Quote from: OkieRick on March 23, 2009, 11:34:04 PM

Chuck,

That's the same combination I went with - TSU-1000 and my Bachmann Loco.  I added sound to a 2-10-2 Light Steam.  The sound is fair - I put a 1" diameter speaker in and will try a larger oval speaker when I order parts.  It doesn't come across as loud as my DCC With Sound Proto 2000 Series or Broadway Limited Steam locos but I haven't 'fiddled' with the different CV sound adjustments.  I would like a little more volume out of the Bachmann.

This was my first upgrade but not my last for sure.  I need to spend some money on track and layout - not locos.

Okie

Hi Okie,

My sound is not what I thought it would be either.  I have an Athearn F7 AB unit with sound and it is LOUD.  I did try to adjust the cv's for volume, but I could not audibly hear much difference.  I did notice the steam release was louder.  I could be missing something, but I adjusted all cv's for volume as listed by the manufacturer to no avail.  The sound is decent, but when the loco is at 1/3 speed or faster, the engine noise overrides any sounds.  I'm still in the process of trying different cv's to find the problem.  I have downloaded and printed the users manual for the TSU-1000 so I can reference while I operate the loco.  Sounds good, just not loud enough, yet!  By the way, I have a PB106 for the speaker (it was recommended by Dave502 at Caboose Hobbies in Denver).

I'll try to update any positive results to this thread.

Chuck S

All,

Well, I went with the Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-1000.  I added a pre-wired harness and plugged into the TSU-1000.  Next, I soldered a speaker to the TSU-1000.  The system works fine and sounds great.  Just need more time to play around with the individual sounds to fine tune them. 

Thanks to all for your sound advice, lol.

Chuck S.

Quote from: Tim on March 20, 2009, 07:02:29 AM
Chuck

The Pro-Cab that came with your Power Pro system can read and write
CV's directly.  Page 57 in your manual shows how on the programming
track.  CV's can also be programmed on the main (Ops mode).

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

Hi Tim,

I was sure I read that in the manual somewhere.  Thank you for indicating the page and clearing up my confusion.  Like was stated earlier, I guess I need to find a programming track booster to program the TSU-1000.  Anyone have experience in this area?

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S.

Quote from: richG on March 19, 2009, 08:49:24 PM
I use the Micro-Tsunami and it has excellent sound and motor control. Some members in the club use the standard Tsunami. I use the 1.1 inch speaker. I get the decoders and speakers from Litchfield Station. To take advantage of the CVs, you should have DCC controller that can do this. I use the NCE Power Cab only because the club I belong to uses the NCE Power Pro.
Proper baffling can be a big help for good sound.

Rich

Hi Rich,

I also compared the different sounds on the Soundtraxx website.  My loco is the Southern Pacific Daylight.  Their quick reference chart indicates that I should use the TSU-1000 Heavy Steam (p/n 826103) for my application.  Litchfield Station has it for a reasonable price, and looks like free shipping over $75.00!  I agree, having a good baffle will help the sound. 

You mentioned earlier that you have the Power Pro and about a program booster.  You also mentioned having a dcc controller that can take advantage of the CV's.  Does your controller allow you to adjust the CV's?  I thought I had done enough research and that the Power Pro would allow for adjustment of the CV's.  I just picked it up last night from my LHS.  The Power Pro was highly recommended by the local railroad club.

Thanks!!!

Chuck S

Quote from: SteamGene on March 19, 2009, 02:57:09 PM
Just for your information, the MRC sound decoders come with a speaker already wired to the decoder.  It's fitted with a two prong plug so the speaker can be fitted under the coal load if desired. 
Gene

Hi Gene,

I did a little research and the MRC seems like a pretty good deal.  However, I am concerned about sound quality.  The MRC website did not have a sample of their sounds so I went on YouTube and found some different locos.  Just by ear, it sounds like the Soundtraxx is the clear winner.  If anyone has any opinions I'd like to hear them (pun intended).

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S

Quote from: Tim on March 19, 2009, 12:58:23 PM
Chuck

Are you aware that you will need a programming booster
to program Tsunami's with the Power Pro?

I suggest :  DCC Specialties PowerPax or Soundtraxx PTB-100.

They are available for about $50.

I am not putting the Power Pro down, I own one, and they cannot program
Tsunami's on their own.

I also suggest the megabass speaker if you can find room.  the difference in sound
is well worth it.  The price is only slightly higher.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

Hi Tim,

I think I remember reading something along those lines in one of the manuals I read for this project.  I'm not sure, but I think I read it in the Soundtraxx installation manual.  Not another $50 I want to spend, but worth it in the long run (more locos to program).

