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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: steveeusd on January 29, 2013, 03:08:55 PM

Title: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: steveeusd on January 29, 2013, 03:08:55 PM
Hello--

What would it take to install a decoder in a HO Bachmann analog EMD demonstrator GP30? 
I don't want to hard-wire it and prefer not to substitute a DCC on-board chassis.

Thanks

Steve W.
Title: Re: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: bapguy on January 29, 2013, 03:10:11 PM
Is this a split frame type? Do you want DCC only or sound?  Joe
Title: Re: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: richg on January 29, 2013, 03:39:56 PM
Quote from: steveeusd on January 29, 2013, 03:08:55 PM
Hello--

What would it take to install a decoder in a HO Bachmann analog EMD demonstrator GP30? 
I don't want to hard-wire it and prefer not to substitute a DCC on-board chassis.

Thanks

Steve W.

If you cannot do either of those two options, then buy a GP30 with DCC decoder on board. The diagram shows a PC board which ties everything together. Lights, pickups, motor.

Rich
Title: Re: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: jward on January 29, 2013, 06:25:53 PM
steve,

you will ahve to hard wire a decoder in your gp30 if you wish to install one yourself. the good news is that it's not that difficult of an install, and jim banner has posted a tutorial on how to do it here:

http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/tmaster/tmaster.html

note that the h16-44 in the photos is basically the same drive as the gp30, with minor differences. similar drives are also in the gp35, sd45 and ge dash 8s.

ihave foloowed these instructions for gp30s, gp35s and an sd45 and they work well.
Title: Re: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: quartermiler660 on December 17, 2013, 10:46:08 AM
i'm wanting to install the generic tsunami 1000 sound decoder in a Bachmann GP30 I purchased about a year ago.  The one I got was the DCC equipped model. (HO)  Too bad it isn't prewired for the 8 or 9 pin plug.  The sound board is nearly half the size of the original decoder, so the install appears to be interesting, at the very least.  Have any of you done this conversion yet?  I'm really curious about how to mount the LED's.
Title: Re: Installing decoder in Bachmann analog HO demonstrator GP30
Post by: richg on December 17, 2013, 11:11:27 AM
Quote from: quartermiler660 on December 17, 2013, 10:46:08 AM
i'm wanting to install the generic tsunami 1000 sound decoder in a Bachmann GP30 I purchased about a year ago.  The one I got was the DCC equipped model. (HO)  Too bad it isn't prewired for the 8 or 9 pin plug.  The sound board is nearly half the size of the original decoder, so the install appears to be interesting, at the very least.  Have any of you done this conversion yet?  I'm really curious about how to mount the LED's.

It is not plug and play. Look at the below link.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/6403

People must realize the reason for no socket is that this loco design has evolved from the DC line. Lots of frame weight. Not much room.

Rich