I have a Bachman 2-8- with DCC -- I want sound also in DC mode
Do I have to swap out the DCC module and replace it with on with DCC and Sound or can I get a sound only module that piggybacks the existing DCC moduled
51% share holder in the ME&O ( Wife owns the other 49% )
ME&O
It appears from the Bachmann website that the 2-8-0's that come DCC with sound have a dual mode decoder that will operate with either DCC or DC. The 2-8-0's that are DCC without sound do not state anything about having a dual mode decoder, so I would assume that they are DCC only.
If this is really the case, you will not be able to piggyback a sound-only decoder to the existing decoder and have it run on DC because the supplied motor decoder won't support DC operation.
Of course, you know what happens when you assume!
maxmanIt appears from the Bachmann website that the 2-8-0's that come DCC with sound have a dual mode decoder that will operate with either DCC or DC. The 2-8-0's that are DCC without sound do not state anything about having a dual mode decoder, so I would assume that they are DCC only. If this is really the case, you will not be able to piggyback a sound-only decoder to the existing decoder and have it run on DC because the supplied motor decoder won't support DC operation. Of course, you know what happens when you assume!
I am currently running their DCC equipped 2-8-0 on DC with no problem
I think all Bachmann "DCC On Board" models use a modified Lenz decoder, and all DCC and Sound On Board use the SoundTraxx Tsunami. You'd be better off changing out the motor control decoder for a Tsunami, which can be ran on DC or DCC; however, you're not going to have very good control over any of the sounds on DC.
For the cost of a new unit with sound already installed compared to adding a tsunami and its cost and effort I might as well get a new 2-8-0 --only $40 more and that way I have an extra engine