DC Trix Big Boy dcc decoder install

[VicOnTrains]

Can anyone provide some technical advice on how to install a DCC decoder with sound and smoke in a Trix DC Big Boy ( other than "don't) ? V

[mbinsewi]

You could start with a Google search:  Installing a sound decoder in a Trix big boy locomotive.  You'll get videos and articles to watch and read.

I just did, and it looks like there's lot of info.

Many makers of sound decoders have install videos on the web sites.

Mike.

[VicOnTrains]

[quote user="mbinsewi"]

You could start with a Google search:  Installing a sound decoder in a Trix big boy locomotive.  You'll get videos and articles to watch and read.

I just did, and it looks like there's lot of info.

Many makers of sound decoders have install videos on the web sites.

Mike.

 

[I did that but got lots of videos on unpacking, running, weathering and discussions on who makes the best Big Boy, but nothing on installing a decoder in the trix DC (4013) Big Boy. I am still looking.]

[mbinsewi]

Well, there are many guys on here that are "experts" on steam locomotives, and I'm sure they will start chiming in.  Not that THAT is any help.

I use Digitrax, ( diesel locomotives) and they do have Trix big boy on their decoder list, with a long list of Digitrax decoders that will work, so I'm sure some of the other sound decoder manufactures have some info.

Doesn't the manufacture give you any clues?

Is it "DCC ready"? with a board that will accept a decoder?  Many of the sound installs include placing some of the circuitry in the tender, while the PC board and decoder go under the loco shell.

When your searching, pay attention to links back to other forums.  Sometimes there is hidden info when you start going through the forum thread.

Wish I could help more.

Mike.

[tstage]

IIRC, the originals - like the Trix Mikes - came with an ESU Loksound V2.0 decoder.  You could go with either the newer Loksound Selects, or the TCS Wow!Steam.

I really like and prefer the excellent motor-control of either company.  The Soundtraxx Tsunamis are nice; they just don't run as smoothly as the former two.  And, given the choice between motor-control and sound...motor-control wins hands-down every time.

Tom

[VicOnTrains]

Thanks. Good info and good ideas. I will go to the digitrax and other decoder mfr's websites to continue my search. The model, boxed from the factory, had no documentation what soever (not even in German).

[Spalato68]

Hi,

here you can download manual for Trix Big Boy (model I have):

https://static.maerklin.de/damcontent/ea/7d/ea7d9aa1283467ab2f3879d82e6b5b131434536005.pdf

Or type here production number of your model (in upper box):

https://www.trix.de/de/service/anleitungen-ersatzteile/ersatzteilsuche/

I installed TCS WOW in my, I took out almost everything and completely rewired this locomotive. The biggest problem was to replace ugly yellow front SMD LED with warm white. 

This is PCB of that LED:

To get to it, your model should look like this approximately:

It is not easy, but it can be done, without any damage to the locomotive. 

After everything is completed, it looks like this:

I did not install smoke units, there I installed another (sugar cube) speaker. 

Speaker install is shown below, the most difficult part is to make sealed baffle with post that is in the middle of tender chassis, used to screw in tender shell. I used two pipes to seal this post (from used pencils). 

Baffle is airtight, when I press horn, I can feel air moving towards my palm.

How it sounds, can be seen&heard here:

This video was shot before I installed second speaker in boiler, below smoke stacks. 

Hope I helped a bit. 

Hrvoje