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DCC Sound Chips
Eddie has a question for readers on DCC sound and asks:
“I have several Bachmann Spectrum steam locos, all with DCC. I would like to add sound to them .2-8-0, 4-6-0, 4-4-0, 2-4-4 forney and a rail bus. I have tried several dealers but none have answered me. Do I have to change the DCC chip or can I just add a sound chip to it? I would appreciate any help with part numbers etc. I am new to DCC so any help would be great.Thanks.”
If you can help Eddie, please comment below.
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You can add a sound decoder, eg the Digitrax “soundbug”, which is a very reasonable solution to your problem. Digitrax also sells a special programmer so you can download specific “sound projects” to suit your locos. A good, reliable and competitive source of this equipment is Litchfield Station. Visit their website.
You can just add the sound chip, connected to the same pickup wires as the controller chip, and to the speaker. It will program the same way as the other chip. I think it can either be at the same or a different programming address, as the sound functions are at different locations.
I would advise you to get at least a basic beginner’s book on DCC, as it will help with many aspects of the subject.