HELP with moving beyond dcc & sound value - need more sounds

[LOCO_GUY]

I am new here so please allow for my newbieness.

I had a large DC layout which I was very proud of but decided to go DCC. I bought 3 starter sets from Bachmann - Echo Valley 2-6-0 and two F7A's Thunder Chief.

They all run fine on my DC track - now powered by my DCC controllers (bachmann e-z command). I also have a NCE powercab for programming the locos.

The problem I have is that the sound value locos have limited sounds and I would like to have more sounds to access.

Does anyone know if you can get more than the prime mover, bell, horn from the sound value series?

If not, what is a "budget" option to buy a loco with a full blown soundtraxx tsunami card in it with more access to sounds.

Thanks.

Chris.

 

[gmpullman]

Hi, Chris

I have three Bachmann sound locomotives, two B&O EM-1s and one Alco S-2 Diesel switcher. I don't know if these have the same "Sound Value" decoder in them as yours but they DO have several sound options that can be modified, such as different whistles and bells.

I like using JMRI Decoder Pro for programming. It is a free program but you have to buy an interface to connect your layout to a computer.

The nature of the beast is that, of course, if you want more options—you pay more money! Are you looking for sound decoders to replace the Sound Value ones or suggestions for other locomotives?

I have found that by watching internet sellers such as MB Klein http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/ or Train World  http://www.trainworld.com/ for closeout deals you can save quite a bit over full retail.

Sign up for trainworld's notifications and you will get information on closeout deals. Sometimes there are some sound HO locomotives listed at a big savings.

Hope this helps... and WELCOME!

Ed

[richg1998]

As was said, watch for sales is the only way to get one with more sounds or replace the decoder with a Full Tsunami.

I have seen this question before. All people have to do is read the ads about a loco and not make assumptions.

Bachmann site has the CV list.

The SoundTraxx site has the CV list for their Tsunami decoders. The ads on the SoundTraxx site tell you what each decoder has.

I do remember at one time seeing discussions about Athearn selling locos with stripped down sound decoders but that might have changed. Athearn does have a CV list also.

Rich

[rrinker]

 I have to ask, if you have a Powercab, why are you still using the far inferior EZ Command to run the trains? You could be using actual cab numbers for the addresses, AND have access to all the functions, by using the PowerCab to run the trains too.

                       --Randy

[LOCO_GUY]

Thanks for all the replies. It's nce to be part of a site that has such great participation. I used to be a membr of "thewhistlepost" forum which is no longer active as the owner passed away. 

Randy,

The powercab is "nifty" for programming CV's and using 128 step speed control etc - but the reality is that the EZ command controller put out more power than the powercab. So once I get the loco programmed its easy enough to use the EZ controllers.

 

[gatrhumpy]

Not sure where you're getting your information, but I had both too. The NCE POwerCab puts out 2A, while the Bachmann EZ Command DCC system puts out 1A.

[LOCO_GUY]

I can only tell you what I can see with my own eyes. I know about the power differential but that's not what I see on my layout. It could be a better power flow from the EZ - or - maybe I don't have a great connection with the powercab. I'll try using thicker gauge wire from the powercab and see if that improves anything.

[cowman]

I too went to the SoundTraxx site to modify the sounds on my 2-6-0.  There is quite a list there and I'm sure there is a similar one for the diesels.  Think I printed it off, but I'm not at the layout at the moment.

Since you have the NCE with so many more options, I'd just use it.  Set up a siding as a programming track and you should be all set.

Good luck,

Richard

[ba&prr]

The sound value decoders are stripped down Tsunamis. They don't have the equalizer or several of the sounds the Tsunamis have. You could replace the sound value decoders with Tsunamis. The F units will take a board style. The steam engine should take an 8 pin plug in decoder. If you like the Bachmann units, this is cheaper then buying an Atlas, Proto P2K or Athearn unit with sound.   Joe

[cacole]

Don't forget the possibility of switching to LokSound Select decoders instead of Tsunami -- cheaper than Tsunami and smoother motor control.

 

[rrinker]

LOCO_GUY

I can only tell you what I can see with my own eyes. I know about the power differential but that's not what I see on my layout. It could be a better power flow from the EZ - or - maybe I don't have a great connection with the powercab. I'll try using thicker gauge wire from the powercab and see if that improves anything.

 

 Ah - not "more power" - "more voltage" - it appears that the locos run faster with the Bachmann. It probably puts out a LOT more voltage to the rails - 16-17 bolts, vs the 13.5 or so that the PowerCab puts out. Being someone who never runs trains at full throttle, I guess this is not an issue for me.

                    --Randy

 

[LOCO_GUY]

I like to run my locos at realistic speeds - mostly 30% of full power - however, its obvious that you turn the throttle and things go fast or slow. The powercab had trouble feeding the track. I have 3 mainlines about 80-90' on a 25'X12' layout So my three little e-z command controllers run the whole shebang really well. But I could not do anything with the CV's without the powercab. So all are essential to my layout.