Which ESU LokSound for N Intermountain Cab Forward?

[ryan_wilkerson]

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]

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.

[keeper]

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

[Wolf N Works]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[ryan_wilkerson]

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]

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]

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.