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Doodlebug

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Doodlebug
Posted by MOAVBILLY on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 7:41 PM

Has anyone installed a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann Doodlebug? It now has the original "decoder" and all the wiring/lands problems have been taken care of. Just want to upgrade and spend more of the kids inheretance. My grandaughter loves the stupid thing and her birthday is in a couple of months...sooooooo. There's certainly enough room inside for a speaker. I thought I'd drape off the speaker area and "pull the blinds"

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:21 PM

Does Soundtraxx make a Tsunami with doodlebug sounds?

If not then I'd go with something that has recordable sounds like QSI or Digitrax.

Springfield PA

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 12:50 AM

Hamltnblue

Does Soundtraxx make a Tsunami with doodlebug sounds?

If not then I'd go with something that has recordable sounds like QSI or Digitrax.

If I had asked if anyone knew of a decoder that can be used in the Doodlebug your comment would have been appropriate. However I asked about a Soundtraxx unit. I'm not a fan of QSI nor Digitax.

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Posted by Meyblc on Thursday, September 2, 2010 4:57 AM

WOW.....OK then. Lets see if I can answer your question without getting the same kind of condescending response from you. I am not a Soundtraxx dealer or expert but I do believe that if you visit their website, you will be able to find your answer there. They have a complete listing of all decoders they sell.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, September 2, 2010 6:36 AM

I added a Digitrax SFX0416 to a Bachmann Peter Witt trolley.  The trolley came with a built-in speaker well for a very small (1/2- inch) speaker, which was a nice feature for a small model with a lighted and detailed interior.  The trolley also came with a Bachmann decoder, mounted in a PC board in the roof of the model, which also supported the interior lights.

In retrospect, I would not choose this decoder or this upgrade path.  First of all, the SFX0416 has very low sound output, and combined with that tiny speaker it is almost inaudible.  It's not useless, but it can only be heard, faintly, when nothing else is running on the layout.

The Digitrax sound-only decoders don't interact well with the pre-installed Bachmann motor decoder.  They require separate programming, so to adjust CVs, etc., I have to remove the shell and un-wire first one decoder and then the other while I program them.  In addition, Bachmann has chosen to use F1 to dim the cabin lights.  I've never seen any documentation on this decoder, so I don't know if it's possible to re-map this funcition to another key.  So, whenever I ring the bell, the lights go down inside the cabin.  Again, it's not a show-stopper, but it's just an inconvenience.

If I were to do this again, I'd find another complete sound-and-motor decoder to do the job.  One additional consideration is the space available.  I've got a couple of Tsunamis in locomotives, and they are large, thick decoders.  I needed substantial milling just to get the decoder into a Proto GP9, in addition to the metal-removal needed for the speaker.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:07 AM

I have been to the Soundtraxx site. I know what they recommend. I asked if anyone had installed one. It's a very simple question.

 

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:10 AM

MisterBeasley

I added a Digitrax SFX0416 to a Bachmann Peter Witt trolley.  The trolley came with a built-in speaker well

What has this to do with my question?

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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:49 AM

MisterBeasley

I added a Digitrax SFX0416 to a Bachmann Peter Witt trolley.  The trolley came with a built-in speaker well for a very small (1/2- inch) speaker, which was a nice feature for a small model with a lighted and detailed interior.  The trolley also came with a Bachmann decoder, mounted in a PC board in the roof of the model, which also supported the interior lights.

In retrospect, I would not choose this decoder or this upgrade path.  First of all, the SFX0416 has very low sound output, and combined with that tiny speaker it is almost inaudible.  It's not useless, but it can only be heard, faintly, when nothing else is running on the layout.

The Digitrax sound-only decoders don't interact well with the pre-installed Bachmann motor decoder.  They require separate programming, so to adjust CVs, etc., I have to remove the shell and un-wire first one decoder and then the other while I program them.  In addition, Bachmann has chosen to use F1 to dim the cabin lights.  I've never seen any documentation on this decoder, so I don't know if it's possible to re-map this funcition to another key.  So, whenever I ring the bell, the lights go down inside the cabin.  Again, it's not a show-stopper, but it's just an inconvenience.

If I were to do this again, I'd find another complete sound-and-motor decoder to do the job.  One additional consideration is the space available.  I've got a couple of Tsunamis in locomotives, and they are large, thick decoders.  I needed substantial milling just to get the decoder into a Proto GP9, in addition to the metal-removal needed for the speaker.

 DId you use Fred Millers sound project for the Peter Witt? You won't find a more accurate sound set for that model for any other decoder brand.

 Dual decoder issues are nothing different with any other brand. It's always a paint. If possible the Bachmann one would go anyway, they're poor quality at best. RMC had an article not too long ago by Fred which showed his entire installation.

                                      --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by Graffen on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:49 AM

Whoa! Ease back on the attitude dude! There is no way you will get any helpful replies when you go on that hard to the people "chiming in" here.

I know that someone has tried the setup that you need to know about, but I won´t tell what happened...... bad luck!

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

My Railroad

My Youtube:

Graff´s channel

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:15 AM

The posts that you refer to have nothing to do with my question. The question is VERY simple. Your response is almost as useless.

"I know that someone has tried the setup that you need to know about, but I won´t tell what happened...... bad luck!"  

?????

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:17 AM

rrinker

 

 DId you use Fred Millers sound project for the Peter Witt? You won't find a more accurate sound set for that model for any other decoder brand.

 Dual decoder issues are nothing different with any other brand. It's always a paint. If possible the Bachmann one would go anyway, they're poor quality at best. RMC had an article not too long ago by Fred which showed his entire installation.

                                      --Randy

 

I used an earlier trolley sound project that Fred created.  I have his Peter Witt project on my computer as well, but I haven't upgraded to it yet.  It's on the list, but I've got a lot of pink foam showing and boxes of unbuilt structure and rolling stock kits in the workshop.

I made a couple of small custom modifications to the project software itself.  I swapped e-mails with Fred, and he helped me through the learning curve of the macro-assembler.  He's just another one of those great, helpful guys you run into in this hobby.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:14 PM

MOAVBILLY

Has anyone installed a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann Doodlebug? It now has the original "decoder" and all the wiring/lands problems have been taken care of. Just want to upgrade and spend more of the kids inheretance. My grandaughter loves the stupid thing and her birthday is in a couple of months...sooooooo. There's certainly enough room inside for a speaker. I thought I'd drape off the speaker area and "pull the blinds"

I have not done this but this what is being used from some of my Google searches. I found this at the Litchfield site a year or two ago.

I have found the past few years many have no idea that they can search the 'Net.

Search You Tube for doodlebug and you will see some videos using this decoder.

“SoundTraxx Tsunami Galloping Goose or Rail Truck 678-827110”

Remove the original decoder and cut the capacitors on the PC board. Check the Bachmann forums as I know someone there has been into this loco. Search the Bachmann  General forums and HO forums for doodlebug if you have never searched before. You will see some results for this loco.

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.

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:29 PM

I do know how to search the web....

I'm aware what Soundtraxx reccomends and it's not the 827110, my question was to inquire if any one had done one.

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, September 2, 2010 2:02 PM

MOAVBILLY

I do know how to search the web....

I'm aware what Soundtraxx reccomends and it's not the 827110, my question was to inquire if any one had done one.

And I suggested you go check the Bachmann forums. I have also found info using Google searches. You will have to do some reading. Use some ingenuity also. Measure for the speaker and baffle. Do some homework. That is what I have done for my sound installs in different locos.

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.

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Thursday, September 2, 2010 3:55 PM

This guy is a trip for sure. 

I always feel sorry for miserable people. They would probably actually feel better if they had any appreciation for people that are trying to help him.

 

Springfield PA

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Posted by Graffen on Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:05 PM

It´s a real, live, honest to Godness TROLL!!!!

Don´t feed it, it will grow bigger on your helpful intentions and outgrow it´s original intentions and swallow the whole new Forum!

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

My Railroad

My Youtube:

Graff´s channel

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 6:22 PM

Ha Ha Ha.....

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 6:42 PM

Simple question.....not one response that addresses it......and I'm miserable...ha ha ha ha

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Posted by floridaflyer on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:33 PM

Could be worse blue, imagine being married to him. I'm guessing the answer to his original question is no. Either that or, given his smooth approach to people, nobody will help him.

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:54 PM

I told you which decoder and possible speaker. Do some searches as you will find the info. Put a method together that pleases you.

