Hi, So I am getting back into model railroading and I have 2 Spectrum PRR K4's that are "pre-DCC ready" that I am going to try and DCC. There are from my old layout, before kids were born :)
I was going to order a decoder and start playing. I found TCS's website where they walk through the steps for putting in a decoder into a pre-DCC K4 and specify the decoder, but then on the same webiste for WOW sound, they list a different decoder that goes into the tender. I am going to DCC only one K4 and the other I would like to DCC and have sound, I MU (consist) the 2 K4's to pull all the passenger cars so only one needs sound. Not even sure I need sound, never had it before. To get sound, I know I will have to power the tender wheels with pickups.
Does the WOW sound decoder take care of DCC also ? or do i need 2 M1 decoders AND a WOW kit ?
This is my first time playing with DCC, I was going to DCC my old 2 motor GE 44-ton but after reading online, I decided to just buy a new 44-ton with DCC and switch the shells, my original PRR shell fit just fine on the new one, if I have to, i will buy 2 new PRR K4's but right now, the only ones available are BLI and I am reading they have a pretty bad reputation and my "antiques" work fine.
to the forum.
I found TCS's website where they walk through the steps for putting in a decoder into a pre-DCC K4 and specify the decoder, but then on the same webiste for WOW sound, they list a different decoder that goes into the tender.
The WOW sound decoder controls the sound and the motor. On their HO Installation page, there are 2 different decoders and note the engine itself is different.
I am going to DCC only one K4 and the other I would like to DCC and have sound, I MU (consist) the 2 K4's to pull all the passenger cars so only one needs sound. Not even sure I need sound, never had it before.
Why not buy 1 wow sound decoder, install it and see how you like sound. You might want sound in the second decoder. The other engine will need a decoder eventurally.
To get sound, I know I will have to power the tender wheels with pickups.
Don't you already have power pickups on the tender wheels?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Starting out new with DCC can be tough until you understand the basics. Take your time.
The two motor 44 ton does not have enough room for sound. I had one and it cracked a gear. I had put a Digitrax DX125 non sound into it. For a check, Bachmann shipped me a DCC ready single motor to me which I put a LokSound into. I had to cut a small piece of metal out with a Dremel and diamond cutting wheel for the speaker bafle I made. A nice runner.
Bachmann site has diagrams, parts list of the single motor version. Also forums.
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.
Mikey, would you be receptive to a suggestion that runs counter to what you described you'd like to do DCCing the two K4 steamers?
When the real things worked together, their chuff rates were out of synch. So, during starts, and for much of the run thereafter, the two engines' sharp cracks were heard distinctly. The heavy majority of us, over time, come to appreciate that asynchrony, and we like hearing our two steamers working like that because it is so much more realistic.
If we are talking practical necessity due to dollars, that's one thing, and I would never argue against frugality and responsible spending. But, if you do have some discretion, I would advise that you make both engines DCC with sound and enjoy how they sound together when they work to pull that long express.
Welcome to a hobby within a hobby.
DCC can get very involved. I too have an older Bachman K4s. I didn't bother to put a decoder in it. Too much involved with the split frame so it has become a display piece. My newer K4s was DCC ready and a snap to put a Loksound decoder in. Sounds good and runs somewhat decent.
I have about (lost count) BLI locomotives but no K4s. Except for a cracked gear on the first run of the I1s I have had no issues with any of them. My BLI Blueline version of the M1a has so many miles on it that the drivers have worn grooves in them. It was on display in a library for a month going around on a portable layout. Every day all day without a hickup. Also done about 200 train shows with it.
Look to eBay for new old stock K4s. The DCC ready version or even the newer sound equipped versions sometimes can be found. The split frame belt drive version would be a pain to do.
Pete
The Bachmann site has a lot of info about the new K4. I would check it out. Google Bachmann forums. It will come right up.
Connecting the Loco and tender I have heard can be a pain to some. Instructions are there.
The older KI4 is a puller. A small decoder can be put where the smoke device was. I think TCS covers that.
I haave modified a split frame loco. Just keep track of parts. take photos at times.
HO Seeker has diagrams for the older K4.
Yes as you say, the tender has to be modified. I have done that for a different model Bachmann loco but I like experimenting.
selectorMikey, would you be receptive to a suggestion that runs counter to what you described you'd like to do DCCing the two K4 steamers?
Yes, of course I am receptive and as a matter of fact, I kind of found out the same thing on a different forum. The non-sound decoder and the sound decoder may work differently and the 2 units MU'd may not work well, the other forum post (was about 10 years old so maybe things have changed) recommended the same decoder for any loco that would be consisted, So sound it is on both.
And someone else asked if my tender had pickups already, no they don't I will have to do that.
Glad to read that the sound includes the DCC decoder that saves some money :)