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DCC with sound.  Notice the part number (SDC01) as in Sound Decoder Climax for the decoder.  Call BM and ask the price. expect it to not be cheap.

DCC ready without Sound. Notice PCB01 has the socket for a decoder.

Marc Fournier, Quebec

Sound decoders

Bachmann does not sell sound chips, called sound decoders. SoundTraxx Tsunami in factory Bachmann are only for Bachmann and do not sell them. The SoundTraxx site says to use the Micro Tsunami. Cost is around $120.00 the last time I bought one. Will need to also buy some 8 pin plugs. Solder the decoder wires to the plug and plug into the Bachmann PC board.

Be advised, if you get a factory equipped Bachmann, the sound decoder does not have all the features of the one you by and install yourself. Well known issue.

There is a Bachmann site with forums but do not know if posting the site is allowed here.

Below are usefull links.

SoundTraxx site. Click on decoder selector.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/

The below fellow has loads of good DCC info you will need. Anyone reading this message, store the links in Favorites for others and future reference.

http://www.mrdccu.com/

Rich

Posting Manufactures fourms or posts

When explaining how to build or improve a product it is O.K. to post other forums and company URLs as long as your not using the site to advertise products for personal gain.

There is no reason that you can't tell us how you do something related to Model Railroading and giving reference as to where to get the products you used.

When some one does post unauthorized adds we mark it as SPAM and Admin deletes any unauthorized content.

Dan

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The difference here is WARRANTY PARTS.

The Bachmann Tsunami decoders are particular to BACHMANN in function and form and the Soundtraxx ones will not fit without rewiring, if they fit at all.   So the only source for a specific replacement is from Bachmann parts. Most are simply plug in and screw down.   Under the warranty they do not send you to Soundtraxx.  So they have a replacement part for a defective sound decoder, warranty requirement.

That is what the pictures are providing, the part numbers cross reference to the decoder.  The reason I supplied both the DCC ready and the SOUND option is to show the part numbers are different. One is PCB01 and the other is SDC001  (Sound Decoder Climax 001).   

Now will the price  be worth it, maybe not.  Will they sell it ?  why not ! ( maybe they prefer keeping them for warranty replacement because they probably have a limited number of them set a side)  but the decoder is availlable from Bachmann for a price, as a replacement part to servicers and the general public.  You either send your engine back under the great warranty they provide or buy the defective part and repair it your self.  I have spare trucks, gear drives, the small rubber rings for my Shays, also spares for my 2-8-0's from them also.  

For $10, from Backmann, I purchased  the Shay water tank  base frame, including wired speaker, PCB and power pickup. Beats drilling holes thru mine.  All that was left was mounting an old DSD Shay decoder (they pop up on Ebay once in a while, be patient),  moving the TCS DB2X to below  the coal load and that was it, sound and motor. 

So Jack, phone them and enquire, what have you got to loose.

Marc Fournier, Quebec   

Decoder

The install should be the same as the three truck Shay. Look at the diagrams on the Bachmann site. Look in Parts & Service.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

Remove the capacitors from the PC board and order some eight pin NMRA plugs when you order the Micro. For those who have not looked at the SoundTraxx decoder selector page.

Very close to the Climax loco. Bachmann did that for a cost saving reason.

Others have done the Climax and Shay installs with the Micro.

Again, the Factory equipped sound decoder is NOT avalable from Bachmann or SoundTraxx. I and others have checked. Don't know if that will ever change as the Factory equipped decoder is not shrink wrapped. Every so often I read of someone who shorted out a light board type decoder in a diesel that is not shrink wrapped and smoked the decoder.

Rich

Decoder

As far as I know, below is the factory equipped Tsunami decoder probably used in the different locos. From the few diagrams at the Bachmann site, it looks like other locos have the same decoder style.

This is in my new Spectrum 4-6-0. It plugs into the PC board used for DCC ready or the DCC on board decoder which has been a low end Lenz. Notice the Bachmann wire colors.

Moderator edit: Pasted image URL into insert image dialog box to post image inline. IMG tags don't work on this forum.

Again, according to te Bachmann rep, the factory equipped Tsunami decoder is not avalable by itself. Others here might have their own reality version.

Rich

Image

Tried to use the insert image icon but it does not work. All I got was a square with a X in the center.

How about doing what most other forums do? Allow Simple Copy and Paste.

Rich

Inserting an image

Ken:

As long as the image is hosted elsewhere, posting an image here in your post is easy.

1. Click the image icon on the toolbar (looks like a mountain with a red sun)

2. Paste the URL to your image into the URL box.

3. Click OK.

The one caveat - if the image is wider than 720 pixels, you should resize it. Just click the circular arrow next to the width and height boxes to get the current size, then overtype the width with 720 if it's larger than 720. The image will be automatically resized to fit.

If you can;t follow Joes instructions see below

Go to the following URL here at MRH for a step by step turtoral on How to add a photo to your Post or Blog.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/621

click the above post and follow the directions for and easy photo instal.

RGD

Hi Rich

Hi Rich

I have been reading your posts here.  When I got ready to buy an engine I planned to buy the Bachmann 4-6-0 with DCC and sound thinking I was getting a good deal.  But if it lacks features, then maybe I should reconsider.  I am new to all of this so am still somewhat confused about DCC and sound (although not as much as a few months ago after reading all the forum posts) - that is why I thought getting a factory installed loco would be the best way for me to go. Can you tell me what sound features the Bachmann does not have.  Maybe they are features I don't really need.  I am planning on using small steam (4-6-0 and/or smaller).   Are there better options for me.

Thank you

PS  Mark (Foum60)  I am going to take your advice and order the WP-35 (especially since it is only about $10 more)  Thanks.

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The Bachmann Tsunami decoders lack the equalizer, reverb, FX5/FX6 wires,  everything relating to Fireman Fred is not present.  That is about the size of it.  The quality of the sounds are identical non the less. 

Marc Fournier, Quebec  

Thank you Marc - I think I

Thank you Marc - I think I can live without these. 

Tsunami decoder and Climax Three Truck

Hi, Jack from Star, Idaho.  I got adventurous today and took the water tender off my three truck climax.  I found a small function decoder plugged into an 8 pin socket.  After removing the decoder I removed the PCB and to my surprise the speaker compartment built into the tender takes a one inch 8 ohm speaker nicely.  I then shortened the wire harness on the Micro Tsunami I had taken out of the Shay I sent back and the sound decoder actually fit better than it did in the shay.  The entire install took about 30 minutes and it sounds great and performs excellent.  The Climax is very smooth.  I would reccomend that If someone is thinking about which decoder will work, get the Micro Tsunami light logging.  I kind of feel like a pioneer experimenting with the three truck Climax.  I don't know if it would work in the two truck with the oil bunker but it fits great in the three truck.  I have not had any heat problems thus far with the Tsunami and I don't think I will...

Jack Strong