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Hey guys, I am looking to add DCC w/ sound to bunch of BB SD40-2's that I have superdetailed. Can I just wire in a decoder, or do I need to have the other board like they have in the DCC ready newer units and then plug into that?
Also, is there somewhere that I might find a list for the biggest speaker size and model to fit in various loco's? I am looking so far for RPP 8-40CW's, Atlas Trainman GP39-2's, Athearn RTR GP60M's n B's, and Athean BB SD40-2's. I found a guy who sells these Tsunami decoders for $82 a piece, best I have found so far...
The Tsumanis can be wired directly in and do not need the board. Just need to make sure that the BB's don't pull to many amps as they will overload the tsunami. Each of the models will require a different speaker, usually a rectangle one with a built in speaker enclosure will work for most all of the models. Here are some of the different ones available.
OK well thanks for all the info, great! But how would I know if my BB is gonna overload the decoder? Would I need to solder in an extra resistor maybe?
You may want to remotor the BB. A-Line makes a drop in replacement that will make it run like a Kato. It draws alot less amps, runs smoother, and is more fitting of such a nice decoder. Otherwise, putting a Tsunami in a Bluebox is kind of like putting a Porsche engine in a Camry.
Im not familiar with K line...can you steer me in their direction please? What about replacing the BB motor with a new RTR or Genesis motor? Would that cot down on the power draw??
Yep, my bad, A-Line. I believe Modeltrainstuff.com whom your familiar with has them. I think Ulrichmodels.com has it to as well as a 'how-to' tutorial on doing the switch out.
OK well thanks for all the info, great! But how would I know if my BB is gonna overload the decoder? Would I need to solder in an extra resistor maybe?
You need to do a stall test with the loco. The simpliest way is to wire a VOM meter set to measure amps. Place one wire of the meter to the power pack and the other to the track. (It can be as short a a 9" piece.) The other terminal is wired normally. Place the loco on the track and while holding it in place, with the power on full, look at the reading. If it is giving a minus reading, change the direction switch. Then after getting the direction correct, press down on the loco until it stops running. Quickly read the amperage, and then kill the power to prevent from smoking the motor. If the amperage read is higher than the amp rating of the decoder, the motor needs to be replaced.
