Benji has a new DCC (Santa Fe F-7) train. It runs fine, but I've not been able to find the right function to blow a whistle. Do all trains not have this function? I would think this would be a standard on any train??? Thanks.
BG
It would help to know what DCC controller you are using. Or are you using just a DC power pack?
Rich
Is your loco sound equipped?
A quick check on whether or not your locomotive is sound equipped is to put the locomotive on the rails with the DCC unit turned off (you do know that you should never rail a DCC-equipped engine with the power on don't you?..good!). After making sure all wheels are on the rails - turn on the DCC unit. You should hear either the sound of steam/air escaping. No sound? Your locomotive probably doesn't have a sound decoder. You might want to try this on several spots, on your layout, as there may be track problems. This method isn't foolproof but it is quick and easy. Good luck.
Ray
Thanks to all. I do not know if the loco sound-equipped, or not. Is there some way to tell other than CNE Runner's suggestion? Can I get a sound decoder for the loco? By the way, the controller is the 10-space Bachman unit. Thanks, again.
BG
What is the Bachmann Item No. on the box?
Assuming this is a new loco and Bachmann, the box should have one of three phrases:
DCC Ready
DCC Equipted
DCC Sound Equipted
Unless the box has the last statement it is either ready for a NMRA standard 8 pin decoder (the first one) or has a Bachmann non-sound decoder installed.
BTW, diesels don't whistle - they honk. :D
Gene
You can convert (or better yet - have someone who knows what they are doing convert) just about any locomotive to DCC. As was mentioned: if the box says "DCC ready" you are dealing with essentially a "plug and go" installation. If not, the process definitely gets more complicated because the motor may not be insulated from the locomotive's frame. Again, this isn't the end of the line as I had Tony's Train Exchange install a sound decoder in a brass 2-8-0 that was at least 30 years old. All it takes is talent and money. The problem is that your locomotive may not be worth it. How about considering one of the newer Bachmann, Proto 2000, Athearn or Atlas engines? Many of these engines are available in DCC-ready or DCC/Sound varients at attractive prices.
I don't know what specific model diesel you have; but I checked MR and found an ad that advertised an Athearn GP-35 that is DCC-ready and would be a snap to add the appropriate decoder. Check the model railroad discounters and see what they are offering...this is a dismal economy - so you may just luck out.
Dear Grandad,
None of our diesel locos have sound at this time. There are diesel sound decoders available from Soundtraxx.
Happy Holidays!
the Bach-man
and a simple soulition to add sound would to buy a "dummy" B unit that has space to install the sound unit and speaker. Soundtraxx makes some nice stuff. just remember decoder will not make a cheap or poor running engine run any better. if you going to shell out the $ for sound I advise putting it into a good runner that looks and performs well.
Did you notice the slip of Bachmann's tongue. Not at this time. How soon in the future could we expect a diesel with sound?
Dear Paul,
Not a slip at all- we don't have sound diesels now, but someday we may. I hope we will.
Happy Holidays!
the Bach-man
Some of the Spectrum steam locomotives are equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami decoder for train control and sound. I suspect Bachmann is looking into something for the diesels. Just a WAG. I do know from the Yahoo SoundTraxx DCC group, there are a few issues being ironed out since their diesel decoders you buy and install yourself, have recently been released. . Another WAG is Bachmann may have diesel sound in 2009. Makes sense. I think it has only been maybe a year since Bachmann started selling steamers with the SoundTraxx sound decoder. When they come out with sound, this would probably be the way to go as you need soldering skills and some mechanical experience for some installations.
You can use Google and search for say DCC diesel sound. You will get many hits. You will find a lot of reading.
Also, get yourself an inexpensive digital multimeter from Radio Shack, Home Depot or Lowe's. Even if you do not go into DCC for a while, it will help you in troubleshooting as people here will ask you if you made any checks with a meter. Makes things a lot easier.
Good luck.
Rich
Today I picked up another DMM at NAPA for $8.00. It never hurts to have a spare. It looks just like this one:
http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/dt830bf.htm
If all modelers would make a few simple tests before asking here, we would be better able to help them. I don't understand why modelers are reluctant to buy them, they are very simple to use.
Troubleshooting is easy, just eliminate what works and concentrate on what doesn't work.
Quote from: Yampa Bob on December 27, 2008, 01:27:23 AM
Today I picked up another DMM at NAPA for $8.00. It never hurts to have a spare. It looks just like this one:
http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/dt830bf.htm
At last, someone reported a good deal at a store that exists in our town! I went to our NAPA in search of that $8.00 digital multimeter. I even showed the man the stock number of the one on your link, Bob. He looked at the multimeters hanging on his wall: DMM $40; Analog MM, $20. He checked his computer; he checked his sale circular. $40 is the best he can do. He said different stores in the chain may access different suppliers. Here's one store that isn't slashing prices to move merchandise! :(
The one I got at NAPA is from "Regal", part number 51657. Regal is the company that imports cheap mechanic tools you see in bargain bins at hardware and auto parts stores. Everything in the bin is $8 or $9, all kinds of tools, just scrambled in piles you have to sort through to find stuff. We had to practically empty the bin to find the meter at the bottom of the pile, in a blister pack.
Apparently the vendor that refills the bins isn't servicing your local store. Check around at other stores, maybe you can find one hidden in a bin somewhere.
If not, the $8 price at the link I gave is a good deal, even having to pay $5 or so for shipping. They could probably send 2 for the same shipping charge.
Good luck
or go to widget supply
I bought a couple of really cheap multimeters at my favorite Chinese tool store (Harbor Freight) and got them for about what Yampa Bob paid for his (we keep one near my workbench and one on the motor home). Try www.harborfreight.com and see if they have what you want.
Happy Holidays,
Ray
Thanks Ray
Check this out, even has a separate on/off switch. On mine, I have to turn the dial to the off position. At this price, there is no excuse for modelers to not have one. (or two). What the heck, I'm ordering one for my wife, nice colors. 8)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899
is that for her to check to see if your heart is still working? ;D ;D ;D ;D
I put this in another thread but I have realized some people do not read all the messages.
For those not familiar with multimeter's, here are a bunch of links. Pick out the ones you like and save them to your favorites folder. pass them one when you see a new modeler having electrical issues.
Lets all help the model railroad community. It is apparent that meter's are a very useful tool for those moving into DCC as well as DC layouts.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ned=us&q=model+railroad+multimeters&btnmeta%3Dsearch%3Dsearch=Search+the+Web
Rich
Thanks, all, for the information about where to find inexpensive digital multimeters. No wonder online sales did much better this Christmas than sales in stores on the street!