Soundtraxx News!

Here is the mixed Bag from Soundtraxx.

Plug n Play for Bachmann Spectrum Steam Locos.

The long awaited Plug n Play sound decoder for the Bachman 2-8-0 is not going to make it this century. Problems with the circuit bd manufacturer have delayed release. The DSD B280 is now the official designation for this unit which will represent Soundtraxx's first lower cost design.The unit will come with three user selectable prototype whistle sounds, the bell function and two lighting outputs. Background sounds are also scaled down. The function controlled,steam blow-off,the mute and the coupler clank sounds that are available on the DSD 150 have been dropped from the DSD B280.

Furthermore, because Bachmann has changed the internal arrangement of tender components, the DSD B280 will not be suitable for the new,Mountain, 4-8-2 locomotive. Soundtraxx will release a similar but different design for the 4-8-2!

The Athearn, Mike!

The Athearn, Mikato,2-8-2 locomotive was also targeted for this same plug n play sound unit from Sounndtraxx, but again the tender differences will mandate another different design. There is a better alternative to waiting!

I recommend that if you have or are planning on getting an Athearn, 2-8-2, your best sound option is the current roster of DSD 150 Steam units. The installation of a DSD 150 into the Athearn is about as plug n play as it gets because of the 9 pin header connector in the tender which mates with female header on the DSD 150. The only remaining task is to drill some holes, solder and mount the speaker. All this can be done in less than thirty munutes and you get all the sound functions and control for $20.00 more!

Surprise!

I say this with some reservation..... but Soundtrax will soon be releasing Plug n Play units for, Atlas, Kato, and Genesis type Diesels comparable to the replacement style modules for the same Locomotives made by System One(DH104), NCE(DA102) and Digitrax(DH150).

The low cost DSD operational format is plannned for the initial release, with three user selectable horns and two light functions. EMD 1st Gen. will lead the parade. Future release may include the DSD150 format.

Special speaker assemblies are also being developed for diesel applications.

EMD 2nd Gen.

Item #'s and descriptions for DSD 150 and DSX, EMD 2nd Gen. Sound units have been posted on Tony's Website, Soundtraxx prod. list. Units will ship in Dec.

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