Any chance that Bachmann could produce their Spectrum tenders with sound and DCC as a separate item? It would save some of us a bunch of money as all we would have to do is plug in an existing Spectrum loco. The old tender could be saved for analog layouts. Thanks, Paul
As I mentioned in your other thread, I called Soundtraxx this morning for some information.
I mentioned that many modelers aren't comfortable hard wiring or soldering on a plug. I was informed that they are considering supplying the Tsunami with two options, flying leads or NMRA plug installed.
Since most or all Bachmann tenders are DCC ready, it would be an easy plug and play procedure. Someone suggested that the OEM Tsunami Bachmann uses for their "sound on board" models might be a "less featured" version, I have no knowledge about that.
Today I ordered a medium steam from Caboose Hobbies, they will solder on a plug and test the decoder for a modest fee.
Dear Paul,
I'll pass along your suggestion.
Thanks!
the Bach-man
Do you think there is a chance that this will happen?
I just bought a DCC spectrum 4-4-0, nice runner, and noticed that the tender was punched for sound. I would guess that all spectrums will have this feature. Am I correct in this?
Quote from: pdlethbridge on October 02, 2008, 12:32:30 PM
I just bought a DCC spectrum 4-4-0, nice runner, and noticed that the tender was punched for sound. I would guess that all spectrums will have this feature. Am I correct in this?
It certainly appears that the new Spectrums are, I am not aware if the new Standard 2-8-4 Berkshire has this feature or not?
I do not know if the new releases of the 2-8-0, 2-10-0, 2-10-2 or 4-6-0's or Shay have the tender punched for a speaker or not. Would assume so as these models are now all offered with sound installed.
Can the Bach Man verify this?
I can't wait to see if they are going to offer the sound tenders separately.
Quote from: Yampa Bob on September 30, 2008, 08:26:57 PM
As I mentioned in your other thread, I called Soundtraxx this morning for some information.
I mentioned that many modelers aren't comfortable hard wiring or soldering on a plug. I was informed that they are considering supplying the Tsunami with two options, flying leads or NMRA plug installed.
I'd like to see the Tsunami offered with an attached speaker, too. That and an attached plug would really make it plug and play.
I can see the merit of having the correct speaker supplied with the decoder, or at least a recommendation.
Some modelers probably use the wrong speaker. All 8 ohm speakers are not alike.
If someone installs a cheap $4 speaker and the sound isn't good, the decoder gets the blame.
The Standard 2-8-4 tender has holes in the bottom for sound.
Gene
Digitrax makes the sound bug. I just got one. It attaches to their dh164 decoders but only needs 2 wires if it is used with other decoders, Red and black is all you need. It gets its power from the track. It as a sound module, speaker, capacitor prewired. If you look close to the module, you'll see 2 gold squares with holes, thats where it gets wired.
(http://www.digitrax.com/base_files/soundbugAbout.jpg)
Quote from: pdlethbridge on October 04, 2008, 10:19:00 PM
Digitrax makes the sound bug. I just got one. It attaches to their dh164 decoders but only needs 2 wires if it is used with other decoders, Red and black is all you need. It gets its power from the track. It as a sound module, speaker, capacitor prewired. If you look close to the module, you'll see 2 gold squares with holes, thats where it gets wired.
I bought a DH165 for my P2K 0-8-0 with the expectation of installing a Soundbug. I found out later from Digitrax that the "generic" steam sound preloaded on the Soundbug is a UP Challenger. Why they would choose that very specific loco as a "generic" sound is beyond me. And I'm not about to buy all the programming gear just for one decoder. So I guess I'll wait until a dealer like Tony's or Litchfield Station offers a service to customize Soundbugs upon purchase, assuming Digitrax ever offers a more suitable sound project for my loco.
I would be happy if I could purchase an extra tender for the Shay. I've already got the decoder (Tsunami micro) and it would be much easier adding sound to my Climax if I could get that tender to install both the speaker and decoder rather than trying to fit it all into the tiny Climax.
These would be great. Another thing that would be great would be tenders with just numbers and no letering.
It would make installing sound truly plug and play 8)
have you heard anything through the grape vine about tenders with tsunami added?