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Sound functions

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  • Member since
    January 2015
  • 14 posts
Sound functions
Posted by young modeler on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 9:17 AM

I have recently purchased a Nickel Plate 765 with sound from Bachmann. this is my first sound locomotive and was wondering if there was a way to find out which functions are for which button and if there is a way to put a grade crossing whistle sequence in for one of the easilly accesable buttons on the controller. If it is of any help i have a NCE DCC system. Thanks! :) 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Thursday, April 21, 2016 12:03 PM

My Bachmann locos came with a "Quick Start Guide" that explained most of your questions.  If you didn't get one, you could contact Bachmann or go to their site and see if you can find a printable copy.  I know that I have seen the "grade crossing" signal available in some of my locos, not sure if it was a Bachmann or not.  I set a couple of mine up for the start/stop/back up signals, but it got to be a bit much.  One higher end decoder doesn't offer the automatic features, as they seem to feel the operator should be in control.  If  you are trying to be prototypical it does keep you thinking.

I have an NCE system also.  Love it, but it has a lot more functions than I will ever understand,  If you have a question, look in the manual to see if you can find an answer.  My problem is sometimes I don't know the correct terminology to look for.  These forums can often help you there.

Good luck,

Richard

  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, April 21, 2016 12:19 PM

I've found that the online information about the decoders greatly exceeds what's provided in the box with the locomotives for Bachmann decoders.

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, April 21, 2016 3:43 PM

MisterBeasley

I've found that the online information about the decoders greatly exceeds what's provided in the box with the locomotives for Bachmann decoders.

 

SoundTraxx has the CV list for the SoundTraxx decoders you purchase and install and the decoders they make for Bachmann. Two different list.

Bachmann site also has their own list and quick start guides.

Common knowledge that Bachmann onboard sound are stripped down decoders.

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
    January 2015
  • 14 posts
Posted by young modeler on Friday, April 22, 2016 10:33 AM

I've read the quick start guide and it has info on how to activate it but doesn't list a CV for which to activate it. 

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • 14 posts
Posted by young modeler on Friday, April 22, 2016 10:35 AM

Does anyone know what kind of decoder it is? I've found a general steam instruction manual but I'm not sure if the manual is compatable with the decoder in the locomotive.

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Friday, April 22, 2016 10:41 AM

  The Decoder is a customized Tsunami built for Bachmann.

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • 257 posts
Posted by RR Baron on Friday, April 22, 2016 11:29 AM
For a Bachmann HO 2-8-4 Berkshire Sound Value Equipped use
The list contains the supported CVs and their factory default value. 
The decoder is made by SoundTraxx for and to Bachmann specifications.  The SoundTraxx OEM Bachmann decoder is in the Sound Value family of SoundTraxx decoders, which are not Tsunami decoders. It is a misnomer to refer to a Sound Value as Tsunami.
 
RR Baron
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Friday, April 22, 2016 11:32 AM

It is a Sound Value loco. All Bachmann sound locos are stripped down Tsunami's supplied by SoundTraxx. Some are labeled sound on board and some labeled Sound Value.

Go join and spend some time there and look at the SoundTraxx website also.

I was just at the Bachmann website with forum for HO, Parts list, CV list, manuals, parts diagrams, company reps.

Much better prices at various online sites.

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5755

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
    January 2015
  • 257 posts
Posted by RR Baron on Friday, April 22, 2016 11:39 AM

Rich,

You are mistaken. SoundTraxx will confirm Sound Value is not a Tsunami, not even a stripped down one. You were corrected several times on the Bachmann website on this point.

RR Baron

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Friday, April 22, 2016 12:31 PM

According to the Bachmann website, the SoundValue Function button set-up is:

F0 - Headlight; F1 - Bell; F2 - (long) whistle; F3 - (short) whistle; F4 steam release (hiss); F5 (not used; F6 - smoke (if smoke equipped); F7 - dim headlight; F8 - mute sound.

It would be possible to switch those around using CV's to remap the function buttons. It doesn't appear the "long long short long" grade crossing whistle is one of the options. I've had a Sound Value 2-10-0 for several years and it doesn't have that option.

Stix

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