install ESU sound in Atlas N trainmaster with split frame model ?

[propmeup1]

I've used many sound traxx decoders but I want my DC trainmaster to run like my new factory trainmaster with the DCC ESU decoder.    Any idea which one to install in my older split frame Atlas unit.   Are there any secrets I need to know with ESU home installs ? I've only have installed Soundtraxx units which are simple.   Thank you in advance.
KTB

[jdcolombo]

There are two ways to go here.

Probably the easiest way to go is to use the ESU LokSound 5 Micro Direct board for Atlas Legacy locomotives, ESU #58751.  It should fit, but since I always hard-wire my decoders, I haven't actually used this board.  Someone else can probably confirm that it fits the Trainmaster chassis.

The other way is to use a hard-wired LokSound 5 micro DCC hard-wired, ESU #58823.  Because of the width and length of the Trainmaster chassis, this decoder will fit easily on the front shelf of the engine.  But if I were doing this today, I'd probably opt for the 58751 board.

With either option, you can then use the rear shelf for the speaker.

For best sound, I'd use a 9x16 speaker in a sealed enclosure.  John Lemerise produces a 3D extended-length printed enclosure for a 9x16 speaker that I think might work in this application on the rear shelf.  It was designed for the Intermountain SD40-2, but I think it might work here:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP3DuCbvhgl3UORIIMPFdrfmgZhGO_8OcGF1VGmCG_isEExDVF3eSGvMq4HyUBLyA/photo/AF1QipPZ7RtqK5yk59uQm9V7Yx7C2zLlu-eLtzgH1IZk?key=UWZtU2x2ODNSb2VPNUdRSVFiekx1YjRfTUlnSmxR

Finally, I'd add a keep alive - or what is really a "dropout prevention device" since you won't have room for a "real" keep alive.  There are two ways to go here - one is to roll your own using 20v 220uf tantalum polymer caps wired in parallel.  The other (much easier) is to use the TCS KA-1N: https://www.tcsdcc.com/product-page/ka-n1. This is 6.6mm deep x 9.2mm wide, and should fit easily cross-ways on the Trainmaster chassis, which is 11.5mm wide.  If you use the board-style decoder, it should fit on the front shelf under the decoder.  There are now pads on the board-style decoder for soldering the keep-alive wires.  See this post by Peteski for a description:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=54278.msg774550#msg774550

As for "secrets," there really aren't any except that you'll need to either get the ESU decoder programmed with the correct sound file when you buy it from a dealer, or find someone with an ESU decoder programmer (the Lok Programmer) that will do it for you (I'm assuming you don't have your own Lok Programmer since you've been using Soundtraxx decoders).  After the decoder is installed, adjusting speed, momentum, and overall sound volume can be done with ops-mode programming (programming on the main).  But I'll warn you that anything more complex than this (e.g., remapping function keys; changing lighting behavior; etc.) really needs a LokProgrammer or JMRI's Decoder Pro on a computer connected to your command station.  You can do it with manual CV entry, but because of the complexity of advanced programming sequences for ESU decoders, trying to do these things without a LokProgrammer or JMRI is inviting disaster.  It's just WAY too easy to screw up. 

You can do this - it will take more effort than a Soundtraxx, but it's not rocket science and folks on this board are always willing to help if you get stuck.

John C.



 

[propmeup1]

Thank you sir, That makes it very clear for me. I'm on my way.

Keith

[Lackawannae8]

ive been buying cheaper road names of the new runs and shell swapping the mechanisms to sound mechs. quicker alternative at this point and they sound really good now.

[propmeup1]

Ok, I received the EUS 58571 and speaker. Installed and I have sound and lights however, no running and the sound only comes on by using #1 and not #8 like my factory ESU units.  I tried CV8 and V8 then put it on the program track but still the same. Also tried set in a con but same results.  I stuck now. Any ideas out there ??

Thanks in advance,
Keith   Oh and I don't have an ESU programmer.

[peteski]

LokSound decoders come from the manufacturer in a blank state. Well, they have some sort of test sound project installed, but it is not very useful.  When you ordered the decoder, did you have them load the Trainmaster sound project onto the decoder?

[propmeup1]

No, I got it from Trainworld and did not know to specify. I usualy go with Soundtraxx but my other Atlas Trainmasters have the ESU in them factory.  I find Soundtraxx very user friendly right out of the package and easy to install and set up.

