Hello, I have an Atlas Silver series GP38 DCC loco. The decoder is dual mode to switch back and forth between DCC and DC. I have it running in DCC just fine. I want to add sound and went to the hobby shop. Because the decoder is dual mode they were not sure if I could just plug in a Digitrax SFX 004 sound bug for sound or if I should remove the factory supplied decoder and hardwire a new decoder/sound bug. Anyone with experience on this issue? I don’t want to buy the wrong decoder.
Rockit.
Get a sound only decoder and speaker, and you should be good.
If by “just plug in” you literally mean actually finding a spot on the dual mode decoder to plug into, I think you’re out of luck. I don’t believe that such a spot exists on the Atlas dual mode decoder.
On the other hand, if you are willing to do some soldering, then you can connect the Sound Bug leads in parallel to the track power leads to the dual mode. You will have to program the SFX to the same address as the dual mode. I don’t know if there are any conflicting CVs between the SFX and the Atlas decoders. Maybe someone else can answer that.
Dual mode simply means it can run both DC and DCC not that is can be sound or non sound. Some decoders do not mind being used biggyback style while others share CVs for this function while the sound decoder uses it for that function and they could cause errors in the loco’s operation. Not all CVs have a standard to be compliant with NMRA regs only certain CVs have to be. This allows manufacturers to have some flexability to design custom functions. That being said I would recomend getting a Tsunami or Digitrax sound decoder made for your engine that either has the correct sound already loaded or one that custom sounds can be added as needed. This will give you the least amount of trouble in the overall installation.
Massey
Dual decoder installs is a bad idea because of overlapping CVs.
I suggest opening up the loco, removing the useless Atlas decoder and installing a Tsunami or QSI decoder in it’s place.
David B
Save yourself time and headaches and follow David’s advice and get the Soundtraxx Tsunami or QSI Titan. Both are proven hardware.
Each have an excellent track record and are a relatively easy install with basic tools.
Erik