Finally getting around to installing decoders in a pair of old PRR GP30s still new in the box. They have 8 pin decoder sockets. l am thinking sound in one and just an 8 pin decoder in the other. Any thoughts or choices I should consider?
Take a look at the TCS website.
There are detailed instructions for the installation of a sound decoder in a Proto 2000 GP30 complete with photos. TCS also has a non-sound decoder for the Proto 2000 GP30.
Rich
Alton Junction
If they are the old P2K then they are equipped with light bulbs and would benefit with LEDs. I would suggest either a decoder buddy mini and 21 pin decoder in both. ESU, Soundtraxx, and TCS make nice decoders in that form factor.
Pete.
The Proto 2000 GP30 has an female 8-pin harness that plugs into the light board which resides underneath. There are no wire connections to this board, everything is "through the harness".
Here's a pic, with the decoder I used (Soundtraxx MC1H102P8) and some pre-wired LEDs:
Here's the decoder in place, again underneath the 8-pin harness, with the LEDs wired in, ready for the shell to go back on. (click to enlarge)
There are some choices out there. I decided to hard-wire a Loksound 5 and ESU cube speaker in mine. I had to file a little off the weight to get clearance for that particular speaker. Since then I have used Scale Sound Systems speakers* with remarkable results.
BnO_GP30-6939-DCC by Edmund, on Flickr
One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose a sound file for an EMD 567 D3 prime mover you may quickly tire of the turbocharger whine. It can be quide predominant.
Tsunami-2 allows you several choices including 2 or 3 non-turbo versions on the same decoder. For ESU you can always download a new sound project. Just something to keep in mind. I have my GP30s running with a very low volume on the PM and the whine is only perceptable if you are nearby.
Good Luck, Ed
* They may not offer the GP30. Inquire first.
I remember those now. Have a GP7 that I put a Loksound version 3.5 with a pair of small round speakers in. Many years ago. If I remember correctly you have to change the bulbs because you end up removing the resistors when you remove the board.
I just installed a TCS WowSound decoder in an old Proto SD-9, so far seems to be working out quite well. I ended up removing the rear weight to make room for a speaker and enclosure - the engine is not going to pulling long trains by itself, so any loss of pulling power isn't really an issue.
A nice thing about the WowSound I noticed is they have an option to make a two-motor sound, like you would use in say an EMD E-unit. That might be an option if you're going to have your sound and non-sound GP-30s running together most of the time, as it will sound more like two sound locos.