Bachmann HO Scale Diesel GP40 Sound Too loud

[CamaroRich]

Hi all,

I'm new to the hobby and jumping into the deep end with DCC.  I purchased a Bachmann DCC Sound Value diesel locomotive (CSX), item # 66307.   The instructions say it is equipped with a Soundtraxx decoder, but doesn't say what model.

Out of the box the loco is way too loud and I'd like to lower the sound in half.  I am using the NCE Power Cab and wondering how this is done. 

could someone clue me in to the procedure for lowiering the sound on this loco?

 

TIA!

Rich

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

CamaroRich

I purchased a Bachmann DCC Sound Value diesel locomotive (CSX), item # 66307.

OK...

It's a Bachmann HO GP40.

CamaroRich

could someone clue me in to (SIC) the procedure for lowering (SIC) the sound on this loco?

According to the Bachmann product website, it has a Soundtraxx Econami™ Sound Value decoder installed.

I pulled up this decoder in JMRI Decoder Pro. (Available for download at JMRI Decoder Pro, for both Mac and PC.)

CV 128 controls the master volume.

The master volume; according to JMRI Decoder Pro, is factory set to a binary value of 192, out of 255. (The max value is actually 256 for calculation purposes.)

Setting CV 128 to a value of 128; 1/2 of 256, will half the master volume.

You cannot set a value of 127.5- -half of 255.

Setting CV 128 to a value of 96 will half the factory set volume.

The Prime Mover (engine) volume is controlled by CV 131. It is factory set at 255 (max value).

If you only want to change the prime mover volume leave the master volume; CV 128 = V 192, and adjust the value of CV131.

You can use the Programming On The Main (POM) function of your NCE system to change these CV values.

Consult your user manual or go to the NCE website to download the manual.

Then you can fine-tune the volume by adjusting the value of these CVs to your liking.

Using JMRI Decoder Pro as a CV calculator you can adjust the volumes of other sound functions by moving the sliders in the "Sound Levels" panel and then looking at the highlighted CVs under the "CV panel."

Hope this helps.

[wjstix]

Here's a link to a listing of all the CVs for the GP-40 "Sound Value" diesel decoders; you might want to print them out:

Bachmann Factory Defaults.indd (soundtraxx.com)

FWIW to my ear the horn sound on most decoders is too low compared to other sounds, so I usually leave the horn volume as is and decrease the volume of the other sounds (bell volume, exhaust volume, etc.) so the horn is noticeably louder than the other sounds. Then if necessary adjust the master volume. But that's just the way I do it. 

Note that you can change the type of horn sound via CV 115. 

 

[BigDaddy]

Camaro  Nobody said to the Forum?  Well that's the way of the world thesed days.  Your posts will be delayed in moderation for a while. 

Nothing to add to the excellent advice above.  Don't be a stranger.  The more you get involved the more you learn.

[wjstix]

Oops! Missed that. Welcome to the forums!