I have an original run Rivarossi Allegheny for which I have purchased a Soundtraxx TSU 1000 decoder. It is DCC ready with an 8 pin socket. I have several questions. What company makes an eight pin plug to convert the decoder to a plug and play decoder? What type and size of speaker should I use? Where should the speaker be installed? It appears that there might room to install the speakers under the boiler shell. Is this a good place to install the speaker? Would installation of the speaker in the tender be better?
It's too late now, but you should have purchased a decoder with an 8-pin plug instead of a bare TSU 1000, such as the LokSound Select.
If the TSU 1000 has a wiring harness, you can remove it and install one that has both the JST 9-pin plug on the decoder end and an 8-pin plug on the other end. Cutting away a small amount of shrink wrap from the end of the decoder so you can remove the wiring harness does not invalidate the warranty. Wiring harnesses with both the 9-pin and 8-pin plugs are available in various lengths from many of the DCC dealers, such as Litchfield Station, Tony's Trains, and Ulrich Hobby Shop.
Purchase as large an oval high-bass speaker and enclosure as can be fit into the tender.
I would not try to put anything into the boiler if the tender is 'DCC Ready.' Was it also called 'sound ready' with holes drilled in the tender floor to allow sound to escape? If not, you'll have to drill them yourself.
A member of our local club purchased one of the new Rivarossi Big Boy locomotives that is DCC/Sound Equipped. A very big disappointment because they chose to install the decoder and speaker in the boiler instead of the tender, and it is barely audible.
Mike
It all depends on which version the the RR Allegheny you purchased. The early ones had the DCC circuitry in the engine. The later ones had all the circuitry in the tender.
Each is easy to wire up. You can directly solder to the 8 pin socket if you are careful. Soundtraxx I believe will also sell you a harness to plug into their end connector with a 8 pin on it.When it comes to speakers, the bigger the better. And the most room is in the tender. I fit two 1.1" HB square speakers back there. But I have to shave down the sides of the speaker a bit and carve the inside of the shell to remove a brace rib.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Here is a link how to hook up a TSU-1000. Scroll down a little ways.
Check out hisDCC posting at MRH.
http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/soundtraxx/tsunami.htm
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.