The decoder used by Bachmann in the "DCC Equipped" models is a low-end Lenz product which most people replace because it has rather poor motor control.
The Bachmann tenders have a standard NMRA 8-pin socket into which their decoder is plugged.
I removed two Digitrax SoundFX decoders from Tower 55 models and replaced them with QSI Revolutions because their volume was extremely weak compared to other brands. I have no experience with the newer Digitrax soundbug decoders but assume that they are no different than the SoundFX as far as volume is concerned.
Other users with more recent Digitrax experience will no doubt chime in with their opinions, so stay tuned.
OK. I am new at this DCC stuff. I am wanting to end up with possibly a 2-8-0, a 2-8-4, and a 2-8-2 with DCC and sound. I have found that Bachmann makes all three of these with DCC installed and I can get them at a pretty good price. So I am looking at sound only decoders to add and I had run across some MRC items. When I asked about those in this forum I received a lot of negative responses. Now I have found that Digitrax has several "sound only" decoders available at decent prices. Some that I have come across are the SDH164D, SSFX064, and SFX0416 for example.
My questions:
Does anyone know if the Bachmann DCC engines I listed have a pin types connection in them for adding sound?
Can anyone tell me about the quality of the sound only decoders from digitrax in general and/or about specific decoders?
Does anyone have past experience with adding these digitrax decoders to the Bachmann DCC engines I am looking at?
The description I read on the decoders says that they are preloaded with both steam and diesel sounds. How do I select the steam versus the diesel?
It also says that sound projects are free from Digitrax Sound Depot. What is that all about and how does it work?
Thanks for your patience and your help
wdcrvr