Bachmann has made a couple of different GP40 models and some have the DCC quick plug and others don't. The first release of this model was a split frame DC only that didnt leave much room for a decoder. I installed an n scale decoder and it and it works fine.  They later released the GP40 in the Spectrum line with no DCC quick plug but you could get a decoder that replaced the circuit board on the top of the frame. This particular loco isn't split frame and they upgraded the circuit board on the top of the newer models and have a DCC quick plug.   Converting most engines to DCC is pretty simple with or with out the DCC quick plug. Hard wiring is not as difficult as it may seem to be, just do one and you'll find out how simple it is, if you follow the instructions that come with decoders that need hardwiring. Split frame engines take a little more thought and planning since a lot of the design of the engine's  are really simply grounded contact points built into the engine that need's to be isolated from the motor.  I've converted 3 loco's with split frames, it does take a bit longer, but it can be done.
hope this helps, Jim

I just got off the phone with Tony's Trains and ordered this unit cost $48.00 and it will operate 8 turnouts per unit, that's $6.00 per turnout, here's the link scroll down to SC8
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/teamdigital.htm

Quote from: mdmeyers1982 on February 01, 2012, 11:55:19 PM
Well I posted this question on the modeltrainforum.com forum a while ago, but apparently they don't like to respond as quickly as this group here  

I was reluctant to ask, because my question involves other brands but here goes:

"Can anyone recommend a good decoder/turnout/motor combo that I can use remotely with the Dynamis system with no problem?? that's all I need is just a step in the right direction... so many options for this hobby... price is not a *major* factor, but I would like to keep it fairly mid-range... IE.. nothing that will break/fail, but nothing plated in gold as well. I've heard PECO makes a good turn out.. so I hope that would work with my Atlas track.. all I need to know is what decoder and motor to set up with it."

that is what I posted. After a little research I have found that the Tortoise turn out machines are highly praised... but require a DPDT switch set up? I want to be able to control the switching WITH MY DYNAMIS...lol is that too much to ask?

On that note.. I have heard rumors about the same company producing what is called a Smail.. which is the Tortoise with a Decoder installed? How about that?

Also... I'd just like to brag that I won an auction on Ebay tonight for a lot of 6 Bachmann rolling stock (hope I wasn't bidding against you! lol) and I am awaiting another bid on a Bachmann DCC GP40-2 with MRC sound installed (fingers crossed)

Got a VERY nice tax return on the way, and my girl already said I can allocate some of it towards my new hobby as long as I pay off the entertainment center we have on layaway    

Thanks guys, and have a great night!

Not bad for $15.00 per turnout, read this and learn, I've been interested in this topic myself,
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm
Jim

Quote from: kpsdjs on February 02, 2012, 03:05:38 AM
Hello Again,
  The E-Z Command Controller comes with a wall power supply that has a 16vAC 1000mA (16vA) OUTPUT. This will easily run 3 to 5 engines (depending on engines used). My question is; Can I replace the wall supply with a 16vAC 2000mA OUTPUT to run more engines? Or will this harm the controller?
  If that wont work, then is a "Booster" my only option? Also does a Booster give it's output based on an input FROM the original power-pack + E-Z Controller "Package"? Or does it replace the original wall supply??
  Perhaps 2 power districts run from 2 E-Z Command units, that operate in tandem??

  "The Bachmann" or "Yardmaster" might want to ring-in on this one.

Thanks Always,
Kelly

Bachmann 5 Amp Booster
FEATURES: Intended for indoor use only.
         Provides extra current to the track so an increased number of
           DCC locomotives can run on your HO, N, O, or Large Scale layout.
         Output voltage can be adjusted to meet your scale requirements.
         Can be used with any NMRA/NEM-conformant DCC system.
         Air vents and a fan to ensure proper ventilation and prevent
           overheating.
         SAFETY FEATURES include:
           * Thermal overload protection
           * Opto-isolation (current) interface that consumes 30ma. This
               eliminates any possiblility for hidden ground loops thru
               your power station
           * 7V signal on the DCC bus to prevent the booster from
               accidentally sending power to track when the command station
               stops sending signals
         Green LED indicates that power is on.
         Red LED indicates an overload or short circuit. The Power Booster
           is protected by a thermal circuit breaker which resets when the
           short circuit or overload is corrected.
         Both printed and DVD format instructions.

