Drop In Sound Decoder with Speaker for Bachmann DCC On Board GS4 4-8-4

Started by Chuck S, March 18, 2009, 12:00:32 AM

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Chuck S

March 18, 2009, 12:00:32 AM
All,

As the topic line implies, I was wondering if a drop in sound decoder with speaker for the Bachmann DCC on board GS4 4-8-4 locomotive exists?

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S

Yampa Bob

#1
March 18, 2009, 05:23:33 AM Last Edit: March 20, 2009, 01:25:16 AM by Yampa Bob
Good morning Chuck,

I'm not familiar with the GS4, but it might be "sound ready".  Please see if there is a speaker grille on the bottom of the tender.  I looked at the exploded diagram for the DCC equipped GS4, and the grille is shown. 

The tender has an NMRA 8 pin socket on the circuit board. You could install a Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-1000 sound decoder, it comes with a JST 9 pin plug, so you would also need an adapter harness.

According to Soundtraxx, the appropriate decoder for the 4-8-4 is part #826103. 
.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/index.php?p=1000.php

Speakers are available separately. The #810054 is a good choice.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/index.php?p=speakers.php#bot

Here's the link to instruction manuals and quick start guide.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/index.php?p=manuals.php

Finally, if you choose a Tsunami 1000, you might read this thread for information about the JST 9 pin plug and shrink wrap.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8263.0.html

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
Regards.
I know what I wrote, I don't need a quote
Rule Number One: It's Our Railroad.  Rule Number Two: Refer to Rule Number One.

Chuck S

#2
March 19, 2009, 07:57:32 AM
Hi, Yampa Bob!

Wow, that is some great info you provided.  I have already started looking at some of the links.  Shouldn't be too hard to get the loco set-up for sound.  I have found all the components needed, however, I am having difficulty locating the 9 to 8 pin adapter.  Will I have to make my own or do you know of one commercially available?

Thanks for your knowledge!

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

richG

#3
March 19, 2009, 10:28:25 AM
If you do not have a LHS, Litchfield Station has what you need. Put the link in your Favorites Folder.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php?cat=76

Rich

Yampa Bob

#4
March 19, 2009, 10:29:44 AM Last Edit: March 20, 2009, 01:28:05 AM by Yampa Bob
I know what I wrote, I don't need a quote
Rule Number One: It's Our Railroad.  Rule Number Two: Refer to Rule Number One.

Chuck S

#5
March 19, 2009, 11:23:58 AM
Quote from: richG on March 19, 2009, 10:28:25 AM
If you do not have a LHS, Litchfield Station has what you need. Put the link in your Favorites Folder.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php?cat=76

Rich

Thanks Rich!

Chuck S

Chuck S

#6
March 19, 2009, 11:37:45 AM Last Edit: March 19, 2009, 12:37:43 PM by Chuck S
Quote from: Yampa Bob on March 19, 2009, 10:29:44 AM
Hey Chuck, 
Do you by chance get your train supplies from Caboose Hobbies in Denver? That's my favorite store, will be down there next Monday. You and I are practically neighbors.

Just in case, here's all the links.
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1039&products_id=48657

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1039&products_id=48550

The adapter harness is made by Digitrax, in 1" and 3" lengths. I think the "PS" is the short one, "P" is the long one, they can verify. (Disregard the "N Scale" note on the pages.)

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87589

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87588

Hi Bob,

As a matter of fact, I am expecting a delivery today from Caboose.  I have only visited their store once, but I will stop by whenever I need to go to Denver!  (Special trip planned soon, I'll be in CO SPGS on saturday, lol)

I did some more reading of the manuals, and it looks like I need their eight pin connector.  I will only be using 7 of the 9 wires.  Since my loco is dcc equiped, I will just insulate the ends of the brown and green wires.  Does this sound correct.  That is what I took away from reading the installation manual.

UPDATE:  Just found pictures of the Digitrax wire harness adapters.  If these will just plug into the Soundtrax decoder I'll go this way.  This project keeps getting easier and easier the more I learn.   

I just got the NCE Power Pro system yesterday.  This is my first venture into dcc.  I couldn't see buying the entry-level system, only to have to begin adding upgrades right away.  I will be starting a new layout from scratch.

As far as dcc equipped locos go, the install seems fairly simple.  I appreciate the advice, links, and knowledge.  Give me a pm sometime, neighbor.

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Yampa Bob

#7
March 19, 2009, 12:50:19 PM Last Edit: March 20, 2009, 01:31:16 AM by Yampa Bob
Unfortunately the PM feature doesn't work, we'll have to get hooked up by email.

