Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: NSguy on November 18, 2015, 01:58:44 PM

Title: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: NSguy on November 18, 2015, 01:58:44 PM
I recently acquired a Bachmann #61716 GP38-2.  It is DC only, but the price was right!  How do I convert it to DCC.  What decoder(s) do you recommend?
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: Bucksco on November 18, 2015, 02:20:02 PM
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,27726.0.html
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: NSguy on November 18, 2015, 02:58:26 PM
Thanks.  But does the link apply to just DCC without sound?  I have been playing with trains for 50 years but am very new to DCC.
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: bapguy on November 18, 2015, 03:42:35 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHvK6JEjNqQ
youtube video. Note the frame was milled down to make room for a speaker. You could put a smaller speaker in and mill the frame less.   Joe
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: NSguy on November 18, 2015, 05:51:31 PM
This is all well and good but really doesn't answer my question.  The unit I have has a built-in (PCB13) on board.  Does Bachmann sell the equivalent DCC board and If so what is it?
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: ACY on November 19, 2015, 08:46:54 AM
Quote from: NSguy on November 18, 2015, 05:51:31 PM
This is all well and good but really doesn't answer my question.  The unit I have has a built-in (PCB13) on board.  Does Bachmann sell the equivalent DCC board and If so what is it?
No one sells a drop in decoder for this particular locomotive. It is not DCC-ready, so you would have to hardwire in a decoder such as the one the Yardmaster suggested, this will require soldering. To additionally add sound you must also mill the frame, so it is not a simple task by any means.
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: NSguy on November 19, 2015, 08:58:31 AM
That's what I was afraid of.  Soldering isn't a problem for me, I was just looking for an easier way out.  I am considering a Digitrax system for DCC. any suggestion for simple 2 function decoder?

Many thanks to all who replied.
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: bapguy on November 19, 2015, 09:08:19 AM
If you want DCC only, NCE makes a decoder for the Bachmann DCC loco's that should work on this loco. It replaces the PC board.   Joe
https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/200945019-BACH-DSL
Title: Re: Bachmann #61716 GP38-2 DC to DCC
Post by: NSguy on November 19, 2015, 09:22:46 AM
Thanks Joe.