MyLocoSound in Bachmann 2-8-0

[johnsaintjim]

Hi Paul and Welcome!

It's an interesting question. I have three of these cards and am very pleased with them. I must say on the one which is on my Bachmann Lyn, I would be happier if the chuff was triggered by axle motion.

Moonraker on this forum is Peter Lucas who makes the mylocosound cards. I suspect he will see this but you could try sending him a Private Message too.

 

[Moonraker]

Interesting idea. I will have a chat with my engineer after Christmas and see what we can suggest. Should be able to get back to you on Monday.

What sort ot output do you get from the Bachmann chuff timer?

Regards and Merry Christmas
Peter

 

[Neil Robinson]

I've fitted a sound unit to a Bachmann K27, this uses electronic sensors in the cylinders. I suspect that this may be the only Bachmann loco so fitted as the sound unit instructions gave details of a modification to the Bachmann circuit specifically for this loco only.
It may be more universally appealing to consider triggering the chuff from a reed switch operated by two or four small magnets on a driving wheel. This seems to be a fairly common method on U.S. type locos with U.S. sound units such as Phoenix and the now no longer produced Soundtraxx Sierra.

 

[Tony Walsham]

The 2-6-6-2 also has optical chuff timers.
However, unlike the K-27, they are wired the other way around and will work with pretty well any sound system without any modifications.

 

[corgi]

I've fitted a sound unit to a Bachmann K27, this uses electronic sensors in the cylinders. I suspect that this may be the only Bachmann loco so fitted as the sound unit instructions gave details of a modification to the Bachmann circuit specifically for this loco only.
It may be more universally appealing to consider triggering the chuff from a reed switch operated by two or four small magnets on a driving wheel. This seems to be a fairly common method on U.S. type locos with U.S. sound units such as Phoenix and the now no longer produced Soundtraxx Sierra.

I will concur with Neil on this one. Many of the Big Haulers have an on/off contact operated by a cam on the drivers.
I am sure that a lot Big Hauler owners would like an easy replacement for the crappy Bachmann Sound unit.

 

[WKDOR]

And I concur with Ron.

I am just about to replace the sound system in an Annie and the only good thing about it is the chuff sensor that I would like to retain.

In the US in particular there must be a market of many thousands of people in the same boat Peter.

So I'll hold off until we hear whether and when Peter can get the chuff trigger to work with mylocosound.

Mike

 

[corgi]

Sorry about the slow come back Peter,
As far as I can tell, the (two wire) plug coming out of the 2-8-0 Bachmann Consolidation engine is in effect, nothing but a switch. No power. The effect is open / close four times per wheel revolution.

It would be nice if the Annies (Bachmann 4-6-0) were the same, but I don't know if the leads out to the tender are powered or not.
Yes these cards would really help out. I have a cheap A and good A. Unfortunately they all sound the same.
HAGD,
Paul

The leads coming out of the Annie are only a switch off a cam on one of the drivers. No power.

 

[johnsaintjim]

I am extremey impressed with the timing of the chuff on my Hunslet (Otto motor block) as seen in this video - second one down on the page. It starts att he right time and the chuff is in time with the wheel rotation (even if half the right number of chuffs, it still sounds and looks great unles you are a chuff anorak).

However, on the Bacjmann Lyn, try as I might with knob twiddling, I could not achieve a good start/stop or synchronised chuff. I am still pleased with the soundcard, especially for the price but if I could have the chuff in time with the wheel revs, that would be so much better.

 

[Moonraker]

Graham,

Regarding your Bachmann Lyn, is it that the chuff will not go fast enough or not go slow enough to match?
Recently we broadened the chuff rate adjustment range because customer's with Shays could not make the chuff go fast enough. If this would solve the problem on your Bachmann Lyn then I am happy to organise a free update for you under warranty.

Regards
Peter

 

[Moonraker]

I forgot it is a public holiday today and have not been able to contact my engineer. I will try again tomorrow.

Regards
Peter

 

[Moonraker]

I have discussed this with my engineer.

On trackpower, the MyLocoSound steam chuff increases with the track voltage and has two rotary controls which allow the customer to set the voltage at which the chuff starts and the maximum chuff rate. This allows customers to easily match the soundcard to any locomotive regardless of the number of cylinders and the gearing.

The mylocosound soundcard was designed this way because it allowed us to keep the price right down.

Because the chuff is produced by the processor chip, there is no input which allows the chuff to be turned on and off mechanically. The only way it could be linked to the Bachmann chuff switches is by having the wheel rotation produce a voltage ie. by connecting a generator.

At the end of the day, there seems little point in using the axle switches. It is much easier to just connect the soundcard to the track input across the motor, adjust the trimpots to suit the loco and that's it.

Paul2221 has just received two soundcards from us. I suggest that he installs them the simple way, using the track voltage, and then uses the trimpots to match the chuff with the loco. If any adjustments are needed to the soundcard then we will do this for him free of charge.

Regards
Peter

 

[corgi]

My understanding of the cct you will not be able to do that.
By all means use the 9volt battery for the battery supply and if the tender does not have track power re-route the switch wires to pick up the track power to enable the chuff off track voltage.

 

[Moonraker]

Paul,

If you could PM or email me your phone number, I will call you to discuss.

Peter

 

[Moonraker]

The end result of this discussion is that we are introducing a special MyLocoSound soundcard for locos with chuff synchronisers. I have posted details in the sound section of this forum.

Peter

 

[KeithT]

This is a classic example of the Forum working to get results that users want and in very short order. Thanks Peter..
When I got my first Annie I was happy enough with the sound compared to the early Stainz although there were numerous remarks that it wasn't really v good. Having now got locos fitted with LGB and Massoth cards I see the reason for those comments.

I shall be in the market for a couple of the new MyLocoSound cards.