DCC sound decoders- speakers

[tomytuna]

HI!..ok,,here goes..have been installing sound decoders in diesel engines. Not a problem installing ...But!..big problem in getting engine back together once decoder instaled and proven to work uncovered..Anyone who has had success in geating all the decoder and speaker re-enclossed into Shell, I would really appreciate their help...! Also..anyone who has set up speaker on seperate rolling stock car following engine ( Like they do with steam )would also like to hear from them since i think this is only way i can get the whole think back togeter and look good...thanks to one and all TOM

[tomwatkins]

What type of locomotive and what speaker are you using? Generally I'll convert a 2nd locomotive to a "Smart Dummy" with power pickup and containing the speaker. The decoder (Soundtraxx) will be mounted in the first unit and the two units will be connected using Miniatronics multi pin connectors.
Let me know what you are using and I'll try to help.

Tom Watkins

[greendiamond]

What sound decoder, what speaker, what locomotive and what scale for the install?

You will need to remove part of the weights in certain models to get everything to fit.

[tomytuna]

ok guys...Modeling HO....GP's and SD..high nose and low....bought MRC decoders. If you use digitraxx...are dcoders smaller?...fit better? As far as removing weights.i thought about that BUT...do i cut down led weight or replace?...thanks for helping.... TOm

[tomwatkins]

I don't think Digitrax makes sound decoders at this point. The Soundtraxx decoder replaces the circuit board in the loco and it fits well. The problem is finding a place for the speaker. They also make some very small high quality speakers which work well. Check out their website or Loy's Toys website for sizes.
I've not tried to install a speaker in a powered GP or SD so I don't know how much of the weight would need to be removed or what the best or easiest location would be. I like using as large a speaker as possible.Since I run my GP's as MU'd pairs I remove the motor and weight from the 2nd unit and use a Loy's Toy's 3/4" oval speaker. I enclose it in a speaker box made from .060 styrene and mount it on the frame above the fuel tank. Holes are drilled in the bottom of the tank to let the sound out. A Miniatronics connector works well to link the speaker to the decoder and allows me to separate the units for maintenance

Hope This Helps,
Tom Watkins

[greendiamond]

Let's start with one specific locomotive you want the install to go into. Who makes it and what model is it?

This will help determine which decoder speaker combination will be best for the install. Some installs will require some weight to be removed others will not. The more specific you get the better the responses we can give.

[tomytuna]

ok..have Kato GP35...decoder and speaker installed.....just shell body not comming together real tight....i don't like it.
Atlas older SD24...runs good with atlas decoder in it....but not sound yet....
Proto 2000 GP 7's and 9's......
You guys are great...thaks for al your help...Tom

[Anonymous]

I am not aware that sound is available for HO guage although Kato's new engine has room for a one inch speaker in the fuel tank. Can someone tell me to get sound if it is available.

Martin

[greendiamond]

Exactly which decoder are you using and which speaker. I would use the Soundtraxx replacement light board decoder and either their 1/2" round speaker or their real small oval size. The oval size fits very nicely with scale width hoods. The problem with any decoder install is to prefit the parts to see if you need to remove any of the weight or use a different decoder. I would use the same light board replacement decoder in the older Atlas SD24s and either remove one of the weights from the front or back to make space for a small speaker. You can also cut down the weights so you don't lose as much tractive effort. (A little more work). As previously mentioned, some folks have milled out space in the fuel tanks for their speakers. ( Lot's of work!) Take your time and do it right! Above all remember that in no way will these small speakers give you the sound reproduction a larger speaker will especially in the low frequency diesel exhaust sounds.

If you still need help, contact me offlist at [e-mail]