INCLUDES: (1) E-Z Command® Power Booster
         (1) 5 Amp Power Supply
         (1) E-Z Command® Signal Input Wire
         (1) Universal Signal Input Wire
         (1) Track Output Wire

SPECS:    Power Supply Input:     DC 18V 5A
         Output (Track Voltage): selectable 14V or 18V
         Output Current:         limited to a max. of 5A
                                                                     kr10/4/06



I can run 6 consisted trains with mine, normally run 3 trains at a time,  with sound and I have had no problem for 4 years with it. I'm still using EZ command, but I program my cv's with Digitrax PR3 with the free JMRI soft ware. I have an old desk top computer I'm planning on running my trains with the JMRI software. So I won't need the other brands of DCC throttles.

I kept the wiring in tack from my DC layout , when I converted to DCC which had 4 districts including the yard, so I can's see any reason why you couldn't have 2 districts with 2 seperate controllers, of course you can have that. I think though you may have to keep the 2 districts seperate and I don't think you can cross over using 2 seperate controllers, I know what you're trying to do, I know you can't use 2 controllers in the same district, and at that point , where they cross is what you're trying to do.  You may have to manually place the other train in the district by hand, you can wire the booster to 2 or more districts, I did in 4 districts, but using one throttle, with no problem. Hey it makes it  a lot easier, having a couple of seperate districts  if you develop a short to find it, but I havent had that problem. I knew from experience of the problems I had from previous layouts. One of the most important things I can tell you, when laying track and aligning switch's BE A PERFECTIONIST.  And I wired every piece of track to the buss, that means every 3 feet and sometimes less.

There are many fine DCC systems  on the market, but do some research for a year or so, there are some other boosters from the top DCC makers Digitrax for one but I chose the Bachmann and I personally have no regrets at all.

Here's alink for 2 other boosters Digitrax and NCE, scroll down on the site for the NCE  
http://www.sodigi.com/Boosters.htm

One final note  DO NOT RUN DCC IN ONE DISTRICT AND DC IN ANOTHER WHATEVER YOU DO!

Quote from: kpsdjs on February 02, 2012, 03:05:38 AM
Hello Again,
   The E-Z Command Controller comes with a wall power supply that has a 16vAC 1000mA (16vA) OUTPUT. This will easily run 3 to 5 engines (depending on engines used). My question is; Can I replace the wall supply with a 16vAC 2000mA OUTPUT to run more engines? Or will this harm the controller?
   If that wont work, then is a "Booster" my only option? Also does a Booster give it's output based on an input FROM the original power-pack + E-Z Controller "Package"? Or does it replace the original wall supply??
   Perhaps 2 power districts run from 2 E-Z Command units, that operate in tandem??

   "The Bachmann" or "Yardmaster" might want to ring-in on this one.

Thanks Always,
Kelly

Kelly here is the best price that I know of for the Bachmann 5 amp booster.
http://www.thefavoritespot.com/p-3343-spectrum-ez-command-control-system-digital-5-amp-power-booster-44910.aspx

Quote from: John Honeck Sr on January 30, 2012, 03:29:32 PM
What is a "tt" that you refer?

He means turntable! TT

Quote from: jward on January 29, 2012, 07:12:41 PM
some thoughts on tha above decoder. keep in mind these are my opinions. take them as you will.....

first off, i looked at the decoder mentioned. it mentioned the sound files are for "generic" diesel and steam. given the amount of work that would go into installing this decoder in a gp40, and the fact that i live in an area where gp40s were common as mud, generic isn't going to cut it for me. especially not when for about $15 more you can get a sound decoder with sd40 sound files, which would also be accurate for a gp40. or the fact that for the cost of the gp40 and sound decoder, you can get accurate sound equipped alco diesels from bachmann.

second, i was unable to find any instructions on that site, or any others i've visited, for installing a sound decoder in either the ft or gp40. i feel there is a good reason for this. both installations will require cutting away part of the chassis to make room for a speaker. which i noticed is not included in the price of the decoder. this is certainly not a project for a newby. even i, with 40 years in the hobby, would be hesitant about this one.

