Just goes to show, Google doesn't know everything. I specifically nominated HO.I came across that site too, during my Bachmann 4-8-4 search. However, that is N scale. Thanks for posting!
I have NOT attempted to do this on a Bachman 4-8-4, but have converted four (4) Mantua-based steam locomotives to DCC/sound using Soundtraxx Tsunami2 TSU-2200 digital sound decoders (P/N 884007) with their Current Keeper that plugs into the decoder. I use their P/N 810131 28mm Mega Base Speaker (square base) that measures 1.10" on each side, and is 0.44" high. Although there are four small holes in the speaker's base, I just glue them in with silicone calk. The TSU-2200 decoder is good for motors with stall currents plus lighting outputs up to 2.0 amps total. Their wiring diagrams are very clear, with the wire colors described in parenthesis right along side of each wire in the diagram. For headlights you can either use incandescents or LED's (with the proper resistor in series. (I have been using 12-14v Grain-o-wheat bulbs. You can download a great manual to determine all sorts of stuff, including selection of whistles, chuff sounds and bells. I don't do a bunch of stuff that is available, but even the default CV's are great. The only thing about the sound as it comes is that it is pretty loud, and you might want to adjust the master volume CV. If you happen to use an NCE Power Cab, there is a neat feature: In addition to blowing the whistle by pressing that button, if you press F9, it will automatically blow the - - o - grade crossing sound. Don't know about other controllers. Best of luck with it.I plan to do this myself. How difficult is it to swap the Bachmann decoder for a SoundTraxx Tsunami? Does SoundTraxx provide good wiring instructions - or will I have to research on the net?
The TSU-1000 is only a 1 amp decoder. Are you sure that is a high enough rating for the stall current of the motor plus whatever lights you have? While waiting for repair of my TCU-2200, I temporarily installed a -1100. While it handled the motor and the headlight, as well as the whistle and bell, you could hardly hear the chuff sound. I called Soundtraxx was was told that was because of the 1 amp rating. Might want to check it.This is a Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern, Union Pacific with an oil tender. This model train is from the 90's. I rebuilt it and added a new drive train that was bundled with a decoder, as a project I took on. I think this decoder is Bachmann's brand, or a low standard SoundTraxx, as you will see in my prior post,
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...s/ho-bachmann-4-8-4-northern-greyhound.25028/
I was planning to get the SoundTraxx Heavy Steam (826103) https://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000.php
Again it depends on the stall current of the motor, plus the combined current draw of the lights (bulbs or LED's). You need an ammeter that can be hooked up in series with the motor and a DC power pack. Run it at full throttle (or about 12 volts DC), and then stop the drivers from turning either by pressing the locomotive down on the track or upside down, with you fingers. Note the current draw, and that should tell you what you need. If the total draw is 1 amp or less, then a TCU-1100 will work. If current draw is over 1 amp, but 2 or less then the -2200 is what you need. I doubt you'd need anything of a higher rating in HO, unless you are using a large open-frame motor, like a Pittman.I guess it shows my ignorance with DCC decoders. I have the locomotive's main headlight and the tender's rear headlight. I may plan to place a light in the cab. Which SoundTraxx heavy steam decoder is adequate for what I have?
Yes, this one here.....and this is a Bachmann HO locomotive?
This is a Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern, Union Pacific with an oil tender. This model train is from the 90's. I rebuilt it and added a new drive train that was bundled with a decoder, as a project I took on. I think this decoder is Bachmann's brand, or a low standard SoundTraxx, as you will see in my prior post,
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...s/ho-bachmann-4-8-4-northern-greyhound.25028/
I was planning to get the SoundTraxx Heavy Steam (826103) https://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/1000.php