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Adding sound to DCC equipped Walthers Trainline GP9m Locos and rolling stock
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Super User 1,140 posts UglyK5 Super User 1,140 posts
UglyK5

Hello MRH,

long time listener, first time caller... 

When getting back into the hobby last year after a 20 year hiatus I picked up a Walthers Trainline GP9M. Around $50 for the DCC equipped version so a low buck way to try out dcc and see how it is (and man is DCC ever an improvement over DC!). It has minimal detail and some broadly discussed prototype inaccuracies but no problem since It runs well and is rugged enough for my 6 year old to handle it without much risk. Now having sound from another loco we acquired makes the GP9 seem inadequate so I'd like to upgrade the GP9 to sound.  

What are some ways to do this?  Not looking to put a high end decoder in this unit just basic sound and keeping it under $50 or so. considering these options:

1. Add a sound only decoder to existing setup. There are no manufacturer markings visible on the decoder (did not dismount it from the frame). anyone know what it is? Attempted to put pic below. I have a Digitrax SFX006 Soundbug left over from another project, could this be used here?  If so, how?  Maybe some other sound only decoder?

2. replace existing decoder with a motor only controller and add the existing inventory Soundbug.  a DH165 appears to be a plug in fit for the soundbug but the soundbug instructions are cagey on use with other decoders  

3.  Replace existing decoder with a sound and motor decoder.  Again a high end unit would be overkill but open to alternatives  

I have very basic soldering skills and don't mind practicing on this unit  

thanks in advance!

jeff

 

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—————————————
“Think before you post, try to be positive, and you do not always have to give your opinion.....”
-Bessemer Bob
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Nelsonb111563 Moderator 2,267 posts
Nelsonb111563

Hi end decoder!!!

Well as I've been told before, "you get what you pay for".   Having said that, here goes!

Keeping it under $50 will be a big stretch so you might set your sites a bit higher.  (yes I know Digitrax offers the SDH166 and can be had for under $50)  From what I have heard, the factory sounds are quite disappointing and for only a few dollars more a better decoder can be installed.  Be prepared to do some work.  As for a lower cost option, I have been very pleased with Soundtraxx Econami line of decoders.  Only drawback in your situation is the added cost of  getting a speaker with an enclosure.  I guess if you are going to do it, do it right the first time.

The Trainline GP9M is a good solid running locomotive and is a ripe unit for added detailing so doing a good sound install will be worth it.  I know LokSound is also a good choice but for this application the Econami is a better choice price wise for you.

Take your time and plan the install before beginning.  Disassemble the locomotive and fully clean it.  You may have to do some frame cutting or milling to get everything to fit. 

Nelson Beaudry,  Principle/CEO

Kennebec, Penobscot and Northern RR Co.
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UglyK5 Super User 1,140 posts
UglyK5

Nelson thanks for the ideas,

Nelson thanks for the ideas, certainly better to do it right than do it twice (if the cheapo sound is terrible)  

Econami looks promising for this project and further down the To Do list is a DC to DCC conversion of an old split frame Bachmann Spectrum GP30 that has some sentimental value. The eco could be just the ticket  

Agreed the "blank canvas" aspect of the GP9m is kind of nice. I just detailed and weathered my first loco and found it to be very rewarding and enjoyable. looking forward to the next one. 

Jeff

 
—————————————
“Think before you post, try to be positive, and you do not always have to give your opinion.....”
-Bessemer Bob
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Nelsonb111563 Moderator 2,267 posts
Nelsonb111563

Spectrum GP 30

Basically a Bachmann unit so should be straight forward to do.  I have one with a Digitrax decoder and it runs good although noisy!  Not a lot of room for a sound install so frame modification will be required!  

Nelson Beaudry,  Principle/CEO

Kennebec, Penobscot and Northern RR Co.
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lexon Prolific poster 1,211 posts
lexon

GP30 sound

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/anyone-installed-a-dcc-decoder-in-bachmann-spectrum-gp30-12189017

Rich
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UglyK5 Super User 1,140 posts
UglyK5

Thanks Lexon, great food for

Thanks Lexon, great food for thought. Glad others have plowed this ground first!

jeff

 
—————————————
“Think before you post, try to be positive, and you do not always have to give your opinion.....”
-Bessemer Bob
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Ken Glover kfglover Super User 1,506 posts
Ken Glover kfglover

A blast from the past!

I didn't remember that thread as being so long or having so many comments. It did work out and now I want to put a LokSound decoder in a PROTO 2000 GP30.

I'm glad it could help you out Jeff.

Ken Glover,

HO, Digitrax, Soundtraxx PTB-100, JMRI (LocoBuffer-USB), ProtoThrottle (WiThrottle server)

View My Blog

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