Thanks for the tip with the speaker, I may go with a larger one.

Chuck S.
Pueblo, Colorado

Quote from: Yampa Bob on March 19, 2009, 10:29:44 AM
Hey Chuck, 
Do you by chance get your train supplies from Caboose Hobbies in Denver? That's my favorite store, will be down there next Monday. You and I are practically neighbors.

Just in case, here's all the links.
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1039&products_id=48657

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1039&products_id=48550

The adapter harness is made by Digitrax, in 1" and 3" lengths. I think the "PS" is the short one, "P" is the long one, they can verify. (Disregard the "N Scale" note on the pages.)

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87589

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87588

Hi Bob,

As a matter of fact, I am expecting a delivery today from Caboose.  I have only visited their store once, but I will stop by whenever I need to go to Denver!  (Special trip planned soon, I'll be in CO SPGS on saturday, lol)

I did some more reading of the manuals, and it looks like I need their eight pin connector.  I will only be using 7 of the 9 wires.  Since my loco is dcc equiped, I will just insulate the ends of the brown and green wires.  Does this sound correct.  That is what I took away from reading the installation manual.

UPDATE:  Just found pictures of the Digitrax wire harness adapters.  If these will just plug into the Soundtrax decoder I'll go this way.  This project keeps getting easier and easier the more I learn.   

I just got the NCE Power Pro system yesterday.  This is my first venture into dcc.  I couldn't see buying the entry-level system, only to have to begin adding upgrades right away.  I will be starting a new layout from scratch.

As far as dcc equipped locos go, the install seems fairly simple.  I appreciate the advice, links, and knowledge.  Give me a pm sometime, neighbor.

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Quote from: richG on March 19, 2009, 10:28:25 AM
If you do not have a LHS, Litchfield Station has what you need. Put the link in your Favorites Folder.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php?cat=76

Rich

Thanks Rich!

Chuck S

Hi, Yampa Bob!

Wow, that is some great info you provided.  I have already started looking at some of the links.  Shouldn't be too hard to get the loco set-up for sound.  I have found all the components needed, however, I am having difficulty locating the 9 to 8 pin adapter.  Will I have to make my own or do you know of one commercially available?

Thanks for your knowledge!

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

All,

As the topic line implies, I was wondering if a drop in sound decoder with speaker for the Bachmann DCC on board GS4 4-8-4 locomotive exists?

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S

All,

Everything is alright.  There were no stalls whatsoever tonight.  I ran the loco for three hours solid and not one single problem.  My best guess here is that the DCC plugs may have been loose.

Thanks everyone,

Chuck S

Hi Don,

I watched all the wheels, including tender, to make sure they stayed on the track.  I did not notice anything out of the ordinary(wheels stayed on track, no lifting or shifting of wheels).  I used an oval setup for initial break-in of the engine so it was easy to watch the loco.

I will be visiting some out-of-own hobby shops this morning but I will retry the loco this afternoon.  My guess is that the dummy plug(s) or an internal wire may be loose.

Thanks everyone,

Chuck S

Quote from: Tylerf on February 27, 2009, 11:06:13 AM
I have the older model with dcc installed in it, the loco runs very well on straight but slows, details, and just runs poorly on any curve tighter than 42 degrees

Hello,

So far I have not have any derailments.  I was actually suprised at how well the loco performed on the curved sections at a higher than prototype speed (breaking in the new engine). 

I have an old HO Lionel GS4 4-8-4 Daylight made in approx 1975 (no dcc).  It performswell around the curves, but doesn't have the pulling power (It is 34 years old after all).

Thanks,

Chuck S

Quote from: SteamGene on February 27, 2009, 08:37:29 AM
What is the curve radius?
Gene

Hi Gene,

22 degree. 

Thanks,

Chuck S

My brand new GS4 4-8-4 SP Daylight locomotive (DCC equiped) ran fine for about 20 minutes.  I was very impressed with its ability to start at a crawl.  Anyway, the loco started to stall whenever it would exit a curve.  At slower speeds it would stop totally.  At higher speeds, the loco would clear the curve and resume travel.  I did not notice any flickering lights.  The lights would remain on when the loco was completely stopped.  I then ran the loco in reverse with no problems. 

I am using DC.  Before I ran the loco I removed the decoder and installed the dummy plugs.  My EZ track is brand new as well.  Anyone have any similar problems?

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S