Hello All,
to the forums!
Your first few posts will be reviewed by the moderators so there will be a delay in seeing them.
I use the NCE Power Pro wireless DCC system.
Most of my decoders; sound and non-sound, are Digitrax with a few TCS and some DCC compatible European manufacturers.
Thanks to the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) DCC systems have what is called "Interoperability."
Simply put- -any DCC product manufactured that adheres to the NMRA standards will work with others that adhere to the same standards.
There are currently a few exceptions. Those are being resolved between the manufacturers and the NMRA.
I am currently upgrading my non-sound Digitrax decoders to sound.
The Digitrax decoders have a wiring harness from an NMRA 8-pin plug to a 9-pin plug on the decoder.
On the opposite end of the sound decoders, there is a 10-pin plug with a built-in speaker and a capacitor for only the sound.
I discovered that you can plug a Digitrax SDXH167D Sound Decoder; with a built-in speaker, into the 9-pin side of the harness and "upgrade" to sound.
Click on this link for more info...
Sound Upgrade H10-44 in HO
What this means for you is you can use an NMRA 8-pin to 9-pin Digitrax harness to add sound to your locomotives without requiring soldering skills.
Apparently, the Digitrax Series 6 speakers left something to be desired.
I only have had experience with the Series 7 speakers and they fit my needs without having to upgrade to an aftermarket unit.
Digitrax has recently developed an upgrade for the SDXH167D Sound Decoder so an Energy Storage Unit (ESU) also known as a "Power Xtender" or "Keep-Alive"- -which acts like a small battery, for short power interruptions.
The PX108-1-"Power Xtender" can be plugged into the 10-pin side of the decoder.
Keep the questions coming, and as always...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
The TCS website has great "how to" instructions for many locos.
Digitrax is the lower-end sound decoder on that list. It is also the most affordable.
Simon
Hi Jumpshot,
You should also add TCS Wow to the mix. Loksound, TCS, and Soundtraxx are the "Big Three" when it comes to sound decoders. Personally, I would consider those first before Digitrax.
Whichever sound decoder you end up going with, TCS has a handy how-to sound install tutorial on their website to give you a headstart:
TCS Wow Athearn RTR P42 sound installation
You do not have to go with their motherboard, as the lightboard already has an 8-pin NMRA plug. All you would need to add then is the speaker. Unfortunately, you'll need to solder the speaker wires on the speaker.
You may also want to decide if you want to stick with the original incandescent bulbs or change them to LEDs. While you don't have to do them now, LEDs will last longer and run cooler than incandescents. You would hate to see a warped P42 shell because the headlight got too warm.
Along those lines, I would encourage you to take the plunge and purchase a good-quality soldering station and learn to solder. It's not difficult and is an invaluable tool and skill to learn. It will also open up certain feature possibilities in your locomotives and in projects around your layout - e.g. soldering feeders to your track.
Youtube should have some good tutorials to view about soldering. Even better is someone in your area who is willing to take the time to teach you. That way you can ask questions.
Lastely, when it comes to speakers, there's a plethora of choices. I would encourage you to look at Scale Sound Systems. The proprietor, JT Burke, is a sound engineer and he designs and 3D prints his own speaker baffles. The difference in quality over other speakers is noticeably better. And JTs prices are are comparable to what's out there.
HTH,
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I am beginning the jump into DCC for the first time. Just purchased an NCE powercab starter set to go with the few DCC locos I already have. I went through my inventory, and have a lot more "DCC Ready" than I thought, including about 10 Athearn P42s. I want to start with the P42s installing decoders, but am at a loss as to which way to go or what exactly I need. I know the locomotives can accept 8 or 9-pin (9 without having to solder). I am not electircal-saavy nor have ever soldered anyhting in my life, so looking for the easiest as possible install. I'm hoping for sound decoders, and have been looking at Loksound, Soundtraxx, and Digitrax in that order.
Any suggestions?