Can anyone tell me if it is difficult to add sound to the Bachmann Spectrum HO 2-8-2 DCC Mikado, the Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-2 DCC, the Bachmann 2-8-0 DCC Consolidation, the Bachmann 2-8-4 DCC Berkshire, or the Bachmann FT-A DCC Diesel locomotives. I am considering the possible purchase of some of these, but I am wondering how difficult or easy it might be to add sound to them at some point in the future. If anyone has had experience adding sound to these particular models I would like to hear about how it went. I have not seen these models available with sound.
thanks
wdcrvr
I added sound to the berkshire with a soundtraxx decoder and 1.22" high bass speaker. Actually one of the easiest installs I've done. Using the 9 pin plug is easiest method I believe. I cut the purple plastic wrapping around the jst connector on the decoder and removed the soundtraxx connector, then plugged the decoder into the bachman jst connector. The rest is pretty standard, except to add the extra large speaker I had to cut and move some portions of the weight. But the sound is worth the extra work IMHO. All of the work was in the tender.
Also, as you probably know, decoder pro really helps with setting it up.
Richard
OK, showing my ignorance, what is decoder pro?
It's freeware found at this link. It and associated software is how a lot of guys I know program and run trains using a computer. You will also need interface hardware/software to tie into your DCC network. It has various decoder definitions that can be used to program the CVs in a quick and somewhat automatic fashion. Basically provides a type of graphical interface for understanding and programming the CVs. For me one of the key benefits is that it stores your settings so you can keep track of CV changes and performance changes more easily.
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/DecoderPro/index.shtml
do you know if this freeware would work with the Bachmann EZ command DCC control system? And if so would this allow me to program CVs?
Your DCC system needs to be able to connect to a computer. Not all of them can. The instructions should tell you. Then you should go to the JMRI web site and see if your DCC system is supported by the Decoder Pro program.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Many DCC systems allow one to hook up a computer via a serial or USB port. The Bachmann EZ Command system does not have that feature. You will need to upgrade to a larger system. The MRC line of Prodigy DCC system can have a computer attached, but only allow their own software to work with their DCC system.
At first thought, many new DCC users just blow off the whole idea( must be just for computer 'nerds'). After about 6 months of programming frustration, they watch someone program an engine using Decoder Pro and are sold on the idea. Do not let someone sell you short on how important a good computer interface can be! I have a Digitrax system and have been using Decoder Pro since the 'early' days. It is loaded on a cheap $300 Walmart computer(over 5 years old) that has been the 'train computer' since day one. I also have a Netbook computer that my son gave me about 1 1/2 years ago, and I have it loaded up as well. Our club has an old computer with Decoder Pro and we have converted a lot of folks to using it - in fact, we 'fix' a lot of DCC issues for visitors/guests when we have open houses.
Your Bachmann EZ Command set is something just to get your feet 'wet' with in DCC. It has few features, but will run a DCC engine with a limited range of addresses.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin