My local Train Store has a very good price on some new Bachmann DCC ready GP-7's. I am considering buying a couple - has anyone had any expierence with these and can anyone recomend a sound decoder.
NEW to DCC
Thanks
Larry
Look at the below link. There is a spot for a speaker in the fuel tnk. A 28mm speaker.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H624X-EXPLODEDVIEWII.pdf
Below is what SoundTraxx suggest.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Bachmann
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Litchfield has the decoder for $95.20 and free shipping the last time I ordered. Get everything from them. Kapton tape and small shrink also.
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm
At this point I have standardized on Soundtraxx for those installs where sound is a big deal. QSI is coming out with a new decoder that could be better in sound, they certainly have more functions? The other posters have given you good info too. Having done a lot of installations, I would suggest you take the unit apart first and look at what you have to work with and what your comfort level is in modifications. Then you can determine what format you want the decoder to be. As I've gained abilities, I have decided to remove all of the existing boards and install using the existing wires from trucks, motors and possible lights(unless I want to change those too). But earlier, using the 8 or 9 pin connectors was easiest as long as there was room. I have found that going direct(removing the OEM board) avoids issues that can arise from programming, lights or even just increased complexity.
I use DCC Installs and Sales out of Augusta, GA to buy from and get advice. Litchfield is good too, but it takes longer to cross the continent, even for UPS/USPS. Use as big a speaker as you can, I've even gone to the point of cutting down the speakers in certain ways to make them fit. Also, make sure you seal the front from the back. Most of this info is available online from Soundtraxx in their installation manual.
Richard
Thanks for the info-
I am a little confused - you indicated a sound decoder for a FP-7 - will that still fit in the GP-7?
Richard-
Thanks for the insight. I am back to HO modeling after 15 years. As I have been building my layout, as a DCC installation using a DIGITRAX Zeypher system I purcased a Atearn Gensis FP7 with sound. I fell completly out - now I am hooked and I have to have sound on everything.
I am modeling the old GA RR, A & WP, W of A, and mostly all they used were GP7's, FP7's, and GP-40's.
I have been working with Paul Laton at Southern Digital on a couple installtions that have come up a little short. I want to start doing this myself.
I am only an hour from Augusta and go through there a lot on my travels. I am going to contact your guy and see how his prices are and how responsive he is to help.
Take care
Tell him Richard of SC sent you. Let me know if I can help. BTW, there is a difference(IMHO) between those installs that you pay for and those you do yourself mostly due to money. It can take me several hours to modify a frame, shell and speaker(s). I have been asked to do installs for some guys, but I tell them they can't afford it--imagine say, $250 for just labor. I say this because I think you're on the right track. Some tricks I like are to use the shell as part of the enclosure and filing down the sides of medium or bigger speakers to squeeze in. In addition to sound isolation, I have found sound insulation to sometimes help. For example, to avoid the speaker from vibrating parts getting irritating noises.
I have gone to the point of getting to know the capability(watts and frequency responses) of almost all the available speakers. BTW, even though some say they have a certain frequency response, it isn't necessarily good at that point. So, I like the HBs and 1.25 flats to start off. Starting with maximizing the size and number of speakers in the install as a goal helps me get focus on how to do the total install. Again, if I'm maximizing sound, not say pulling power or lighting. And I really like the Soundtraxx equalizer system. For example I put a 1.22 HB and 1.25 flat in my Gas Turbine. It wasn't just a drop in install. I could have saved hours if I'd used the 1.06HB(or 1/1.1"flat) and say a front 1/1.1" flat.
Just got back from my local Train shop. It's a really cool shop. The name of is Trainmasters and it is a fairly large building devoted to nothing but, Model Trains and their prices are competitive for the most part with many online stores and they carry a huge inventory.
I bought the Bachmann GP-7 I was talking about for $63. NIB. I am going to use your advice and take it apart and study things before I attempt my sound decoder - still have to decide on a choice.
I also purchased 2 more Atlas GP-40's DCC ready. I got another GA RR and an Atlanta & West Point. I am considering the Quantum Revolution - A. I think it is just a plug in. What is your opnion?
I am also wondering if the U will fit the Bachmann?
Georgia Trains Richard- Just got back from my local Train shop. It's a really cool shop. The name of is Trainmasters and it is a fairly large building devoted to nothing but, Model Trains and their prices are competitive for the most part with many online stores and they carry a huge inventory. I bought the Bachmann GP-7 I was talking about for $63. NIB. I am going to use your advice and take it apart and study things before I attempt my sound decoder - still have to decide on a choice. I also purchased 2 more Atlas GP-40's DCC ready. I got another GA RR and an Atlanta & West Point. I am considering the Quantum Revolution - A. I think it is just a plug in. What is your opnion? I am also wondering if the U will fit the Bachmann? Larry
Larry,
We are so fortunate to have so many great stores nearby. Tell Scott and Cathy that Richard of SC says hello. It may be one of the best train stores in the country. They let you demo stuff and so I really don't care if they may be 3% higher than the best price available on the internet. That and some of their expertise is great. I drove two hours to buy a loco from them because I knew they would let me thoroughly check it out and make sure that I would be satisfied.
I don't know that particular Bachman well. But, I understand that Quantum is coming out with a whole new decoder, so I am waiting to see--regardless of the loco.
The A format QSI relates to the TSU AT1000 for Soundtraxx--Scott will know that. The U is more like the regular TSU 1000. The Quantum have 6 lighting outputs and the Soundtraxx has 4. I personally drive two speakers in parallel with either decoder to get maximum sound quality even with lower volume. Although some say it won't work.
My recommendation is to listen to the sound files on the Soundtraxx website and then go to the Quantum website. You can download the Quantum sounds and do the same with their software on your computer. That way you can compare the sounds on the same set of computer speakers. Sound is an individual thing. But, for me at this point, I prefer Soundtraxx for the locos you mentioned. If you want to get into this stuff, then you will want the downloads anyway and become familiar with the technology. It's a steep and fun learning curve. Just a personal observation that I hope QSI changes, most of their prime mover sounds as they notch up IMO is electronically created. Whereas Soundtraxx takes extraordinary care to get the notch transitions recorded from the prototype. There may be issues with the dynamic brakes for GE prototypes or certain horns as far as Soundtraxx. That's why you need to listen and compare. Some say Quantum has a better drive, but after I use Decoder Pro and get either one dialed in I'm not certain about that.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do. BTW, the speakers are a key deal too. I would personally call Rick at DCC Installs and get a selection of speakers from him. I'm pretty sure he knows Scott. Then work on fitting in the biggest speaker you can.
deleted