Proto 2000 FA-2 Decoders what to use?

[Anonymous]

I recently acquired a A-B-B-A set of FA-2's from Proto 2000. They run very well together. I wanted to ask if anyone else had the experience of converting to sound and DCC?

I am concerned about the need to change the bulbs and still retain the ability to run on both analog and DCC. Speaker room seems to be very limited. The 8 pin boards that came with the unit controls the headlight direction (Wow) but there is alot of weight and power chassis on all 4 of these units. (Aint stalling this train on the hill sonny he he)

I welcome any and all ideas.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

I recently acquired a A-B-B-A set of FA-2's from Proto 2000. They run very well together. I wanted to ask if anyone else had the experience of converting to sound and DCC?

I am concerned about the need to change the bulbs and still retain the ability to run on both analog and DCC.

not easily done with commercially available decoders

QUOTE:
Speaker room seems to be very limited. The 8 pin boards that came with the unit controls the headlight direction (Wow) but there is alot of weight and power chassis on all 4 of these units.

You face a challenge, with added difficulties.

One way of doing what you want - and there are many other ways.

• Use a Digitrax DG583S decoder http://www.digitrax.com/mobdec.htm#dg583s.
  


• Use a Soundtraxx DSX sound only decoder - DC will blow this chip, so make sure that it is not connected when operating on DC. Pick one of the following depending on which horn/chime you want:
  
  
  825211 ALCO Wabco 3-Chime Airhorn
  825212 ALCO Leslie 3-Chime Airhorn
  825213 ALCO w/Nathan 3-Chime
  825214 ALCO w/Wabco E2 1-Chime
  825215 ALCO w/Nathan M5 5-Chime
  See: http://www.dcctrains.com/products/soundtraxx_dsx.htm
  


• Make one of the units into a dummy, decoder and DSX go in this unit.
  


• Use a 4PDT to select between DC and DCC - not automatic.
  


• Run a six conductor bus between all of them. (2 rail power bus, 2 motor bus, 2 speaker)
  


• Use four speakers, one under each fan grill, wired in series-parallel pairs. This one is a good choice: http://www.dcctrains.com/technews/dreamspeakers/detail-100dia.htm Seal the bottom so that sound will only come out the top.


• replace the lights with LEDs and use LM317regulators to provide constant lighting under DCC and DC based on motor direction. Would also require diodes in series with each motor to provide a "dead" voltage zone for the lights to come on before the motor starts.

Note: most of the complication above is due to the requirement to operate on DC and DCC, and it still will not have sound on DC.

[AntonioFP45]

Nfmisso,

Outstanding info! [:D]

One thing that may be helpful to HighIron, if willing to wait. According to Bruce from Litchfield Station, the new Tsunami decoder, which is VERY SMALL and yet packed with great features, is due this coming July. It can be run in DCC or DC mode. Win-Win. NO NEED for two separate decoders as this little "Tidal Wave" handles the whole Enchilada!

Bruce speaks directly to the owners of Soundtraxx and he got the info directly from them.
Looks like there's no more reason for delays. I'm holding out for the Tsunami myself, as I have an FP45, U33B, and a Proto E unit waiting to get it.

I know you all maybe tired of me saying this, but e-mail Bruce as he can give you some very good install information. The Litchfield Station website has some great photos of "Sound System" installations on HO and N scale locomotives; various brands.

Hope this helps! [:)][:D]

[Anonymous]

Nigel's response can't get any better.

Ditto on the outstanding.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for the quality posts, I probably will need to drill small holes in the fan tower to let the sound out.

I had no idea that sound and DCC to a Analog engine is so complex. I brewed a cup of coffee and reading this as I learn more. And yes I will get a Digitrax in the future.