I'm looking for info on a sound decoder for this loco. My local hobby shop is having a hard time finding a decoder to fit??? The unit is DCC ready, so I'm thinking how difficult can it be to find and install a decoder? Any info wil help. Thanks in advance.
Finding room for a sound decoder, speaker, and other components in that small switcher is going to be tough.
My best guess would be the Soundtraxx Tsunami 750. Small decoder, although the capacitor is large. I doubt there will be room to plug the decoder into a socket (if there is one). You'll likely have to take out the existing circuit board and hardwire to the new sound decoder.
For some inspiration, take a look at this DCC/Sound install into an Atlas S2. Although not an S1, the S2 is roughly the same size as an S1. So it should give you some idea of what the sound install looks like for your Alco switcher. One thing to note, you mentioned your S1 is DCC ready. So that hopefully will save you some time as you won't have to isolate the motor as in that S2 sound install link I posted.
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
I have one of these with a LokSound decoder in it. I had the work done by my LHS. I'm very happy with the results. I think the installation fee (about a year and a half ago) was $35.
I don't know if you've opened up this engine yet. With the exception of the cab, it's really packed with weight, although it wasn't hard to put a non-sound DH-123 in. I did that myself, but then I decided I really wanted sound. I haven't opened the engine up since I had sound installed, so I have no idea how they fit in the speaker.
When I installed the original DH-123, I was very unhappy with the original headlights. The long-hood end wasn't so bad, but the cab-end light was at the other side of the cab, and the light was routed to the headlight with one of those crappy plastic "light tubes." I replaced both incandescent bulbs with golden-white LEDs, and relocated the cab-end light to the cab roof where it belongs.
Oh, and another thing. I have no idea where they got the idea to put "DCC Ready" on the box. There is no DCC socket. What's more, the front headlight on mine used the frame for one side of its electrical path. That's another good reason to remove the original lighting system and go with LEDs wired directly to the decoder.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Not only is the S1 not DCC ready, you have to isolate one of the bushes or you'll blow the decoder. I have 2. It is a pretty easy process Read here:
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2001/120601.htm
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
I have several Proto S-1 switchers, that I would like to install sound in. I can see where to install a decoder, but would have to use a 1/2 inch speaker. I'm wondering what kind of sound I could expect from a 1/2 inch speaker.
Mine sounds and runs great.
LokSound Micro, speaker in place of fuel tank.
Search the forum as this has come up several times.
Isolate frame from motor!!!