Planned LokSound Installs in Proto 2000 E6 and Genesis GP9

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
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I decided today on how to approach two of my locos. I’m interested in any comments and particularly questions about converting lights from bulb to LEDs and which sound file for a GP9.

First, the E6, which is an unused but 2004 (or so?) vintage DC Lifelike P2K, DC with DCC 8-pin plug. Alot based on what I’ve read in the forum, I ordered a LokSound Select 6-aux, which should fit within the frame indent behind the cab. As is often noted, in this case DC ready meant there’s an 8-pin plug, but not room for speakers ala another similar E6 I bought with DCC installed and dual speakers; i.e., different frame cutouts on the two. But two HiBass 1.1" 8-ohm speakers with enclosures which should fit where the rear frame indent occupies the lightboard which will be removed, wired in parallel for 4 ohms.

Anyway, I found there is not a perfect LokSound file for the twin 12-cylinder EMD 567s as there is a file for a single 12-cylinder, and two options for 16-cylinder 567s (non-turbo (supercharged/blown) and turbo), so I settled for the single 12. I can see why folks buy the LokSound programmer in case future files are available.

Here’s a key question…the E6 has two bulbs which light the headlight and Mars light and number boards. Seems I should change them to LEDs but don’t know how easily things disassemble there and what size and how to add LEDs to replace the bulbs. A photo follows here:

The second project will be a Genesis DCC Tsunami sound GP-9 with two problems; i.e., the headlight grain of wheat bulbs quit and the horn sound is so pathetic I’m gonna attack the sound. So I ordered a LokSound Direct Select that should easily replace

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Check the current draw of the E unit…

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For your GP9, if you are using a Select Direct, you will want sound file number 73836 which is a typical 16 cylinder 567. There is an early and late version in the same file (with or without manual transitioning).

Loksound has a dual prime mover 567 in the works. I’ve heard the pre-production sample and it sounds really good. The two engines run in and out of rhythm and are even started separately from each other. You could always have this file loaded when it becomes available if you know someone with a programmer.

Mark.

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Thanks, guys. I’m advised that the motor current will be well within the decoder ability and confirmed the GP9 sound file will be 73836. I will find out if my LHS has a Lok Programmer in case I want to upgrade the E6 to a dual motor 12 cylinder file. I will likely have two of those if I convert the existing QSI Quantum E6 also.

I disassembled the E6 enough to get the front lighting apart. The 4.6mm diameter bulbs mean that 5mm LEDs will slide in the holders. I have lots of inverted cone (diffusing) warm white Christmas tree LEDs. I plan to smooth the face of the upper (MARS) one flat so it provides more of a focused beam, but use the lower one as is (inverted cone) so it diffuses some light sideways to the light board “pipes”.

Meanwhile, I await parts, so I’ll download LokSound instructions and look them over.