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Bachmann DD40AX sound installation

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  • Member since
    June 2010
  • 3 posts
Bachmann DD40AX sound installation
Posted by Pennsy1361 on Thursday, September 5, 2019 6:32 AM

Hi, 

This is my first post and I need assistance.  How do I convert a Bachmann DD40AX with DCC on Board to running with sound?  I ordered both the sound decoder and the speaker/fuel tank from Bachmann,  but have no instructions for the installation. 

BPR 

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 409 posts
Posted by ba&prr on Thursday, September 5, 2019 11:20 PM

What scale?   Post a photo of both boards please.  Joe

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Friday, September 6, 2019 11:55 AM

It has to be HO. Only the HO has sound. I just looked at the diagram page at the Bachmann site.

Unfortunately manufactures expext modelers to have DCC knowledge.

Basic wiring diagrams were on the paper work with the decoder.

The PC boards usually have a prefix for each wire. My different Bachmann locos had labels.

The OP will have to interpret each label if no one has instructions. Come here and ask about the labels and post a photo of the decoder board. I saw two speakers.

The OP will need a Photo Hosting site to post a photo of the decoder board.

I saw a single board at the Bachmann diagram page.

I checked the TCS decoder site but did not see a conversion yet.

I would put the loco on a Program track when finished just to be sure, That saved a decoder once.

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, September 6, 2019 1:49 PM

Pennsy1361,

 

Labels identifying the wire purpose are printed on the PCB as well the end that is installed towards the front of the locomotive is identified.   

 

Disconnect one wire at a time and connect it to the new PCB. 

 

RR Baron

 

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Friday, September 6, 2019 4:21 PM

If you have not started yet, Bachmann does not usually use NMRA colors on the wires and some locos they use plastic clips to hold the wires in place so take your time.

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
    June 2010
  • 3 posts
Posted by Pennsy1361 on Saturday, September 7, 2019 7:30 PM

Rich,

 
The locomotive is indeed HO.  I haven't as yet taken the shell off to check how the regular decoder is wired.   I'm  just concerned how about how to do the job right which includes adding the speaker wires and wanted to know how others have done it.   I thought maybe it already had the speakers since it already had the fuel tank with the speaker slots,  but no such luck.  I will post photos when I return home from my trip.
BPR  
  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 409 posts
Posted by ba&prr on Saturday, September 7, 2019 10:08 PM

If you go to the general discussions paart of the forum, there's instuctions on how to post photos. On the top or bottom of the sound decoder should be letters; KL+,HL- front lights,S+ S- speaker,RR,LR railpick up (left & right), M+,M- motor and BL+,BL- rear lights. There should be 2 S+ & S- . Also I believe this has a working beacon. There should be 2 pads for that LED.It might have FX5. Not sure. I suggest soldering the wires to the board as those platic clips are the best way to hold the wires on.

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