I managed to buy a precision craft emd f3 from factory direct trains when they had them on sale last week. Dummy me didnt take advantage of the adding Sound and DCC offer. I knew I would regret it tho. Does anyone know how hard it is to add sound/Dcc to this AB unit. (both powered). I did order sound/dcc decoders from Tonys trains and hope it isnt too difficult to install the speaker and decoder. This unit is labeled sound/DCC upgradeable.
Thanks in advance
Charlie
The answer depends on your skill level. Because you dont give any information to which decoders you purchased, I cannot help you.
David B
David, I think I have enough skill level to install these devices. I might have jumped the gun a little. I called Tonys Trains and told them the engine I bought (PCM EMD F3 AB). I forgot the name of who I talked to. He told me the price for the decoders (sound/DCC) but I didnt ask the obvious question (which brand decoder). I have reason to believe it will be LOKsound, but not positive. I know he quoted a price of $99, but the decoders are not in stock for that engine, but expected in in about a week. As soon as I find out the information on the decoders, I will try to re ask the install question. Thanks for your response.
Charlie
If you are actually getting the Lok decoders, then the installation cannot be simpler. Assuming your PCM F3s have an 8 pin receptical, the decoders have an 8 pin interface. They also come with the appropiate speaker and baffle already wired.
Couldnt get any easier in terms of a sound install.
David B
Charlie,
I bought a PCM F3 A-B (both power and w/sound) a few months ago and it came with the LokSound decoder. VERY nice sounding decoder. [:)][tup] I just wish they had gotten the shell correct for the NYC F3s. (Came with 2 headlights. Should have only had one.)
Tom
Thanks tom. I now have to determine what color scheme I want. So far I havent really picked a proto rr to model. Mostly freelancing. Once I decide, I might have to repaint the 3 or 4 locos I have. Thats down the road some tho. I seem to recall when I was a kid, the Missouri Pacific come racing by my grandmothers house in Sinton, tx about 60 mph. Not sure it was them tho, just vaguely remember it. Sounded like they were coming in the front door. I am pretty sure it was either E or F units at the time (early to mid 50s).
Finally checked back with Tonys Trains to find out which decoder they recommended and all. It is a QSI Revolution A. Read the owners manual on line. Think I can handle the install ok. Just have to determine where to put speaker. It is on backorder but expected in this week. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the input.
Charlie
Hopefully, the units you got are built on the same frames as the ones with factory sound. That would mean there should already be a place where the speakers can be positioned.
It is good that it is a QSI, they use normal ohmage speakers. The LokSound utilize high ohm speakers that are harder to find unless one buys them straight from LokSound.
If your Precision Craft F3 is like their other models, it may have a European triple-row 21 pin DCC socket in it made specifically for a factory-installed LokSound decoder, and no adapters or decoders with a matching plug are available in the U.S. of A. You may have to perform some major surgery to get the QSI decoder to fit in the limited available space.