John,
Where did you see an ad by Bachmann about a HO #4 turnout?

As Bo wrote, the instruction to connect the wire to polarize the Frog is on the back of the turnout package.

DCC components are not as tolerant of a short circuit even a momentary one as a DC power pack. So, unless you have too, do not polarize the Frog. It increases the chance you will experience momentary short circuits as equipment with metal wheels out of gauge roll through the turnout. Check to be sure the Frog insulating gaps are not compromised. There are other fine tunings to the turnout and rolling equipment you may have to do; but, we can cover those if situation dictates.

Sure.  That's an expensive power source! 

Keep the DC voltage less than 16 volts. If you need more than that something is wrong.

Hi Lanny,
To date Bachmann does not have or provide a function only controller to be used with a DCC sound equipped locomotive being run with a DC power pack. I do not know if the BLI function controller you have will work with a Bachmann sound decoder.

Check around... you can find a Bachmann E-Z Command Control Center (Bachmann's DCC command center unit) for just a few dollars more than MRC's Black Box.

Thinking about the few MRC decoders I have tested... I find it kind of amusing that Micro-Mark ad for the MRC Black Box states, "Works with any dual-mode NMRA-conformant decoder." 

(I have removed the part of my answer that was in this paragraph. Although the information removed is accurate, I decided the Bachmann Board is not an appropriate place for revealing such information about MRC’s products.)

If it were my money and time, I would be evaluating DCC systems that can program CVs so I can use the full capabilities of any decoder and independently control two or more trains simultaneously. Entry level DCC systems now cost less than $200.

Quote from: Bojangle on May 15, 2007, 01:00:17 AM
Please read my first post again.  MRC  has a "Black Box" that they claim will let  you hear all the sounds on ANY SOUND EQUIPPED LOCO without using DCC.  How much more relativity do you need.?   I mainly was referring to the Black Box, not necessarily their sound module.
Bo

OK, I did not realize you were mainly referring to MRC’s Black Box.

You linked to the wrong product think you are talking about http://www.modelrectifier.com/train-controls/dc-power-MRC-Blackbox.asp

I have not seen thus have not had a chance to test MRC’s BlackBox.  MRC does not have a very good track record with me in living up to their advertisement claims and are at the bottom of any of my DCC and related product lists.  But I will give them credit… they keep trying. 

Bo,
Yes, I know MRC sells a system for installation in most DCC ready HO steam locomotives that will provide a few on-board sounds using DC power pack.

Now back to my question -- What does what you have posted have to do with Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 and Sound?

Quote from: Bojangle on May 14, 2007, 11:56:49 PM
MRC has a "black box" that will let you hear all  the sounds on the dual mode encoder using your DC controller, has its own throttle direction etc. Haven't found a price on it yet, need to go to modelrectifier.com.  They also have a sound module and wireless transmitter for a DCC ready loco.  ...

Bo
What does what you have posted have to do with Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 and Sound ?

Quote from: steveeusd on May 14, 2007, 05:32:25 PM
In reading the description of the Spectrum 2-8-0, I get the impression that sound only works under DCC.  Is this correct?  Or will the loco generate sound under DC with a special device?

Your impression is not correct if you are referring to the DCC Sound On Board Spectrum 2-8-0. You get limited sounds when using a DC power pack.

QuoteI'm pretty sure that you would have to be running DCC to hear Spectrum sound.
lanny

Lanny... Wrong guess.

While you are waiting on the Bach-man
Reset the decoder’s CVs by programming CV 8 with a value of 8.

After reset, locomotive still will not move
Then
1) Properly ground yourself, unplug the decoder and reseat it.
2) While you have the shell off --- Check all wires to see if any are not connected.
3) Repeat the programming of CV 8 with a value of 8.
Still have the issue… call Bachmann Service Dept.

Bachmann does not make a HO #4 turnout!

The HO E-Z Track Remote Turnout (Items No. 44561 and 44562) with the plastic frog has an 18” constant-radius divergent route.

Bo,
Bachmann's #5 and #6 turnouts are better able to handle short wheel base locomotives because the Frog can be polarized if required.

QuoteWhich would provide greater engine running reliablity - the # 4 or the #5 turnouts?

The #5 turnout.

Bach-man or someone who has seen under the shell of a Bachmann dummy GP30 will need to help you.

I feel once you price what is needed and the time to do it , purchasing a ready-to-run will be less expensive.  A ready-to-run may just cost around the price of just a motor.

You sure your HO locomotive was originally made by Bachmann as a Dummy? I have only seen ready-to-run.

Depends on scale, make and model of the locomotive.

Bachmann has not manufactured a R/C model locomotive for over a decade. However their large-scale locomotives are used by those with after market add-on R/C control.

Simple and rugged are subjective terms.

Most all readily available R/C systems for use with large scale model locomotive are easy to use once installed. Ease of installation depends on your electrical knowledge, R/C system selected and locomotive selected.

Suggest you post your question on www.mylargescale.com for lots of opinions.
But you need to add answers to
Do you want to use on-board battery power or pick-up power from track?
Will the train be run indoors or outdoors? Both? Also, give your definition of Simple and Rugged.

conradin.
Did not see your question, it was called to my attention, as I usually don’t read a thread after I reply.

PREMIUM SOLDER
.031 Diameter
63% Tin 37% Lead - No Clean Flux

However 60% Tin 40% Lead-Rosin Core maybe easier to find and is cheaper. But still get the premium type available in the brand.

Use a 25 watt soldering iron (not a soldering gun or torch) with small or pencil tip.

When it comes to proper electronic soldering and soldering as used in model railroading in general lots of things are just as important as the type of solder. Look for websites with good information on How To and what is needed.