The wiring harness on the decoder is for hard wiring, it will be removed to use the adapter. You have to trim back the shrink wrap to unplug the female portion.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8263.0.html
I know what I wrote, I don't need a quote
Rule Number One: It's Our Railroad.  Rule Number Two: Refer to Rule Number One.

Tim

#8
March 19, 2009, 12:58:23 PM
Chuck

Are you aware that you will need a programming booster
to program Tsunami's with the Power Pro?

I suggest :  DCC Specialties PowerPax or Soundtraxx PTB-100.

They are available for about $50.

I am not putting the Power Pro down, I own one, and they cannot program
Tsunami's on their own.

I also suggest the megabass speaker if you can find room.  the difference in sound
is well worth it.  The price is only slightly higher.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

Chuck S

#9
March 19, 2009, 01:23:54 PM
Quote from: Tim on March 19, 2009, 12:58:23 PM
Chuck

Are you aware that you will need a programming booster
to program Tsunami's with the Power Pro?

I suggest :  DCC Specialties PowerPax or Soundtraxx PTB-100.

They are available for about $50.

I am not putting the Power Pro down, I own one, and they cannot program
Tsunami's on their own.

I also suggest the megabass speaker if you can find room.  the difference in sound
is well worth it.  The price is only slightly higher.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

Hi Tim,

I think I remember reading something along those lines in one of the manuals I read for this project.  I'm not sure, but I think I read it in the Soundtraxx installation manual.  Not another $50 I want to spend, but worth it in the long run (more locos to program).

Thanks for the tip with the speaker, I may go with a larger one.

Chuck S.
Pueblo, Colorado

SteamGene

#10
March 19, 2009, 02:57:09 PM
Just for your information, the MRC sound decoders come with a speaker already wired to the decoder.  It's fitted with a two prong plug so the speaker can be fitted under the coal load if desired. 
Gene
Chief Brass Hat
Virginia Tidewater and Piedmont Railroad
"Only coal fired steam locomotives"

Chuck S

#11
March 19, 2009, 08:38:37 PM
Quote from: SteamGene on March 19, 2009, 02:57:09 PM
Just for your information, the MRC sound decoders come with a speaker already wired to the decoder.  It's fitted with a two prong plug so the speaker can be fitted under the coal load if desired. 
Gene

Hi Gene,

I did a little research and the MRC seems like a pretty good deal.  However, I am concerned about sound quality.  The MRC website did not have a sample of their sounds so I went on YouTube and found some different locos.  Just by ear, it sounds like the Soundtraxx is the clear winner.  If anyone has any opinions I'd like to hear them (pun intended).

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S

richG

#12
March 19, 2009, 08:49:24 PM
I use the Micro-Tsunami and it has excellent sound and motor control. Some members in the club use the standard Tsunami. I use the 1.1 inch speaker. I get the decoders and speakers from Litchfield Station. To take advantage of the CVs, you should have DCC controller that can do this. I use the NCE Power Cab only because the club I belong to uses the NCE Power Pro.
Proper baffling can be a big help for good sound.

Rich

Chuck S

#13
March 20, 2009, 12:45:08 AM
Quote from: richG on March 19, 2009, 08:49:24 PM
I use the Micro-Tsunami and it has excellent sound and motor control. Some members in the club use the standard Tsunami. I use the 1.1 inch speaker. I get the decoders and speakers from Litchfield Station. To take advantage of the CVs, you should have DCC controller that can do this. I use the NCE Power Cab only because the club I belong to uses the NCE Power Pro.
Proper baffling can be a big help for good sound.

Rich


Hi Rich,

I also compared the different sounds on the Soundtraxx website.  My loco is the Southern Pacific Daylight.  Their quick reference chart indicates that I should use the TSU-1000 Heavy Steam (p/n 826103) for my application.  Litchfield Station has it for a reasonable price, and looks like free shipping over $75.00!  I agree, having a good baffle will help the sound. 

You mentioned earlier that you have the Power Pro and about a program booster.  You also mentioned having a dcc controller that can take advantage of the CV's.  Does your controller allow you to adjust the CV's?  I thought I had done enough research and that the Power Pro would allow for adjustment of the CV's.  I just picked it up last night from my LHS.  The Power Pro was highly recommended by the local railroad club.

Thanks!!!

Chuck S

Tim

#14
March 20, 2009, 07:02:29 AM
Chuck

The Pro-Cab that came with your Power Pro system can read and write
CV's directly.  Page 57 in your manual shows how on the programming
track.  CV's can also be programmed on the main (Ops mode).

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA
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