DCC sound for Bachmann HO Santa Fe 4-8-4 Northern steam Loco #50802

[lonesomewhistle]

I recently purchased my first DCC equipped locomotive an HO Santa Fe Northern 4-8-4. It is DCC equipped for lights and speed. I would like to install a sound decoder but have no idea how to obtain the decoder or install it.

[richg]

OK, sounds like you need some DCC education.
From the SoundTraxx site. Decoder/speaker/baffle info below. I prefer the Tsunami but there are cheaper sound versions with less features frrom a couple other companies. Many people are not rivet counters so a general chuff with some other sounds keep them happy.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Bachmann

Go to the below site and read all of his info. Click on Curriculum and Click on SoundTraxx and he tells how to cut back the shrink.

http://www.mrdccu.com/

The Tsunami does not come with a 8 pin connector on the decoder. Look at the Tsunami picture. You have to cut back the shrink just enough to remove the wires going to the 9 pin connector and plug in a 8 pin to 9 pin adapter.

As usual, save all links to Favorites and take time reading though them. Try not to make assumptions when it comes to DCC. Don't forget, Bachmann does not always use the standard NMRA wire colors for some tenders.

You might only have to solder two wires to the speaker. The decoder comes with a stay alive capacitor attached to the decoder. Read the links I gave and you will find info on the stay alive issue.

Rich

[richg]

Here is a link to an affordable sound module. It come as what you see. Probably need and adapter to 8 pin. I am sure if you take your time, you can find all the details in the link. Store the link in Favorites everyone. There is also a manual you can download to your PC. I am sure there are some here who would like a lower cost sound module. I do not use this decoder but I read of those who are happy with them.
MRC has a new line of sound decoders as the older line where a problem at times. One fellow in our club runs some locos with the MRC sound and is happy with them.

Be advised, a 32 ohm speaker is used. Don't try to substitute a speaker without knowing the specs. Many are 8 ohm and some are 100 ohm. Depends on the decoder brand and a couple companies sell 8 oh, and 100 ohm decoders. Decoders are continually evolving. Always check the company out on line.

http://www.digitrax.com/soundbug.php

Rich