Thanks, genetk44!

Ok, now I have a DCC with onboard sound S4.  I have a NCE Power Cab starter for my controller.  No problem getting the locomotive to run, turn on and off lights, and sound the horn.  I thought I had a bell sound, too, but this evening I don't so maybe I imagined it earlier?

That said, I would like to reduce the volume using the CV function, but there seems to be sparse or no information on how to do that either in the Power Cab manual or with the S4.

Any suggestions?  Since I have blocks left over from DC, I can turn off the block (and sound of the idling locomotive) but I am curious as to what CV value to change, or if there is a mute function somewhere.

A few bumps along the way getting three locomotives programmed and working, but so far so good.

- Ted

Thanks, Yardmaster!

Thanks all for the feedback.  After re-reading the thread and thinking it over, I decided that I am trying to do things backwards.

I'll return the S4 for one that has the DCC decoder and sound already built in, and use it with DCC.  If I ever decide I want to run it DC, then I'll remove the decoder.

Best regards,  Ted

Quote from: ACY on May 01, 2017, 10:05:05 PM
Honestly taking off the shell is the easiest part of installing a decoder. After you install the decoder and speaker it will be a very tight fit, or will not fit if you choose the wrong decoder or speaker. The locomotive with sound will have a bell and horn that will go off like the bell will ring when the locomotive is traveling slowly.

That's interesting, but I'd like to know more about taking off the shell.  I'm glad it's easy, but do I remove the long screws on the couplers, or do they have nothing to do with prying off the shell?  - Ted

While I'm here, any suggestions as to how to remove the "shell" so I can access the decoder location?  Other than, "very carefully", any more specific suggestions would help.  The diagram is not too helpful.  Looking at it, and at the locomotive, it seems like I should be prying the sides away from the body near where the hand rails attach.  But that could be wrong.  Maybe removing the long screws for the couplers is what I should do.  - Ted

Quote from: ACY on May 01, 2017, 06:45:20 PM
Amazon often has incorrect product descriptions or images or other inaccuracies. Bachmann makes the S4 locomotive both as DCC ready and as DCC equipped with sound. If you bought one that already has sound then obviously it has sound and you need not do anything else. If you bought a DCC ready locomotive then you must purchase both a sound decoder and speaker and baffle to have sound. Those are only two possibilities. You would have noticed if your locomotive has sound as it makes random sounds on DC analog operation.

What kind of "random sounds?"  Thanks, Ted

Thanks all for the clarifications!

- Ted

Thanks, ACY.  This is where the confusion comes in, as at Amazon it says:

"DCC - Sound Value equipped for speed, direction, lighting, 16-bit polyphonic sound
All-wheel drive, precision can motor, and Fine scale details
Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater
E-Z Mate Couplers
HO Scale 1:87 "

I just purchased this loco at my local shop.  The Amazon product description says it has sound on board, no decoder.  This locomotive says "(DCC ready)", so I know it does not have a decoder. 

It runs fine DC.  But I'd like to know if I add a sound decoder, and run it DCC, will I get sound? 

Thanks, Ted