Author Topic: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?  (Read 348 times)

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ryan_wilkerson

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Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« on: October 01, 2024, 07:58:24 PM »
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I'm probably just missing it but is there a DCC sound installation write up for the N scale cab forward?
Is there a decoder that just plugs in?
I'd like to install ESU sound.

peteski

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2024, 09:48:43 PM »
+1
I don't think those were even DCC ready at all.  If anything, they will likely have 8-pin interface, so you will have to roll-your-own sound install. But I could be wrong.
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keeper

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2024, 06:00:15 AM »
+1
A while ago, I had the same thoughts but I haven't done the install yet. Here is the info:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=53713.msg736598#msg736598
« Last Edit: October 02, 2024, 10:55:22 AM by keeper »
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Wolf N Works

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2024, 08:03:12 AM »
+1
This from the great Spookshow   

"The model is available either DCC-Ready or (as of 2012) with a Soundtraxx Micro-Tsunami sound decoder and speaker. Both versions are equipped with a standard 8-pin NMRA-style DCC socket on the tender PC board and speaker holes in the tender floor. A 7-wire harness plugs into the tender PC board and runs forward to the PC board in the locomotive."

So possibly this one 58810   LokSound 5 micro DCC/MM/SX/M4 "blank decoder", 8-pin NEM652

Sdynamo

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2024, 10:59:38 AM »
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There is an 8-pin plug (technically it's 10 pins) inside the decoder on a PCB.  The tender & loco are hardwired together with wires going to this PCB.  I've had issues with  the insulation on the factory wires running off and shorting under the PCB so take a look at those.

ryan_wilkerson

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2024, 12:04:59 AM »
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I don't think those were even DCC ready at all.  If anything, they will likely have 8-pin interface, so you will have to roll-your-own sound install. But I could be wrong.

It does have a 5x2 connector, probably fitting the 8pin you mention. Hoping that means the NEM652.

ryan_wilkerson

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2024, 12:12:08 AM »
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A while ago, I had the same thoughts but I haven't done the install yet. Here is the info:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=53713.msg736598#msg736598
Thanks for the link, this helps.

peteski

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #7 on: October 04, 2024, 12:15:04 AM »
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It does have a 5x2 connector, probably fitting the 8pin you mention. Hoping that means the NEM652.

That standard is for 8-pin connector, but I have seen the 2 extra pins installed for speaker connection (those are not part of the NEM652 standard). So yes, you can use NEM652 interface decoder.
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ryan_wilkerson

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2024, 10:56:19 AM »
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This from the great Spookshow   

"The model is available either DCC-Ready or (as of 2012) with a Soundtraxx Micro-Tsunami sound decoder and speaker. Both versions are equipped with a standard 8-pin NMRA-style DCC socket on the tender PC board and speaker holes in the tender floor. A 7-wire harness plugs into the tender PC board and runs forward to the PC board in the locomotive."

So possibly this one 58810   LokSound 5 micro DCC/MM/SX/M4 "blank decoder", 8-pin NEM652
Good info and decoder recommendation, thank you.

ryan_wilkerson

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2024, 11:02:21 AM »
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Thank you for the photo and the warning about the wire insulation. Mine looks a bit different from your photo, maybe just a difference in which intermountain run they are from. I’ll take some photos when I get home.

There is an 8-pin plug (technically it's 10 pins) inside the decoder on a PCB.  The tender & loco are hardwired together with wires going to this PCB.  I've had issues with  the insulation on the factory wires running off and shorting under the PCB so take a look at those.

ryan_wilkerson

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Re: Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2024, 11:05:34 AM »
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Good point. A good use of the extra two pins. Thanks again Peteski!

That standard is for 8-pin connector, but I have seen the 2 extra pins installed for speaker connection (those are not part of the NEM652 standard). So yes, you can use NEM652 interface decoder.