[peteski]

Yes Soundtraxx decoders (and most other brands) are easy because they are nowhere as configurable as LokSound. They include f a limited range of prime mower, horn and bell sounds which cannot be updated or modified. With most you also cannot update their firmware (operating system)  The abundance of features and flexibility of ESU decoders can be a turnoff to some  modelers, and a huge bonus for others.

As I mentioned, your decoder has the factory test project installed on it. It is not very useful.  You have to find a way to upload the actually Trainmaster sound project onto it. Many DCC-specific dealers (have a warning about the decoder being blank and) will install a sound project onto a blank decoder for free or for small fee. Sounds like Trainworld doesn't offer that service. Also many members here (me included) have LokProgrammers, or  maybe you have a local friend or model club where someone has a LokProgrammer?

Let me ask you about your other sound equipped Atlas Train-masters. Do those have ESU decoders or Tsunamis? I ask because Atlas seems to use both brands.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I use the EUS 58571 on my B23-7 builds and that uses the same DCC board as the Trainmaster. The TM has a lot of room for keep alive and speaker enclosures, so you won't need to do much filing or grinding. The factory TM sound profile is available for download on ESU's website. You'll need a $150 programmer and ESU software. There is a deep learning curve to the software, so be patient and experiment. I find it less intuitive than Motorola APX CPS, and that is saying something.

[propmeup1]

Hi Peteski, The Atlas TM comes with ESU factory. I did get a SD-45 and that has soundtraxx.     I'll be going to a show in two weeks and Ill take the TM with me and possibly by chance they may have a rig to set it up for me. I've seen that done with soundtraxx a few years back.  Fingers crossed.

[peteski]

Keith,
I'm not quite sure I understand.  Are you saying that you want to install a Soundtraxx decoder in the TM? Or did you mean that you will take the ESU LokSound decoder to the show hoping to find someone with a LokProgrammer to have them upload the TM sound project to the ESU decoder?

If going with the LokSound decoder, make sure to be able to provide the sound project file for the TM. Best would be to get the sound file from Atlas, but looking at https://shop.atlasrr.com/t-soundsupport.aspx I  don't see the TM sound project available.  You might have to contact Atlas asking for the TM file.

[reinhardtjh]

ESU has the Atlas file in the LokSound 5 North American & Australian factory Equipped Sound files section.  Searching for "TRAINMASTER" gets you the Atlas Trainmaster file plus another FM which references the Baby Trainmaster.  You want the first one.  With this there are 3 choices
Search link: https://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=19&type=all&q=trainmaster

1) File 90484.1 - Short Hood Forward - Reading / Canadian Pacific
2) File 90484.2 - Long Hood Forward - Chihuahua Pacific / Erie Lackawanna / Lackawanna / Jersey Central / Pennsylvania
3) File 90484.3 - Short Hood Forward w/Mars - Southern Pacific

Choose the one best suited to your application.

Bulletins here:
1) https://projects.esu.eu/projects/print/90484.1
2) https://projects.esu.eu/projects/print/90484.2
3) https://projects.esu.eu/projects/print/90484.3

Bulletins are a page of documentation about the sound file.  Gives relevant CV values and other information useful in using the file.  I always save a copy for future reference.  if you do save it, you should do it when you download the sound file as ESU is always updating and different revisions of the sound file may have differences in the corresponding Bulletin.

[propmeup1]

I meant the second, take the TM to the show and hope ESU can get it going there.  Other was I have an Atlas SD-45 and that came factory with Soundtraxx.    KTB

[Mark5]

ESU has the Atlas file in the LokSound 5 North American & Australian factory Equipped Sound files section.  Searching for "TRAINMASTER" gets you the Atlas Trainmaster file plus another FM which references the Baby Trainmaster.  You want the first one.  With this there are 3 choices
Search link: https://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=19&type=all&q=trainmaster

1) File 90484.1 - Short Hood Forward - Reading / Canadian Pacific
2) File 90484.2 - Long Hood Forward - Chihuahua Pacific / Erie Lackawanna / Lackawanna / Jersey Central / Pennsylvania
3) File 90484.3 - Short Hood Forward w/Mars - Southern Pacific

Choose the one best suited to your application.

Thanks a million John! Saved the 90484.2 (and documentation) for my (N&W) Virginian Trainmasters - one of many projects on my endless list. 

Mark