I have three older HO locomotives…steam and diesel…that I am going to convert (as a beginner) to DCC with sound using all Soundtraxx products. I am no electrician, but I can follow a diagram and solder well enough.
I have been told the older engines take a little work, but they can be done. The tricky one I think will be an older Bachmann Spectrum 44 Ton switcher. I understand the new ones are DCC with sound, so I know it can be done by the factory.
What I don’t know is if the motor on these is already isolated…or if this isolation thing is just an issue on very old stock?
Also, is there a difference in the voltage for decoders?
I understand I will have to change the lights to 12 or 16V. Will I need resistors anywhere?
Anyone know the exact Soundtraxx decoder to use?
This little engine was so cheap and runs so well, I just can’t resist trying to make it great for $50 more (that’s more than twice as much as I paid for it).
This may be the newer model of course, but if it looks the same should help you considerably.
I am sure that you are aware that Soundtraxx decoders are DCC decoders with sound capability. This means that you will also have to find space for a speaker and its associated baffle and wiring. The Soundtraxx decoders are also physically quite large, and until the recent Tsunami (only available in steam) had fairly poor motor control. I really don’t think that you will find the space for the speaker. Even if you can I think a sound install in this little loco will be a real challenge, especially for a first effort.
TCS makes some really small decoders and best of all have a goof-proof-warranty, so even if you destroy the decoder during your installation it is covered.
When I first got into DCC, I made the decision to hold off on sound installations until I had some experience installing regular decoders.
I think you’re going to have to forget about putting sound into the Bachmann Spectrum 44-ton switcher. I have put decoders into two of them, and there was barely room for even a dime-sized Lenz decoder. The models I have both have two motors in them; one on each truck. One of the crew members had to be removed just to fit a non-sound decoder, and there is absolutely no room anywhere for a speaker.
Without more specific information about what your other locomotives are, I can’t answer your question about isolating their motors. Some may have a “split frame” design with the motor sandwiched between frame halves which must be taken apart to gain access to and insulate the motor.
As for voltage, all decoders are exactly the same in that respect if they are NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices compliant. Some of the new TCS locomotive-specific decoders have voltage regulators for engines that use 1.5 Volt light bulbs, but most decoders have a 12 Volt output on the light functions. Most older locomotives used 16 Volt light bulbs, so you will not need to replace them or use resistors.
Which SoundTraxx decoder you need depends on what locomotive you’re going to put it into.
Simon’s correct about the TCS site showing the install for a newer model Bachmann switcher (the one shown has a PC board.
I had 2 older models with the older style light board. Took them to a trusted LHS and but they had to concede defeat. Ended up buying the newer models, swapping the shells for my road and selling the older ones at a train show. Good luck
