to get the GP38-2 due to the fact that it does not come DCC ready.

Will that decoder work in the Athearn SD40-2 and Bachmann Spectrum C40-8W?

Thanks,
Cody

[OldTimer]

Cody,
If you check the web sites for the various sound decoder manufacturers, I think you'll find that in many cases, there will be a "Decoder Finder" that will help you pick a decoder for your specific locomotive.  Here's a link to get you started:

http://www.soundtraxx.com/

OldTimer

[Cody J]

Thank you for your help, OldTimer. That website really helped a lot on finding the right decoder.

Cody