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DCC decoder for bowser drive mechanism

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  • Member since
    August 2011
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DCC decoder for bowser drive mechanism
Posted by bigdyl on Saturday, August 20, 2011 10:52 AM

I'm looking for a sound decoder that can be used with a Bowser Drive,  for the Island Model Works R62 in HO scale.

Tags: Subway
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Eastern Shore Virginia
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Posted by gandydancer19 on Monday, August 22, 2011 3:00 PM

Welcome to the forums.

Sound decoders are not really produced for the model drive mechanism, although some will fit a certain manufacturer's loco better than another.

They are made more for the locomotive and engine type because of the sounds needed.  RS-2, GP9, SD45, etc.  (Is an R62 a locomotive type?  I don't know all of them.)

Soundtraxx makes a good selection of sound decoders known as Tsunami's.  They make different styles for different model manufacturers locomotives.  However, I don't remember seeing anything specifically for a Bowser drive.

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.

  • Member since
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  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, August 22, 2011 4:24 PM

The R62 is a subway model from a Google search. The page shows the Bowser drive also. Don't know if a decoder is made for a subway type. You would also have to know what the motor current is at 12 volts DC. Include current required for lighting. Good chance Bowser can tell you the motor current requirements. They do answer email.

Pretty good chance Litchfield Station, a good DCC supplier can tell you. They do answer email.

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.

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Posted by bigdyl on Saturday, September 3, 2011 12:29 PM

I know there are not decoders with subway train sounds im asking what dcc sound decoders work with the Bowser Drive.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Eastern Shore Virginia
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Posted by gandydancer19 on Sunday, September 4, 2011 2:51 PM

Most sound decoders are limited to 1 amp output.  So any drive that uses 1 amp or less would work. 

Most modern HO locomotive drives that have a can type motor require less than 1 amp.  I don't know of any modern drive that requires more than 1 amp.  However, if you happen to have a really old Mantua locomotive or other locomotive with an open frame motor, you probably can't use any DCC decoder because they will most likely draw more than 1 amp of current.

I have a Stewart / Bowser GE U25B and use a Soundtraxx sound decoder that is limited to 1 amp output.  I also have a older Roundhouse Alco RS-3 (1980s purchase) that uses the same type decoder with different sounds.  Both locos run well and have had no problems.

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.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, September 4, 2011 3:02 PM

bigdyl

I know there are not decoders with subway train sounds im asking what dcc sound decoders work with the Bowser Drive.

Since you say there is no sound for an electric loco, than logic says than you don not need a sound decoder. Just buy a non sound decoder that will handle the current of the Bowser mechanism. Most decoders will handle 1 amp and the Bowser should not be over that current if it is not an older open frame motor. Digitrax, TCS and SoundTraxx have some nice non sound decoders that have four light functions, plus motor current of 1 amp.

LokSound does have decoders for electrics but not sure for USA electrics.

Do some Google searches for them if you are really serious about this. That way you learn more and have Internet links for future reference.

 

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.

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • 3 posts
Posted by bigdyl on Monday, September 5, 2011 10:58 AM

im going to put the sound files on it

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