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.
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.
Pete.
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.
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)
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.
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
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?