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Programming a bachmann spectrum 4-4-0

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  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Winnipeg Canada
  • 1,637 posts
Programming a bachmann spectrum 4-4-0
Posted by Blind Bruce on Saturday, March 21, 2015 9:52 AM

I have a Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 C&NE #221. It has factory sound but I don't know which decoder they used. The chuff sound is very harsh @ tinny. I would like to fiddle with the CVs but don't know which ones to mess with. I know the NMRA standard ones but I am looking for the ones particular to this loco. For example, does it have a choice of whistles and bells? Google didn't help.

73

Bruce in the Peg

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Saturday, March 21, 2015 10:04 AM

The sound decoder use by Bachmann is a SoundTraxx Tsunami.  Complete documentation for it is available from both Bachmann's and SoundTraxx' web sites.

Didn't you receive any documentation with the locomotive?  There should have been a complete listing of CVs somewhere in the box.

I don't own any Bachmann 'Sound On-Board' locomotives, but the problem may be the speaker they put into it not being very good quality or not being properly baffled.

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, March 21, 2015 11:49 AM

I have the HO 4-6-0 with on board sound with about the same size tender. Sound is fine.

Possibly the sound level is too high in yours. I would do a decoder reset and do fine tuning.

If you need a new speaker, a 28mm should fit just fine.

I did a couple 4-4-0s with Micro Tsunami and 28mm speaker.

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
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, March 21, 2015 11:54 AM

Bachmann website with forums, Bachmann reps. CV list, diagrams, parts page,online store,  etc.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

Store link in Favorites and do a lot of looking around.

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 2005
  • From: Winnipeg Canada
  • 1,637 posts
Posted by Blind Bruce on Saturday, March 21, 2015 7:14 PM
OMG!!! It is an Athearn with a MRC decoder. No wonder it doesn't work or sound right. Sorry for the confusion

73

Bruce in the Peg

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,775 posts
Posted by snjroy on Monday, March 23, 2015 4:43 PM
A manual is available online I believe.

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