Adding dcc sound to a engine that already has a dcc decoder

[cbmike1124]

I’m new to the dcc but have a dcc engine without sound what do I need to do to add sound?

[EMDX6043]

There's a lot more we have to know if you're looking for a good answer, but basically you need something like a Tsunami or ESU sound decoder, plus room for at least one speaker. For a beginner, the Tsunami's are probably more user-friendly.

If you go sound, I highly suggest making an investment in a complete DCC system. Yeah, most DCC sound decoders will work on DC, but you aren't able to completely utilize the technology-they'll just make noise.

[cbmike1124]

I guess I’m trying to learn more what’s the difference in a sound decoder and a full decoder if I worded that right. It’s for a fox valley gp60 I have that doesn’t have sound and then also for a sw1500 athearn that just have a decoder but no sound

[lyled1117]

Sound decoders are complete decoders that provide motion, sound, and lighting (there use to be sound only versions). To put sound in the locomotives you described you 'll be placing a sound decoder in them. The FVM GP60 is set up with a 21 pin arrangement, putting a decoder in that is next to trivial. You'll need to add a speaker. I believe the model comes with the enclosure regardless of it being sound or non-sound. The SW I can't speak for other than to say it will be more difficult (not impossible) to do sound in due to the size of the components involved. You'll need to replace the present decoder and add a speaker.

Lyle D

[EMDX6043]

The basic difference between a non-sound and sound decoder are two wires for your speaker. They all follow the same basic rules for wiring if you don't have a plug-in board.

red/black (left/right rails)
orange/gray (motor +/-)
blue (lighting common)
yellow (headlight rear)
white (headlight front)
2x purple (speakers aren't polarity-sensitive)

...plus other colors for your aux lighting, i.e ditch lights, mars, etc.

It wouldn't matter really with the GP60 because of the 21-pin plug, but the Athearn unit will probably need to be hardwired. The biggest challenge is ensuring that your wiring job is somewhat neat so there are no shorts or damage from flywheels.

I've had great results with ESU decoders no matter the type but again, you'll need the Lokprogrammer AND a dcc system to really take advantage of everything they offer.

It also looks like someone's article on Railwire may help you...

[Christopher W]

The SW1500 is (From the factory) a 8pin and 9 pin accepting, I would recommend a Loksound V5 Micro and a Loksound sugar cube speaker. The speaker should have enough room to be in the front just above the truck.