TCS has a nice article on how to upgrade this loco to DCC...fairly easy. But has anyone tackled adding sound to a loco like this one? Any suggestions on decoder, where to mount speakers, what light bulbs to use and necessary resistors, etc? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
From the looks of one offered on e-Bay, room for a speaker would be the biggest challenge. There's also a message on these forums saying the DCC socket is mis-wired and blows decoders.
I managed to put sound into a P2K S3. Finding space for the speaker was a challenge. I ended up mounting it inside the roof of the cabin. I used styrene to make a speaker box using the roof as the top of the box. The sides of the box show slightly below the tops of the windows, but by painting them black the box blends into the natural shadow created by the roof. It is barely noticeable under normal lighting conditions.
Edit: I couldn't resist taking the thing apart so I could post more accurate information:
First, the decoder is apparently not a Soundtraxx unit. It has black shrink wrap on it and I am drawing a complete blank on the manufacturer. There are no markings on the decoder. Duh for me for not taking notes at the time!. Maybe somebody can identify the decoder.
Second, I cut away part of the upper front weight to fit the decoder.
Third, I cut a piece out of the cab interior to allow the sound out of the bottom of the engine. You can see the cutout in the picture above.
Fourth, here is how I set up my connections from the chassis to the body. I used connectors made from IC sockets which I cut into pairs.
Here is the exterior view. Keep in mind that the camera flash is eliminating the normal shadow from the roof.
This was only my third sound install. Other than having a bit of a time getting the wires to stay in place so I could get the shell back on it seemed to be fairly simple.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
There was a recent article in MR on doign an Atlas one, but it's nearly an identical loco. It even looks like they use the same motor. ANd they both have the same wiring issue witht he one motor brush grounded tot eh frame (but isolated from the rail - until you derail and the wheel gets pushed up enough to contact the frame - instant decoder POOF). The cab is pretty much the only palce for the speaker unless you take out some fo the frame, and removing weight is probably the LAST thing you wnat to do on a small switche unless you want it to sound good but barely be able to move 3 cars.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
It's barely noticable. Looks good.
I have three Proto 2000 S2s, still in the boxes, for five years now. I keep doing the easy sound installs first. LOL
hon30critter Edit: I couldn't resist taking the thing apart so I could post more accurate information: First, the decoder is apparently not a Soundtraxx unit. It has black shrink wrap on it and I am drawing a complete blank on the manufacturer. There are no markings on the decoder. Duh for me for not taking notes at the time!. Maybe somebody can identify the decoder.
Dave,
I'm going to guess that it's a ESU Loksound decoder. Although the two that I have are heatshrinked in clear plastic, it looks like one of theirs. If the speaker is 100 ohm, it's definitely Loksound.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
You are right - it is a Loksound decoder. I should have remembered that because I had some difficulties a while ago with some sounds not playing correctly. Randy Rinker saved the day with that problem. Thanks again Randy.
I'm also bad at keeping notes on installs. I have figured out what decoders are which by the functions. Some can dim the headlite, and some can't. On the MRCs, F-3 revs up the prime mover on the 1634, but not on the 1800s. Others have brake squeal on a function, while others have dynamic brakes. Some I may have to take the shell off if I can't figure it out.
I do keep notes on all installs now.