What is the 'quick and easy ' sound/function decoder for a Stewart DCC-plug ready F7 A unit? I'd prefer no complex speaker mounting issues or 'shoe-horning' modifications. Does such a thing exist?
mreagantI'd prefer no complex speaker mounting issues
Is the unit powered or a dummy?
I think the short answer is, no.
Maybe I ahould have asked which decoder Bowser/Stewart uses since that might be the place to start. By 'not complicated' I was trying to avoid body/frame modifications or any tricky electrical soldering or wire snipping.
It looks like there is plenty of room for a Digitrax 163 for motor control, and the B unit is a dummy so maybe a sound-only in there will solve the problem.
Hmmmm???
You can use a Soundtraxx LC decoder for 1st generation EMD works. I've put them in Stewart FT's using the AT (Atlas-type light board replacement version). It has three choices of horns and bells, and good basic EMD sound. The light board and decoder are the same size, so the decoder doesn't take up any more room than the light board
In my FT's I put a 1" speaker in the dummy B unit, but there is room at the back of an A unit to fit I'd say at least a 3/4" round speaker and enclosure...you might be able to fit a 1" one?? .
If you're using powered A-B units running together in a set, you can put the sound decoder in the B unit. Set it up so the "front" (where the cab would be) is facing towards the A unit. Since there is no cab, you have a big area to put in a large speaker. (BTW that doesn't work in an FT because they have to be back-to-back, but will work for any other F units.)