Fitting sound chip to SD40-2
#1
I've got a Bachmann DCC fitted SD40-2 and wish to fit a sound chip to it. Can anyone advise me as to what chip is recommended and how to fit it please? I think that a speaker will have to go in the cab, but where does the chip go. Thank you.
It's a good day when you wake up in the morning. It's not your problem if you don't.
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#2
HI there,

funny to see you here too.
Is the Bachmann SD40-2 DCC ready? If so there are two approaches.
A plug in decoder, that plugs straight onto the current circuit board via a provided connector.
Smaller is obviously better due to available space. For example, ESU Loksound , or ESU Loksound Select decoders come in a version that is suitable for that, but there are others.

The other option is a complete board replacement. In that case, it doesn't really matter. measure the available space, look at the various board replacement options (any will work, although they may need to be taped to the loco instead of 'drop in' replacements which clip onto, or screw onto the loco, those will also work of course, but I'm not sure that any manufacturer makes any specifically for Bachmann locomotives, they can still be taped down).

Then choose the one you like.

The bigger question is which speaker to use. A general rule of thumb is , fit the largest you can fit, although the later sugar cube designs are a lot smaller and make the same noise of bigger conventional speakers.

There really isn't one right answer, but it depends on how willing and able you are with a few basic tools and a soldering iron :-)

Photo's of the loco , and it's frame will help us , in helping you.

Koos
Be sure to visit my model railroad blog at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.namrr.blogspot.com">http://www.namrr.blogspot.com</a><!-- m -->
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#3
Thanks for that. The loco is DCC fitted. I've spoken to Coastal DCC and they reckon a Loksound Direct would do the job. I'll be going to Portsmouth on Saturday to an exhibition and get some more gen. Ref. speaker, well, if you tried to swing a very small cat in the shell you'd get done for cruelty. Chock full of gubbins, i.e. chassis. In the cab for the speaker. Sugar cubes are one answer,may be able to get something bigger.
It's a good day when you wake up in the morning. It's not your problem if you don't.
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#4
I can recommend Coastal DCC wholeheartedly, they are very good. Go for a sugarcube, you won't be dissapointed, I've used them and they are great!

Koos
Be sure to visit my model railroad blog at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.namrr.blogspot.com">http://www.namrr.blogspot.com</a><!-- m -->
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#5
Catweasel - TBH what I know about DCC and sound you could hide under one corner of a postage stamp and never know it was there - but I have seen this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/15636">http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/15636</a><!-- m --> and if you look up mobile phone parts on ebay and search for< Apple 6 speaker>, (no brackets) they are dirt cheap - might just be worth an order and an experiment - NB on page 3 there is a reply from Prof Klyzlr ( a friend of mine) who DOES know what he is talking bout - It is his dayjob!
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#6
Hi Shortliner. In my post on fittinng DCC to a 44 ton switcher,you posted a link to an alternative speaker. I've now got some of those ones, but I will look at the ones you linked to on the SD40-2 post. I had a chat with Coastal DCC about this beast and they reckon a Loksound direct will do the job.
It's a good day when you wake up in the morning. It's not your problem if you don't.
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