I just finished up a decoder install in this loco. Love the sound. Speed control is excellent. I used the new shrink wrapped Tsunami Baldwin decoder, part number, 827111. The speaker and stay alive capacitor fit just fine. I even have room for a larger capacitor, the diode and resistor if needed.
When SoundTraxx releases the light board Tsunami for this loco, the install will be much easier.
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.
Here are some photos. Wondeful sound and speed control. The decoder is the Tsunami Baldwin VO sound, part number 827111.
The PC board elimintes all but two splices.
Even better choice for sound is the SoundTraxx site. I check their site at least once every two weeks. Kind of surprised you missed that. They have all kinds of sounds listed.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000.php#bot
Nice install. Good Luck with it.
Springfield PA
Thanks for the tips and pics. I have a TSU ordered for the stewart VO 1000. Will refer to your info for my installation process.
motopac
I probably might have been able to use the TSU-1000 without removing the JST connector but I found this procedure was much easier for me. I had plenty of room to work after removing the JST connector and only two splices needed to extend the two wires to the stay alive capacitor.
In the 128 mode, the loco crawls very nicely about 1 mph at speed step one.
I do prefer the LokSound Baldwin decoder but this one is acceptable.
Rich,
The VO 1000 (8 cyl) is 3 feet longer than the VO 660 (6 cyl), S12, and DS 4-4-1000 swithers so keep this in mind. The shorter switchers might be better off with the Hardwired version of the Soundtraxx shown above rather than the AT 1000. I have used LokSound in the past for these switchers and am pleased to see and hear the new Tsunami. Both are excellent sound decoders.
I am not sure if the Soundtraxx is the correct sound for the 606A in the S12 or the 606SC in the DS-4-4-1000. The reality is they are so close only someone who has operated these for years would be able to tell the difference. Both have the distinctive Baldwin sound.
I will try this VO from Tsunami in my VO sound upgrades and thanks for posting this work.
Chris
I have done quite a lot of searching for the Baldwin 660 hp and Baldwin 1000 hp engines but for sounds, I cannot really tell them apart. I have both sounds. The LokSound Baldwin 660 hp and Tsunami Baldwin 1000 hp.
The Fairbanks-Morse sound that Litchfield says is close, is definitely a little different.
I will admit, the small speakers don't do them justice but this just playing with trains.
I have some photos from a search that show the LokSound in the Stewart VO-1000. I may go with that one for the next loco.
I want to get the SP VO-1000 with the Catenary poles.