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Adding DCC and sound in Roundhouse Engines.

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  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 29 posts
Posted by LLOYD on Monday, March 17, 2008 5:03 PM
David, I didn't understand what you meant when you said I would unable to configure the sound decoder...as you might expect I have very little knowledge about DCC and sound...thanks another David
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 29 posts
Posted by LLOYD on Monday, March 17, 2008 12:15 PM
Thank you all for the wonderful answers to my question. Yes I do have the older Roundhouse kit locos.  The article about converting these old workhorses to be sound equipped was  just what I needed.  Thanks again..
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2008 10:56 AM
I managed to horsewhip the DCC/Sound 2-8-0 I have but have plans to convert to the decoder mentioned in the previous link. The decoder MRC gives to roundhouse will not do. But for now, it will serve, just like those plastic couplers I tolerate until they get replaced by kadees.
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Dover, DE
  • 1,313 posts
Posted by hminky on Monday, March 17, 2008 10:53 AM

I plan on adding a PCB bottom plate on the frame and adding pickups to the locomotive drivers rather than depend on pickup through the axle bearings.

Harold

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, March 17, 2008 10:07 AM

I am using the Micro-Tsunami in my Roundhouse locos. They are the newer locos so you would have to use Harold's ideas since I suspect you have the older style locos. Harold also has a good idea for equiping the tender with all wheel pickup. I would also suggest pickup on the fireman's side for the drivers.

 

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.

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Dover, DE
  • 1,313 posts
Posted by hminky on Monday, March 17, 2008 9:55 AM

DCC and sound in Roundhouse locomotives at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/1905/roundhouse_sound/

The main problem is lack of pickup on all the tender wheels. Haven't got around to adding pickups to the locomotive drivers. That is coming.

 Thank you if you visit

Harold

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Monday, March 17, 2008 9:50 AM

How old is old?  I have a couple of the old, all metal Roundhouse kit locomotives from the 1960's-70's and won't even try to install decoders in them because they would require a total rebuild with a new motor and gearing, and I don't consider them worth the expense.

If yours are the same vintage, you'd be better off purchasing a new Bachmann Spectrum engine with sound already installed.  You'll have a much smoother running engine and Tsunami sound for less than you would have to invest in the old Roundhouse products.

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Southern California
  • 1,475 posts
Posted by New Haven I-5 on Monday, March 17, 2008 8:38 AM
If there is not any PC boards in the locos, I can't help you.

- Luke

Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 29 posts
Adding DCC and sound in Roundhouse Engines.
Posted by LLOYD on Sunday, March 16, 2008 8:23 PM

Hi everyone.  Well here's the question: I recently purchased a DCC unit (Bachman E-Z command),Yes I read all the pros and cons about this unit but wanted to get into DCC without a great expense (still have to buy food for family).  Anyway I have several old Roundhouse kit locos, all steam, HO scale.  Can I successfully convert them to DCC/sound equiped without a lot of failure or expense, or will I just wasteing time and money?  Thanks

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