DCC and Sound Decoder

[eastcntyron]

I have the undecorated DCC on board HO 8-40CW locomotive. I would like to add a diesel sound card. any suggestion of which will work/fit and how to do it?

Thanks

[Yampa Bob]

Are you running DC or DCC? If DCC what is the brand/model of your controller? This information is vital for set up procedure.

For the Dash you have two possible options, either a replacement board with sound, or a sound decoder with 8 pin plug to connect to the existing onboard socket. 

This sound board is designed for the Athearn Genesis diesels, but has the correct prime mover sounds for the Dash. Soundtraxx # 828056 TSU-GN1000 GE FDL-16.
This board is a new release, I cannot confirm it will work properly with your Bachmann locomotive, suggest calling Soundtraxx technical support for more information.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/index.php?p=1000gn.php

Plug in Tsunami (9 pin to 8 pin adapter harness required). Soundtraxx # 827107 TSU-1000  GE FDL-16.  I suggest this option as it is much simpler to install.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/index.php?p=1000.php

You will need a small oval speaker with front enclosure. Speaker can be placed high inside the shell, directly under the horn area, without drilling any holes. This is my preferred method for diesel installs, the sound is excellent with adequate volume.  I have part numbers for speaker and enclosure if you want them.

A **programming booster may be required, depending on your controller.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/index.php?p=ptb100.php

If running DC, a DCC controller capable of adjusting CVs is required to enable analog operation on user installed Tsunamis.  If you have the **Bachmann EZ Command DCC controller, it will be a plug and play, ready to run installation. (except for soldering wires to a speaker.)

**I use EZ Command, I can't verify setup with other controllers.

If you opt for the plug in version, please read the following regarding the shrink tubing on the decoder.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8263.0.html

Regards.

[eastcntyron]

Great information, thanks! I am running DCC with the EZ Command Dynamis.

[Yampa Bob]

You're welcome. If you have further questions as you proceed, just continue this thread.  Suggest placing this thread in your favorites so you can recall it when needed, rather than start a new thread each time you have a related question. It really helps with the continuity of the discussion.

When adding threads from this forum to your "favorites" you need to change the page name in the dialog box, otherwise each subsequent page you save will over write the previous. The default page name is always "Bachmann Trains Online - Ask Bachman".  Just change that name to, in this case, "DCC and Sound Decoder 9382".

When it comes to followups of a specific topic, it pays to "keep all your eggs in one basket".

Good luck.