I have a 2-8-0 and run on DC. Can anyone suggest which sound decoder I could purchase to install? Also, is it easier to install it in the tender? I am new to the hobby and need something relatively easy to install. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
Quote from: June on September 10, 2007, 02:47:52 PM
I have a 2-8-0 and run on DC. Can anyone suggest which sound decoder I could purchase to install? Also, is it easier to install it in the tender? I am new to the hobby and need something relatively easy to install. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
If you're new to this, a sound decoder in the 2-8-0 isn't what you want to start with. The available room in the loco itself is barely large enough for the smallest non-sound Z-scale decoders. I haven't tried yet, but have heard that the tender is also difficult to open up without damaging something.
I believe that the newest run of the "J" steamers is capable of having a sound decoder installed in the tender without too much grief.
Mike
I read a post from Prometheus? that recommeded the Digitrax DZ123 (for Z scale) and the DZ143 (scale unknown) for the N scale 2-8-0 so I looked them up on the internet and found that they are sound decoders. If the Spectrum is "DCC ready" (whatever that means) shouldn't I be able to use one of the above decoders in my 2-8-0 ???
Thanks, Bob
Bob,
DCC Ready means the motor brushes are isolated from the power pickups and there is some means to accept the installation of a decoder... a socket, solder pads, wires or something else. The easy way to isolate the motor brushes is to isolate the motor.
Bachmann has provided room for a decoder to be hard-wired in the 2-8-0 locomotive. See http://www.nscalesupply.com/BAC/BAC-2-8-0.html Note no room for the required speaker. If you modeling skills are up to it, a speaker can be placed in the tender.
While Digitrax makes sound decoders their DZ143 and DZ123 are not sound decoders. Suggest you visit Digitrax (http://www.digitrax.com/menu_mobiledecoders.php)
Thanks guys...I am starting to learn something, but I have one more question...How can a person tell if the J Class is a new version or an old version?
Quote from: June on September 11, 2007, 03:23:12 PM
Thanks guys...I am starting to learn something, but I have one more question...How can a person tell if the J Class is a new version or an old version?
I believe that only the new version of the "J" has holes for the speaker in the tender floor.
BTW, here is an in-process shot of a DZ123 being installed in my connie:
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/fieromike/100_0607a.jpg)
Mike