4-8-4 decoders

[TexasChief]

Mr. Bach-man, How about a diagram or step by step directions on how to install a sound decoder in the ATSF 4-8-4 without interferring with the DCC decoder that came with it? Thank you very much.

Dick
Texas Chief

[Jake]

You have to remove the decoder supplied with the engine and plug in the sound decoder. It is easy, just get a small screwdirver and prise off the plug of the decoder. (where the 8 wires converge into a 2x4 set of pins) Then plug in the sound decoder (the pin that is connected to the orange wire should go into the socket with an arrow pointing to it labeled "1") And install the speaker (and baffle if included) per manufacturer instructions over the speaker hole. (It may or may not be there, I know for a fact that it is on the standard line ATSF northerns, but I am not sure about the Niagras, Daylights or Spectrum J's.)

[SteamGene]

Based on the decoder requipted USRA light 2-10-2, you may have to cut the capacitors, as well.
Gene

[TexasChief]

sorry guys, I didn't make myself clear. I don't want to replace the existing power decoder with a power/sound decoder, I want to add a sound decoder to the existing power decoder that came in the unit. Thanks anyway.

Dick
Texas Chief

[Jake]

As we have said, you have to remove the original decoder (and possibly cut a capacitor or two). Which implies that you cannot do that. :|

[SteamGene]

You could add a sound decoder, but why make an easy job hard?  You can use the Bachmann decoder for something else, I'm sure. 
Gene

[TexasChief]

The reason being, Soundtraxx is the only manufacturer that makes a sound decoder with an ATSF 4-8-4 whistle. It comes in SOUND ONLY. Now to reiterate, I can figure out how to do it but I'm not sure it would be the best way and I wanted to know if anyone else maybe has already done it?
Thanks again.

Dick
Texas Chief

[Jake]

OOOOOOHHHHHH. You are installing sound only decoder! You shoulda mentioned that! Try looking it up on google.

[ta152h0]

I have the same exact project. Got the beast programmed and ordered a MRC sound decoder to be installed at a later date either on my 4-8-4 or my Decapod. I have the same anxiety how to add the sound decoder to the installed Bachmann decoder without resorting to totally dismantling the existing system.

[ta152h0]

Here is what I am going to do. I also bought a DCC ready 2-10-0 Decapod that will house the 4-8-4 factory decoder as there is limited room in the decapod tender. Then install a full house decoder with sound in the 4-8-4 tender and thusly end up with two stunning DCC installed steam locomotives. in summary, buy another DCC ready locomotive, buy a full house decoder. It doesn't answer verbatin the original question but you do end up with two DCC equipped locomotives. Pass the ice cold one 

[TexasChief]

Here is what I am going to do. I also bought a DCC ready 2-10-0 Decapod that will house the 4-8-4 factory decoder as there is limited room in the decapod tender. Then install a full house decoder with sound in the 4-8-4 tender and thusly end up with two stunning DCC installed steam locomotives. in summary, buy another DCC ready locomotive, buy a full house decoder. It doesn't answer verbatin the original question but you do end up with two DCC equipped locomotives. Pass the ice cold one 

I'm sorry, you totally lost me. What, exactly, is a full house decoder?

Dick
Texas Chief

[ta152h0]

I'm sorry, you totally lost me. What, exactly, is a full house decoder?

Dick
Texas Chief
[/quote]

decoder with sound installed. The standard Bachmann decoder installed on the 4-8-4   only runs the locomotive and lights. there is also a smoke option that on a plastic locomotive body is not feasible.

[TexasChief]

I'll reiterate once more. Soundtraxx is the ONLY company that makes a sound decoder with an ATSF 4-8-4 whistle! That decoder is a SOUND ONLY decoder, not a "Full House" decoder! Therefor, I will need 2 decoders in my Bachmann ATSF 4-8-4 for it to sound authentic. Thank you.

Dick
Texas Chief

[Jake]

Again. www.google.com And also what kind of decoder is it?

[Mike O.]

Hi Dick,
Long time no see   Haven't been on here in a LONG time...
anyway, did you ever get this issue figured out?  I've never installed or even seen in person one of the sound only DSX models, but it would have to have power and ground which you could tap into from the already present wiring, and it would have two speaker leads going to the speaker, and probably the brown chuff wire for a chuff disk if you choose to use it.

Mike