Which Sound Decoder

[June]

I have a 2-8-0 and run on DC.  Can anyone suggest which sound decoder I could purchase to install?  Also, is it easier to install it in the tender?  I am new to the hobby and need something relatively easy to install.  Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

[fieromike]

I have a 2-8-0 and run on DC.  Can anyone suggest which sound decoder I could purchase to install?  Also, is it easier to install it in the tender?  I am new to the hobby and need something relatively easy to install.  Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

If you're new to this, a sound decoder in the 2-8-0 isn't what you want to start with.  The available room in the loco itself is barely large enough for the smallest non-sound Z-scale decoders.  I haven't tried yet, but have heard that the tender is also difficult to open up without damaging something.
I believe that the newest run of the "J" steamers is capable of having a sound decoder installed in the tender without too much grief.

Mike

[June]

I read a post from Prometheus? that recommeded the Digitrax DZ123 (for Z scale) and the DZ143 (scale unknown) for the N scale 2-8-0 so I looked them up on the internet and found that they are sound decoders.  If the Spectrum is "DCC ready" (whatever that means) shouldn't I be able to use one of the above decoders in my 2-8-0
Thanks, Bob

[Hunt]

Bob,
DCC Ready means the motor brushes are isolated from the power pickups and there is some means to accept the installation of a decoder... a socket, solder pads, wires or something else. The easy way to isolate the motor brushes is to isolate the motor.

Bachmann has provided room for a decoder to be hard-wired in the 2-8-0 locomotive. See http://www.nscalesupply.com/BAC/BAC-2-8-0.html Note no room for the required speaker. If you modeling skills are up to it, a speaker can be placed in the tender.

While Digitrax makes sound decoders their DZ143 and DZ123 are not sound decoders. Suggest you visit Digitrax

[June]

Thanks guys...I am starting to learn something, but I have one more question...How can a person tell if the J Class is a new version or an old version?

[fieromike]

Thanks guys...I am starting to learn something, but I have one more question...How can a person tell if the J Class is a new version or an old version?

I believe that only the new version of the "J" has holes for the speaker in the tender floor.

BTW, here is an in-process shot of a DZ123 being installed in my connie:


Mike