decoder change in challenger

[propmeup1]

I've decided to change the MRC decoder in my Athearn challenger to a Soundtraxx.  I've done some Soundtraxx change outs but not in an Athearn engine.    Anyone know of any surprises I should be aware of ?
    Any resistors required ?
Thank you,
Keith

[Ogden Rails]

I have just installed a Tsunami in my Challenger and a Tsunami 2 in my Big Boy. I purchased oval speakers from Digi-Key GC0301K-ND SPEAKER 16X30MM 8 OHMS .5WATT. Not sure if these are still available, but if not, a substitute is likely available from Digi-Key.

Refer to the exploded diagrams in the Athearn manual for guidance in part dismantling of tender and boiler removal (if required).

I cut off the rear and center posts at the tender floor to make more space in the tender.

With guidance from Carslo, Peteski and John Columbo, all went well. I installed 560 ohm resistors for both the front and rear headlights.

For additional information on wiring for lights, refer to post at https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=47504.0 from Carslo and Peteski

For info on wiring connections, refer to http://sdsons.org/how%20too%27s/Decoder%20installs/Big%20Boy/loksound%20bigboy%20install%20page.html

Additional information using an ESU decoder is at:https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/athearn-big-boy-decoder-options.87257/

Further info at:

https://www.nscale.net/forums/showthread.php?25164-Swapping-decoders-in-an-Athearn-Big-Boy-is-it-hard-to-do

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=42459.0

John

[propmeup1]

Excellent, thank you. I'm sure this will go smooth now. I always question about the resistors for the lights. I had problems in the past with that.  Now to figure out to get that full photo off my post and down to the left side.

[DRGWTennPass]

Working on installing the new LokSound 5 Micro in one of my Big Boys.
Key here was obtaining the JST socket to match the plug that came from the factory.
By instinct, I turned on the headlight without installing a resistor first.
Replaced the bulb and added a resistor right off of the loco board...not the one shown..went with a SMD.
Plug wires from loco R to L are Red PU, Motor +, Bulb +, Motor -, Black PU.

[robert3985]

Having heard both the ESU Loksound decoder and the Soundtraxx Tsunami in both Athearn Big Boys and Challengers, I will say that the Soundtraxx decoder is superior as far as sound goes, particularly rod clank and the whistle...with the ESU's whistle sounding NOTHING like a prototype FEF/Challenger/Big Boy chime (they were all the same).  The equalizer feature in the Soundtraxx decoder allows me to fiddle with the frequencies I can hear coming out of the small speakers enclosed in airtight enclosures, and I think it makes it possible to get a much more pleasing chuff and hiss when the speaker is not being bombarded with frequencies it can't physically handle.

Although people swear that the ESU offers finer overall speed control...for mainline running, slow running through yards, no switching...I prefer the better sound, since the control differences are minuscule. 

However, for diesels...it's ESU all the way!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Jbub]

Having heard both the ESU Loksound decoder and the Soundtraxx Tsunami in both Athearn Big Boys and Challengers, I will say that the Soundtraxx decoder is superior as far as sound goes, particularly rod clank and the whistle...with the ESU's whistle sounding NOTHING like a prototype FEF/Challenger/Big Boy chime (they were all the same).  The equalizer feature in the Soundtraxx decoder allows me to fiddle with the frequencies I can hear coming out of the small speakers enclosed in airtight enclosures, and I think it makes it possible to get a much more pleasing chuff and hiss when the speaker is not being bombarded with frequencies it can't physically handle.

Although people swear that the ESU offers finer overall speed control...for mainline running, slow running through yards, no switching...I prefer the better sound, since the control differences are minuscule. 

However, for diesels...it's ESU all the way!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

Sound file 74890 is a direct recording of 844. The whistle is much better than what was previously available from esu. I will agree though that the rod clank is superior on Soundtraxx. I'm hoping that ESU records the Big Boy though, even though 844 and 4014 share the shame type of whistle, they do not sound the same. I was actually suprised how different they were when they did a reverse move in Ogden when they came through in May.