Have not been successful figuring out what I need from the Bachmann site to add aftermarket sound to my On30 DCC Consolidation. Please advise. Also, can't find the uncoupling magnet for under track installation.
Thanks, Jon O.
Here is the magnet:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=475
As far as adding sound into a loco goes you basically need to choose a DCC decoder with sound and a speaker and install them. If you do not know how to install them or do not feel comfortable doing so it would be recommended to find a train shop in your area that does installs. Depending on the locomotive each install can be a bit different so more info is needed before the folks on the board here can help.
A good place to start would be the SoundTraxx website:
http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/
One of the members of our On30 modular group put sound in his 2-8-0, and he said it was so easy it surprised him. However, if you are nervous about doing it yourself, there are dealers who can do it for you. There is also a wealth of information and instruction available on the web. Soundtraxx allows you to download their manuals from their website if you want to study things before buying the decoder.
Bill in FtL
I kept an eye on "an auction site" watching for HO Spectrum sound equipped 2-8-0's. I found a pair that I got cheaper than a new Soundtraxx decoder alone. After opening up the HO tender it was easy to see how the sound decoder and speaker mounted and plugged into the main board. Reverse the process putting those parts in the On30 Connie and you are good to go. It worked just as well on my 4-6-0 too. Best part, it's all plug and play Bachmann parts.
There is a decoder selector at the SoundTraxx site.
You will need a 9 pin to 8 pin adapter. Order that with the decoder and speaker.
The link below ill show you how to use the adapter. Many miss this particular item or you have to solder some wires to an eight pin plug.
http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/soundtraxx/tsunami.htm
If you are new to DCC, spend some time looking though all his site. There is a link to a good DCC supplier also.
Rich
Thanks for the help, guys. The 2-8-0 is at my deale'rs awaiting the hand of a master installer. Since I'm old and have been having difficulty getting my socks on the right feet in the morning lately I thought this was the best alternative.... Jon
Always good to let a certified installer do the job, although I'm going to try this next one (Bachmann On30 Rail Bus) myself. Just had my Bachmann On30 two-truck Shay done with a TSU-750 826020 Micro-Tsunami. Runs very well, and if I had a decent DCC controller (I have the Bachmann E-Z Command Control Center) I'd be playing with the CVs right now.