My 2-6-6-2 undecorated DCC and Sound arrived yesterday
Although I have a small layout I wanted one articulated and the 2-6-6-2 is just about the size of my Berk
I am running DC
I hooked up 12- 55 ton loaded coal hoppers and the engine runs well with sound effects
It came with some kind of chip or connector gizmo and I can’t find any info on what it’s for in the instructions or drawings
Here is a pic
What does your documentation say? I guess this PC board is a 21 pin DC adapter though I am not aware of Bachmann using 21 pin sound decoders
Rich
Did some more looking. Below is what I think is your loco as it has sound. I am quite sure the PC board is a DC adapter. The Bachmann Product reference does not call out this loco as sound but the PDF clearly shows a sound install with what looks like a 21 pin connector.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H848Y-IS001.pdf
Rich
Those are the diagrams that came with the train and as you can see the item is not on there
My other Bachgman engines came with small metal 3 pin jumpers that bypassed the DCC Sound circuitry etc
But the diagrams showed the jumpers in a corner of the sheet
This may serve the same purpose but there is no info
My Spectrum 4-4-0 and 4-6-0 came with the DC adapter and no info. Those have the 8 pin NMRA connectors.
That is typical Bachmann documentation.
Rich
This is a jumper board for removing/bypassing the sound decoder and making it into a straight DC - no sound loco.
If you are happy with the performance of the dual mode decoder on your DC throttle, all is well. Not all DC throttles like all DCC/sound dual mode decoders, so they give you the part just in case.
Sheldon
The decoder is most probably a LokSound 21 pin decoder. I have one of those in a diesel and it is a LokSound v3.5 which is a good decoder. I contacted the company that makes my loco and was told the decoder is definitely a LokSound v3.5 decoder that uses 100 ohm speakers.
Your mileage may vary.
I have not programmed the decoder so the DC function is not usable, but the decoder still has very good response.
I have read that some dual mode decoders do not run as well on DCC if the DC function is not disabled. This has not been my experience.
It sounds like you have a very good loco.
Rich
I do believe this is the first Bachmann loco to use a 21 pin sound decoder.
Sheldon
Well it runs good in DC and the sound is great so I am happy
So I will use as is
My others ( Mountain - Mikado )I put the jumpers in negating the sound and used the sound on my power supply
And exactly when did Bachmann start using ESU Loksound decoders?
I thought they used Tsunamis, or have I been misinformed?
I don’t know that they have, but there have been some problems with the Tsunami’s in the previous H5 2-6-6-2 and SoundTraxx says its a Bachmann problem.
The loco in question on this thread is the new H4 2-6-6-2 and even though mine is DCC without sound (now DC only with the decodr removed), I can confirm the presence of the 21 pin connector.
This new version of the 2-6-6-2 has a loco lighting board unlike any previous Bachmann loco.
So, if they have changed sound card suppliers, this is the first loco, the h4 2-6-6-2.
Sheldon
Instruction booklet is for Sound Traxx Tsunami
I thought you would have said that in your first message. It certainly would have eliminated speculation.
Rich
Regardless of the maker of the sound board, fact remains this is a new loco lighting board design for Bachmann and is likely a result of the problems with the previous H5 sound locos.
Sheldon
Even though I use the LokSound, I prefer the Tsunami as there are more possible CV adjustments for sound quality/speaker size.
But both brands have their strengths and weaknesses.
Rich
My post was addressed to Bachmann 2-6-6-2 owners figuring they would have experience and know
In any event the Instruction Manual has a page on operating in DC mode with sound etc
No where is there mention of a plug that can be used if you want to bypass the DCC decoder and operate as a standard DC non sound unit
How hard is it to explain what the thing is for
I understand, but hen I have never noticed any explaination of the normal jumpers that come with the non sound versions either.
I took another look at mine. There is a similar board pluged into the main board, but in the case of my DCC non sound version, the little board has an NMRA 8 pin socket and the decoder was pluged in there. Now the provided jumpers are in the eight pin socket. No doubt in my mind your “accessory” is as I discribed, a bypass for all DCC/sound back to straight DC.
In addition to those who’s DC throttles may not work well with the dual mode decoder, it would be useful in trouble shooting.
Sheldon