There are two kinds of adjustments to slow speed performance. One is the speed curve, particularly CV2, which sets the start voltage for the engine. This is adjustable in all decoders. The other is how the motor responds to the decoder's BEMF circuitry. With a TCS WOW sound decoder, you won't be able to adjust the BEMF parameters. If the decoder works well with Bachmann's motor, great. If it doesn't, you're SOL. I'd strongly suggest that either you wait for Soundtraxx's new Econami ECO-100 steam decoder, which promises both good sound and excellent motor control (though I haven't tried one yet; have one on order), or else use an ESU LokSound Select Micro. Same advice to Mike C - rather than stripping out the "sound value" decoder and putting in a regular TSU-750, I'd wait for the ECO-100 (about $40 cheaper, and from the on-line description, better in some ways than the TSU-750) or use a LokSound. Here's a video of one of my Bachmann Berks. I replaced the sound installation with a LokSound and a Knowles 13x18mm speaker in a custom enclosure firing up at the coal load: Here is a thread I posted on The Railwire about how I did this sound install, complete with photos: http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=35889.0 John C.
And if you haven't heard about the new Econami, info is available on the Soundtraxx web site here: http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/econami/index.php John C.
Thanks John, I've never been a fan of the Tsunami decoder but it sounds like they may be getting it right with the Econami.
Like other Bachmann of today, it runs dc and you do not have to use sound. Look on line for good discounts.
That sounds great and seems to run smooth as butter. Sometimes while I'm working on a project at the workbench (such as it is) I like listen to my steamers just sit and idle. Music to my ears. Technology has really advanced since my old Troller Autopulse with Momentum power pack!
What do you mean? I see LL units new and used going for $70-$$100 on ebay. Bachmann's without the sound should sell around $110-$120 similar to their light 2-10-2.
When the 2-10-2 came out it was 190.00 in the stores . At the N scale weekend I was able to purchase a 2-8-4 for 210.00 . They were 250.00 here in the stores . And yes I know they are less on line , but I don't buy on line ) A 60.00 price difference , some of that is inflation and some is the decoder price . I don't really think the price is that far out of line . JMO
I just finally tried to fire up myberk My DCC has been disconnected and I'm just running a DC loop. Sound comes on, but it won't move. Any suggestions? My bad, if I need to send it in for a repair. I should have tested it new
