Sound Decoder for a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 - sound sample 6/30/08

[UpNorth]

Completely removing the heat shrink may cause warranty issues. Simply cutting it back to gain access to the JST connector should not. Soundtraxx even prones cutting the heat shrink when adding a capacitor fix to the DSX type decoder and states this will not void warranty.

" Using a sharp hobby knife, carefully trim 1/8" off the white heat shrink tubing on the DSX at the plug end. Be very careful not to cut the wires.This will not void your warranty as long as you only expose this area. "

For the Micro-Tsunami you can purchase the NMRA 8 pin socket and solder the wires to it and plug it into the DCC ready socket.

[Scarpia]

Nice job with the pictures Scarpia. You know what they say about a picture vs words. Not to get off topic. but I think using foam under your cork is going to make more noise than cork on plywood or homasote on plywood. Thought you might want to know. Once again, nice job!

CONCORD

one more thing to put on my list of lessons learned on my test layout. I think I’ll keep foam for a scenery area, but use wood based materials under the track on my final run. Thanks!

[Scarpia]

YES, you must have holes to let the sound pass. As it is you have a hand over the mouth (to give you a visual image). You can mount the speaker on the floor but this would require you remove the small card and the weight and drill numerous holes as seen here.

Simpler is to leave it alone and drill the coal load. Yes you must drill holes in the coal load to let the sound out. Use a #55 dril to make holes at an angle. Here is a link to Soundtraxx install document that covers how too :

http://www.soundtraxx.com/documents/manuals/tsuinstallation.pdf

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/1905/roundhouse_sound/

The inclosure you have is fine. but you need to let the sound out of the tender, my friend. I promise it will drown out the noise from track.

If you cut the Bachmann shrink wrap back a tad, I’ll bet you the decoder has the same 9pin JST connector you needed and purchased. But I could be wrong.

Thanks again for your info; I’ll look at doing the coal load. I’m planning, due to my success here to doing my other 2-8-0 as the budget allows.

I don’t see the advantage of the Micro Tsunami in this set up, as the tender is plenty large enough. For my 4-4-0, than that’s going to be the way to go.

Cheers

[wjstix]

In my experience, not drilling holes may reduce the volume a bit, but also tends to boost the bass so to me makes a more realistic sound. I’d say try it without holes first and see how it sounds.

Keep in mind too that in Bachmann Spectrum shells, there is an interior wall under the removeable coal load; drilling holes thru the coal load won’t do much if there aren’t holes in the area beneath it. Of course, you can drill a hole for the wires in that underneath divider and put the speaker under the coal load, I think Soundtraxx or somebody even makes a cardboard baffle to hold a 1" speaker in place in such a situation. I tried it once, I found the sound was loud but “tinny”, sounded much better in the main body (with no holes).

[Scarpia]

The speaker is under the coal load in an enclosure I got from Tony’s Trains.

I drilled lots of small holes in the coal, and you really cannot see them.

Here’s a video (proof in the pudding and all) of it in action. Note that I was holding my camera and driving at the same time, the Tsunami decoder is really a lot smoother running than this shows.

4 MB MOV - Tsunami demonstration - quicktime needed.