I have a Sound value 4-6-0 that I repainted for the Tonopah and Tidewater RR. Great little locomotive but it is a little sensitive on dead frogs. My other locomotives have these Keep-alive circuits added and this makes a world of difference. I was wondering if anyone has looked into adding one of these capacitors to the Bachmann Sound Value 4-6-0's. I know that they are Soundtraxx decoders which theoretically could use their Current-Keeper. Before I take mine apart to look, I thought I would see if anyone else has all ready tried. Thoughts
The 4-6-0 Sound Value decoder is not designed to accept a CurrentKeeper or the like.
Adding a CurrentKeeper entails removing its plug and soldering two wires to the decoder PCB, which requires advanced soldering skills. Suggest you contact SoundTraxx for wiring diagram if you have the soldering skills. However, do not be surprised if they decline to provide required information since this procedure not properly done can result in an unusable decoder. I do not believe Bachmann Service Dept has the information.
When a CurrentKeeper is added you must also change CV 29 to enable NMRA Digital only. See CV 29 Bit 2: APS, Alternate Power Source enable
I have a new Bachmann Soundvalue NYC 0-6-0 switcher which stalls on some unpowered switcher frogs. I called Soundtraxx and they said their CurrentKeeper 2 will work. I sent them a photo of the decoder in the tender. They marked up the photo, circling a socket on the decoder, which the CurrentKeeper's wire's end plug should be inserted.
I hollowed out the tenders coal bunker and the CurrentKeeper fit in perfectly. I kept it in place with Kapton tape.
I reassembled everything,put it on the track and waited for the capacitors to charge, about 2 minutes. The locomotive now doesn't respond to motion commands. The whistle and bell commands work, but the light commands nor motion commands work. I'll be calling Soundtraxx Monday morning.
Any ideas?