Just want to clarify this before purchasing.
Can I run a DCC w/sound (Tsunami) on a DC layout? I realize the sound won't work. Eventually I will convert to DCC. I want to run this DCC loco in a consist mixed with other DC locomotives. I suspect that will only work "properly" by removing the DCC chip and installing a plug?
While a DCC engine equipped with sound WILL run on DC (and the sound will work as well), it will take 6 to 7 volts before the engine will begin to move. This is allow enough voltage in order for the sound to start working. This engine will not run with regular DC or non-sound DCC equipped engines on straight DC.
In order to run a sound equipped engine on DC with other DC or non-sound DCC engines, you will either have to remove the decoder (for now) or bypass it by wiring the trucks directly to the motor. If you do this, be sure the trucks and motor are no longer connected to the decoder.
If you do this, your lights will also be affected unless you disconnect them from the decoder as well. Depending on the set-up, you may have to add resistors to the lights in order to prevent damaging them from the straight DC power. If they are LEDs, you will definitely need resistors and pay attention to their polarity as well.
In all honesty, if this is your current situation right now, I would seriously consider just getting the DC version of your engine now so you can use it as desired, then add a sound decoder when you convert to DCC.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Thanks Mark.
The problem is the loco is NOS and kind of hard to come by. Replacing the decoder with a decoder plug would seem to be the best option for me, unless of course, I still have to start messing around wiring resistors for the lights. If the decoder plug negates having to do any bypass rewiring wwithout affecting the lights I'll go that route as the plug is inexpensive.
A loco that comes with on board Tsunami will run on DC with a few sounds. They have a few sounds that will work. Just not controllable from past experience.
I have installed Tsunami and the DC option that had to be selected by using the DCC controller.
Bachmann with onboard work out of the box.
If you buy therm from a previous owner, the DC option might be disabled. there are issues running on DCC with the DC option selected.
Do yourself a big favor. Google DCC with DC. research will give you links. A few sentences by others, will be ok but when you get Internet links, you gain a lot more knowledge. I have seen too many errors, assumptions, by a few words as compared to having links in the Internet Browser.
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.
Arto, It isn't a simple matter of replacing the DCC decoder with a "plug". I'm sure you are thinking of the DCC Ready engines that have an 8-pin plug that is removed to install a decoder. Factory installed decoders aren't like that.
Factory installed decoders are a board all to themselves. You will have to remove the wires from the decoder (truck wires and motor wires) and connect them yourself to bypass the decoder to do what you want to do.
Bachmann Spectrum series steamers have come with an eight pin plug and the dc adapter. i have some. Not sure about the Bachmann sound value steam and diesel locos series. I believe a couple steamers have a 21 pin connector.
A query to the Bachmann website/forums can answer that. There are loco diagrams there also. for other companies locos, ask about that specific loco.
Locos come with resistors on the PC board. Plugging in the DC adapter or another decoder makes no difference, at least what I have seen the past few years. Now switching tenders on a loco can be an issue, especially with Bachmann locos.
Just for the record, this is an Athearn Genesis from 2010.
Yes, I am thinking of the DCC ready DC engines that have a plug installed. The particular NOS engine I'm looking at buying is already DCC w/sound. Actually, I don't really care too much about the sound. I don't need or want sound on all engines in a consist anyway since I'm always running 2 or more (up to 6) to pull a train. It gets too loud. One or 2 engines with sound will be fine.
Arto Just for the record, this is an Athearn Genesis from 2010. Yes, I am thinking of the DCC ready DC engines that have a plug installed. The particular NOS engine I'm looking at buying is already DCC w/sound. Actually, I don't really care too much about the sound. I don't need or want sound on all engines in a consist anyway since I'm always running 2 or more (up to 6) to pull a train. It gets too loud. One or 2 engines with sound will be fine.
To my knowledge, the Athearn have come with 9 pin JST. There are DC adapters for those but you would have to open the loco and actually see what is inside. Others here might answer. Google the loco “might” help.
Athearn Genesis engines come with 1.5 volt bulbs. The factory Tsunami decoder has an onboard regulator to run the 1.5 volt bulbs directly. If you by pass the sound decoder, you are going to have to do something if you want the bulbs to function. On straight DC, you'll instantly burn them out if wired directly. You will need to add a bit of circuitry to run 1.5 volt bulbs on DC. This is actually easy to do if you are interested.
Otherwise, I would suggest replacing the 1.5 volt bulbs with 12 volts versions of the same size. But then, you'll have to reverse the entire process if you want to convert it back to the sound decoder.
Another option if sound isn't all that important to you .... replace the sound board with a non-sound board. That way your engine will run fine with your other DC engines, and will instantly recognize the DCC signal when you get to that point. Many after market non-sound decoders also have the ability to connect 1.5 volt bulbs with no additional resistors required. Should be a direct replacement wire for wire with what is already in the engine.
The OP has stated this engine already has a Tsunami factory decoder in it. The boards with the 9-pin jst header are the DCC READY boards.
This is the DCC / sound board ....