Hi Bach-man,
Earlier I asked about sound modules(decoders) and was told the they were built into the electronics boards of the respective locomotives and not available separately. I guess I was using incorrect terminology. I should have asked about Plug and Play Sound Modules. My question - Will these modules be available for additional locomotives (other than the two now available)? Do they have a standard eight pin plug or a different type of connector? Just trying to get a feel for what they are like. Thanks.
Wamcm,
It appears that Bachmann is developing a new type electronics. The new "Sound Ready" locomotives, like the EM-1 will have a unique socket as part of the tender's PC board. So, their sound unit will only work with their locomotives.
This appears to be a feature that will be part of future releases, if the experiment goes over well. I think it will.
Just a guess, but it seems like all future locomotives will have a sound-ready feature, where one could buy a plug-and-play sound unit--be it steam or diesel. The locos will all be dual mode, DCC locomotives, ready for the plug-in sound unit.
Probably will take a number of years to develop for all their locomitives, but I can see it happening. Again, this is a guess, but seems plausible.
These will be different than the "Sound Value" locomotives where the sound units are already built into the PC boards. I like both ideas. Gives us some economical choices.
Regards,
Jonathan
I do hope Bachmann can standardize the loco DCC wires. I have seen questions about Bachmann loco wires in different forums. My Spectrum 4-6-0 with Tsunami is a good example on non standard colors.
Rich
Dear All,
At the present time the sound modules are model-specific, not generic. The EM-1, for instance, comes with a decoder into which its specific sound module plugs.
Have fun!
the Bach-man