This is why I said it is an OEM version.... with pins...

The TSU-4400 from Soundtraxx has no pins...

Poor quality run of plastic, it happens from time to time... pretty consistently bad on the first run.

So, what sound card do you have now?

Unfortunately not unusual, sorry!

Actually, I think the decoder is an OEM version, check to see if it has a chuff sensor... the older Bachmann units often had a SoundTraxx that was "crippled" in some way.

Other than the chuff input, they were fully featured.

Mr. Bach-Man:

Can we update the forum stickies? The Peter Witt one is of no use I would wager and certainly not befitting a sticky after all this time.

And can we add a few more of Loco Bill's ? The one on which chassis and how to replace a chassis in an older Big Hauler, and also the one that has his "version spotting guide"?

If you sort the topics by views, it will be very apparent which topics are of the most help and should be stickies.

Thanks, Greg

We do have a new administrator... I did post a message to ask him to tell us about himself, but my post was apparently deleted (I made reference to the fact we were in the dark for a long time)

We'll see if this post gets deleted too...

Greg

Yes, but you will need to wire the chuff pins in the socket to the connector on the board. Probably need to double check that none of the other pins interfere, since Bachmann's implemention of the socket is after the QSI was designed.

If you get serious, like going to install, I'll look into it for you.

Greg

Scroll down this page to the new PNP unit, pictures complements of Ted.

https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/big-hauler

Greg

Uhh.... yes, I was replying to your question to the best of my ability.

You may want to do some additional research with the manufacturers directly, and also confirm the sizes since no one has reported the physical clearances around the socket.

Heaven knows what they tested it with, most likely the OEM Tsunami.

Greg

Good for you, keep those gray cells going!

On the Climax, yes, I gather you are thinking the AirWire CONVRTR, and you should be able to re-use the dcc board, but the wiring will be a pain, since you would want a socket for the DCC board removed, and also you will have to connect a number of wires between the tender and the loco.

Now that I re-read your post, what you said makes the most sense, battery in tender, connect to CONVRTR, then you need to route the CONVRTR output to the loco, and feed it's outputs to the track input wiring... (and remove the track pickup contacts just to be sure).

That should be the simplest install.

I'll watch this forum for your progress, and best of luck!

Greg

The compromise between keeping the original board for wiring simplicity and removing it to get more space is a decision that can go either way.

There are pro's and con's to teach way.

By removing the board, you got a lot more space in the Shay for electronics and/or better speaker.

Not sure I would remove the board in the C-19, it's the best wired, best documented loco Bachmann makes.

The Annie depends, usually if you try to keep the flicker board.

There is really no wrong or right way, but if it works well for you, then indeed that was the right way for you!

Glad you rolled up your sleeves and got into it. Much better when you personally understand the install.

Greg

I agree with the comments above, look for motor or geartrain binding. How much current is being drawn?

Disconnect the phoenix system and measure the draw.

By the way, realize that the MRC6200 is a marginal transformer (under 2 amps) and also subject to failure. So measure the current drawn, you can buy a digital meter capable of measuring up to 10 amps for $5 at Harbor Freight.

Greg

If you can find a used QSI, they are great (I have a lot for myself and will program them for anyone free).

The Phoenix is OK, it has some limitations, but mostly power, and the Big Hauler should be no issue.

I would not buy the Digitrax DG583 (I think that is the number)

The TCS Wowsound will work, the early versions were not great, I think they have improved the firmware.

I believe you should be able to buy one of the OEM SoundTraxx "quasinamis" that are derived from the Tsunami.


Greg

I would think so, but you will probably have to use autochuff... or wire the electronic sensors to the Revo board.