Shay 3 truck 80 ton need DCC & sound

[Jbyrd]

 ???Need some advice on installing a DCC decoder and sound in a 3 truck shay.
Does the TSU 750 work for control and sound? If anyone has experience with this installation .... Advice would be appreciated!

[Hunt]

The SoundTraxx TSU-750 does include a full-featured sound system.

Model	Decoder Model	Decoder Part #	Speaker/ Baffle Kit #
80 Ton 3 Truck Shay	TSU-750 Light Logging	826020	810112/ 810102

If you do not have experience installing decoders the HO Shay is not the one to learn on.

Following is not complete need to know info but will give you an idea of what is involved.
Click Here to locate the screws to remove.
Click Here for picture of the TSU-750 decoder as installed by Bruce Petrarca. The PCB, printed circuit board, in your model maybe different.  Notice he removed the capacitor connected to the printed circuit board, labeled C1, and soldered the wires from decoder to the shay PCB.
Not shown – This installation requires drilling holes to let sound out and install the speaker in the Shay's fuel bunker

Another option -   ESU LokSound Select Micro decoder for the Shay.

[Jbyrd]

thanks for the reply.....
after a little research.... maybe the ESU Loksound micro may be the way to go.
it comes with an 8 pin plug and speaker, don't know if it will all fit in the water tank housing or if the speaker must be placed in the coal bunker

[Jbyrd]

Does anyone have experience with the ESU Loksound micro?
Does the speaker mount to the decoder or is it mounted separately?
which has a better track record.... Sountraxx TSU 750 or ESU micro?
Info appreciated as we are new at DCC conversions.

[Hunt]

Q: Does anyone have experience with the ESU Loksound micro?
A: Yes, many do. It is a popular decoder with advanced DCC users.

Q: Does the speaker mount to the decoder or is it mounted separately?
A: Speaker mounted separately - wired to decoder.

Q: which has a better track record.... Sountraxx TSU 750 or ESU micro?
A: Each has their Pros & Cons (details beyond the intended scope of this website).
SoundTraxx TSU-750 has been available longer than ESU LokSound Select Micro current version. Overall most who have advanced DCC knowledge agree the LokSound Select Micro has an edge over SoundTraxx TSU-750. However, if you will need help understanding documentation and how-to-use product guidance, go with SoundTraxx TSU-750.

[Hunt]

More . . .
Using strong magnification aid, very closely inspect your HO Three Truck Shay for split gears before you spend time and money to install a DCC decoder.

[Jbyrd]

Thanks again for the info....
We're leaning toward the ESU, I have little experience with DCC trains but have 35 years experience as an electrician and work with programmable controllers daily. Wiring and schematics shouldn't be a problem, these decoders are so small that eyesight might be! :-)

And: yes we have two split gears and are looking for metal or brass replacements for those also.

[Hunt]

. . . have two split gears and are looking for metal or brass replacements for those also.

For metal gears  -- NorthWest Short Line (NWSL)

Click Here to view a demo of a procedure to replace gears.

[WoundedBear]

For metal gears  -- NorthWest Short Line (NWSL)

Click Here to view a demo of a procedure to replace gears.

Funny....when I mention the NWSL gears, the thread gets deleted.

Sid

[ronstewart]

Does anyone know what the code is for the Soundtraxx 750 CV116 to change the c

Chuff rate for the shay to the shay sound instead of the default side rod sound?

[WoundedBear]

It's not so much a code, as it is a value, that you are looking for.

Try a setting of around 180 for CV116 and see how that sounds to your ear.

Sid

[ronstewart]

Thanks, Sid.  I'm finding that somewhere between 200 and 220 sounds great.