If you scroll down a little further you'll find the sound for gp 4o for a little more money you can purchase a smaller speaker any speaker that 8 ohm will work, check out the speaker sizes and shapes.

Here is the instructions with photo's for the install it's from the same site tony's exchange.

http://www.tonystrains.com/download/dec-installation-hout.pdf

scroll down to page 17 and it is the gp 40.

I was a bit intimadated to even take the shell off a loco to even plug in a decoder let alone convert one from scratch, but today it's a piece of cake after you've done a few even isolating a motor is not such a big deal now, but it takes time to learn and follow instructions and some patience.
Sometimes it is cheaper to buy it already installed. Good Luck and have some fun.

As someone else posted you're better off buying a dual motion sound decoder, you can't do much of anything with the Bachmann decoder, I don't think there is an 8 or 9 pin plug for sound to make a simple plug in. Have you removed the shell to see?

Look here sound decoders for $41.00 speaker included, also the site gives you step by step install instructions with pictures for an easy install.......
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/digitrax_decs_sound.htm

Quote from: gandy dancer#1 on January 28, 2012, 03:44:38 PM
Greetings: I have the digital commander - easy command set purchased 2 x- mases ago. it comes with: 1-f t a loco all wheel drive, and 1-gp-40 all wheel drive. 1-28-128 speed step controller ?? a 1 amp power supply, and 56x38 oval track with switch and siding. cant find any other numbers id's ect on box.
My question: Does bachman make a  (diesel)  sound decode rfor these locos?
Is it plug and play, or does the sound have to be prgrammed also?? as dont see any options in the cd or papers for this. or willi have to put totally new boards in?? Thanks for your help.

Look here sound decoders for $41.00 speaker included, also the site gives you step by step install instructions with pictures for an easy install.......
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/digitrax_decs_sound.htm

Here's some vids to watch on youtube for the Dynamis, there are 4 or 5. They are in British so you have to listen carefully. I'm planning on upgrading after 6 years with EZ command, and that is very basic compared to Dynamis, but I have had 100's of hours of a lot of carefree fun and very minimal problems. I purchased Digitrax pr3 3 or 4 years ago for reading and writing cv's and sound choices and tweaking for the sound decoders. Have fun and good luck. Jim
link to youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MadyqsU6_fs&feature=related

Hi Rich, while I was reading the reponses on the web search, I kinda caught on and remembered that their electrical delivery system is kind of different than on this side of the pond.

Hello Jerry "The Favorite Spot" there is a website and the price is $107.00 plus $14.79 shipping, that's to my address in West Virginia, his store is in Texas, and he charges exact shipping to your location. I've purchased a lot of goodies from him in the past and he sells on eBay so you can check out his feedback, which is excellent. On eBay his selling price is a few dollars more. Check it out:

http://www.thefavoritespot.com/p-2775-spectrum-ez-command-control-system-digital-dynamis-wireless-infrared-system-36505.aspx

Jim

This would be my choice if I were changing those, I have the same car set
http://www.kadee.com/conv/hocc14.htm
Scroll down to rolling stock and you'll see Amtrak, there is a tiny bit of modification but easy and you won't be disappointed, just make sure you use a coupler gauge.

You could also go here and use the Bachmann replacement with no altering but you really need to check the coupler height.
http://www.thefavoritespot.com/p-3007-bachmann-ho-scale-train-couplers-e-z-mate-mark-ii-knuckle-center-shank-long-78024.aspx

Thanks Rich, I read the few forums that some folks seem to have a problem, the few forums there are, are all from the UK. I tried searching on the "other" very popular train forum, the magazine some of us subscribe to, and there was not even a mention of it being a problem on any of the thousands of topics on their site. I can pick one up brand new for $113.00 I found on a supplier site that I use. I don't want to use his name, but he only sells Bachmann and Stewart.  I already have the bachmann 5 amp booster and 3 of the reverse loop mods, that work flawlessly, and never had and problem in the 7 years minus 2 that I used EZ.  Thanks again, Jim