need a decoder

[queenidog]

I bought a couple of nos (new,old stock) locos from some guy.  One of them is s Bachmann Spectrum EMD SD-45 diesel, product #82709.  A gorgeous loco that I want to get online.  I don't know if it has a decoder or not: I haven't put it on my test track to check and I haven't taken the loco apart, yet.  Going by the box information and sheet inside, it does not have a decoder.
Does anyone know if this would be DCC ready?  (I could find out if I took the cover off).
What decoder should I use?  I have Digitrax DCC (5 of my 6 locos are Bachmann), including their decoder programmer so I'd like to stay with Digitrax.  However I know how good Soundtraxx decoders can be and am considering that brand.  What do you guys think?
If it's not DCC ready, is it worthwhile to make it so?  (I know it's a lot of work)
I'm a newbie, just started with trains and DCC

[richg]

I bought a couple of nos (new,old stock) locos from some guy.  One of them is s Bachmann Spectrum EMD SD-45 diesel, product #82709.  A gorgeous loco that I want to get online.  I don't know if it has a decoder or not: I haven't put it on my test track to check and I haven't taken the loco apart, yet.  Going by the box information and sheet inside, it does not have a decoder.
Does anyone know if this would be DCC ready?  (I could find out if I took the cover off).
What decoder should I use?  I have Digitrax DCC (5 of my 6 locos are Bachmann), including their decoder programmer so I'd like to stay with Digitrax.  However I know how good Soundtraxx decoders can be and am considering that brand.  What do you guys think?
If it's not DCC ready, is it worthwhile to make it so?  (I know it's a lot of work)
I'm a newbie, just started with trains and DCC

If your new, it could be somewhat of a challenge but is sounds like you have a little experience.
Below is a link to the SoundTraxx site. Notice what they suggest.
They also sell a non sound decoder.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Bachmann

This will require removing the old PC board and soldering from what I see in the loco diagram. Might have LED's in the loco and need resistors.
Others can comment on speaker location.

The below site has good prices and support.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php

The below fellow use to own the above site. Look in Curriculum under SoundTraxx.

http://www.mrdccu.com/

For non sound, looks like you can plug in a Digitrax decoder that has the 8 pin plug as the diagram shows an 8 pin socket, but that assumes the same loco as the present diagram.

I use both brands of decoders.
Store all links in Favorites. You will need them.

Rich

[richg]

I am referring to the below diagram for this loco. A photo is worth a thousand words. You might have put this in the HO forum.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H827X_IS002-DCC.PDF

Rich

[Jerrys HO]

From what I read it is DCC ready.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-HO-Bachmann-82709-Spectrum-SD45-ATSF-5408-/390237302567#ht_1490wt_725

Jerry

[richg]

I have read here a couple times that someone did the sound install but never bothered to post any photos. Too bad they forgot that these forums are community.

Rich

[jward]

jim banner did a pictorial on adding a decoder to the older split frame bachmann locos like the sd45. follow the photos and you can convert any locos of this design to dcc. it is not hard. you can use any decoder.


http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/tmaster/tmaster.html