I recently purchased a Bachmann Spectrum 80 ton 3-truck Shay that is DC only. What sound decoders would you recommend for upgrading to DCC.
Use the new SoundTraxx decoder in the below link, not the 750. The 750 is at least ten years old and heat sensitive.
http://mrdccu.com/install/hoss/Bachmann-Shay-826020.html
The new SoundTraxx decoder.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami2/products/tsu1100.php
Assuming you have DCC install experience.
Some will no doubt suggest LokSound which are also very good. I have used both brands of sound decoders.
Yahoo Groups both have SoundTraxx and LokSound active DCC groups with many experienced users.
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.
I would recommend to avoid the TS-750, overheats and the shay tender has no air circulation.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
You can pick up the TSU-750 for a song and a dance if you find one. The new Soundtraxx Economi's, and ESU Loksounds also are good choices.
Some people have reported issues with TSU-750's overheating. While I believe them, I believe this more to be a result of bad installation. I used a heat transfering glue (AKA Thermal adhesive), and mounted it to the tender shell which is metal. Basically I turned the entire back end into a heatsink to keep it from overheating. I haven't had a problem yet.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100013&cm_re=%22thermal_adhesive%22-_-35-100-013-_-Product
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
The Yahoo SoundTraxx DCC group had quite a few discussions about the 750 over heating and suggestions for keeping it cooler.
Saw messages in a couple other DCC forums.
Google the issue.
Happend to me with a diesel and the shell was still not on. Locked rotor current at 12 vdc was under one amp also. I think about 750 ma.
I plan on installing a Loksound 4 tonight into a Shay, plug and play except soldering the speaker and finding a location for it. I will try to supply pics/movie later.
Go with Soundtraxx TSU 2 Steam, plenty of room in the tender for the decoder and stock board, I installed the large Soundtraxxsugar cube in the cab, running the speaker wires thru existing hole(s) in the tender and floor of the cab.
Reading quite a few positives in the SoundTraxx DCC Yahoo group about the new decoder.
If you choose soundtraxx, go with the new TSU 2. I have run some locos with them installed and they work great. I would avoid the 750...
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site