Litchfield Station has helped me a lot in finding suitable decoders and speakers. I did quite a lot of research for my installs. I learned by doing. I call it OJT, On the Job Training.

The Yahoo Soundtraxx DCC group has a lot of info about using the Tsunami.

Many DCC installs are not plug and play. They take effort. Don't believe those who tell you DCC installs are easy. It is for those who had to learn by doing.

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.

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Thursday, September 2, 2010 9:05 PM

MOAVBILLY

Simple question.....not one response that addresses it......and I'm miserable...ha ha ha ha

Actually if you entertain the answers, you often get the answer you'e looking for in the end, and we all learn something about your application.  One person's answer might trigger another idea and if nothing else the thread is kept alive until the right person comes along that knows where to get the info.

Stop in now and then and feel free to chime in other forums.  Many here see the forums as a big part of the hobby and a wealth of information.

 

Springfield PA

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:20 PM

floridaflyer

Could be worse blue, imagine being married to him. I'm guessing the answer to his original question is no. Either that or, given his smooth approach to people, nobody will help him.

Well...... it didn't take long for the personal attacks to manifest themselves.

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Posted by Wazzzy on Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:51 PM

MOAVBILLY

Has anyone installed a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann Doodlebug? It now has the original "decoder" and all the wiring/lands problems have been taken care of. Just want to upgrade and spend more of the kids inheretance. My grandaughter loves the stupid thing and her birthday is in a couple of months...sooooooo. There's certainly enough room inside for a speaker. I thought I'd drape off the speaker area and "pull the blinds"

the proper way to ask this question.......

i have a bachman doodle bug with the original non-sound decoder. i have addressed the usual known electrical problems. i want to install a TSUNAMI motor & sound decoder. does anyone have any recommendations on which TSUNAMI decoder to use.

the rest of the

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Friday, September 3, 2010 12:37 AM

You know I'll have to keep you in mind and when I need to ask another question, you can write it for me.  Maybe now that you know exactly what I want you can read through the responses and tell me which one answers the question. Oh....I especially liked the comment about my granddaughter, that approach is something that would certainly save me a lot of time and money. WAAH

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Posted by afzski on Friday, September 3, 2010 12:59 AM

Hey Moavbilly - rather than giving attitude for not getting the "answer" you think you should - (I see that you have the "experience" of such a plethora of postings) - be grateful for the guiding down the right path from the others who have done the plethora of postings and gain some insight from their experience - remember the old saying - "You attract more bees with honey than you do vinegar" -- and with the attitude all you instill in others is more attitude -  remember you started this thread for the benefit and happiness of your granddaughter - I have one too and I wouldn't demean myself in this type of behavior - grow up and smell the roses!!!

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Friday, September 3, 2010 1:28 AM

All the "plethora of postings from "experienced others" still hasn't answered my question.....my "demeaning behavoir" is an attitude!

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Posted by afzski on Friday, September 3, 2010 2:42 AM

You are a lost cause - you don't see all  the help provided - I feel sorry for you -

I wouldn't be surprised if the Moderators of this forum locked this thread before it gets out of hand

SRN
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Posted by SRN on Friday, September 3, 2010 6:50 AM

afzski

You are a lost cause - you don't see all  the help provided - I feel sorry for you -

I wouldn't be surprised if the Moderators of this forum locked this thread before it gets out of hand

Dibs on the popcorn and peanuts concession while there is still an audience. Beer

Recovering former former model railroader.

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Posted by Wazzzy on Friday, September 3, 2010 8:41 AM

QUOTE: "Oh....I especially liked the comment about my granddaughter, that approach is something that would certainly save me a lot of time and money."

there you go. you have the answer! and you don't have to dip into the grand daughter's future $$ to solve the problem. bonus!

can we close this thread or would someone else like one more last and final shot to make sense of all this??

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Posted by MOAVBILLY on Friday, September 3, 2010 8:47 AM

Wazzzy

QUOTE: "Oh....I especially liked the comment about my granddaughter, that approach is something that would certainly save me a lot of time and money."

there you go. you have the answer! and you don't have to dip into the grand daughter's future $$ to solve the problem. bonus!

can we close this thread or would someone else like one more last and final shot to make sense of all this??

 

Wazzy..........Good idea......close it.......I got sooo much help that I am over whelmed....

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