|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Feb 29, 2016 7:12:37 GMT -8
I acquired a Bowser SD40-2, non sound unit. I plan on chipping it with a ESU LokSound unit. For future compatibility I'd like to configure the functions the same as the factory sound units. I can not get a copy of the set up sheet from Bowser (they want to sell me the entire sound upgrade kit!).
Was wondering if one of the forum members who has a factory installed sound unit would be willing to scan and forward a copy of the set up sheet included with the sound units.
TIA. Bob
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on Feb 29, 2016 14:52:15 GMT -8
Well, there is a problem .... you cannot replicate the functionality of the OEM decoder with an off-the-shelf version. The OEM decoder is a custom made version for this engine that has eight function outputs, where-as the off-the-shelf version only has six. If you want full functionality of everything including all the class lights, you are going to have to get the decoder from Bowser.
A standard 21 pin Select WILL work, but with only six function outputs, you won't be able to turn on the red class lights or the numberboards as default. You can use them if you sacrifice something else on the board. For example - if you don't have rear ditch lights, you can swap them out for either the red class lights or the number boards. This is not a CV function re-map. You have to physically change the connections on the motherboard, once you decipher what connections go to which lights.
On the factory board, you can cycle through the class light colors using F5. You can't replicate this on an off-the-shelf decoder. The OEM decoder utilizes a sound slot and a share feature to accomplish this cool feature. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be replicated by programming. Each class light color will have to be on it's own function button.
Mark.
|
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Mar 2, 2016 6:55:48 GMT -8
Well, there is a problem .... you cannot replicate the functionality of the OEM decoder with an off-the-shelf version. The OEM decoder is a custom made version for this engine that has eight function outputs, where-as the off-the-shelf version only has six. If you want full functionality of everything including all the class lights, you are going to have to get the decoder from Bowser. A standard 21 pin Select WILL work, but with only six function outputs, you won't be able to turn on the red class lights or the numberboards as default. You can use them if you sacrifice something else on the board. For example - if you don't have rear ditch lights, you can swap them out for either the red class lights or the number boards. This is not a CV function re-map. You have to physically change the connections on the motherboard, once you decipher what connections go to which lights. On the factory board, you can cycle through the class light colors using F5. You can't replicate this on an off-the-shelf decoder. The OEM decoder utilizes a sound slot and a share feature to accomplish this cool feature. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be replicated by programming. Each class light color will have to be on it's own function button. Mark. Thanks Mark for the info. I guess I would have expected Bowser to respond in the same manner as your response instead of just "buy our upgrade kit". I'm not sure individual control of the class lights, for example, is that important to me. I'll need to think about it. Bob |
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on Mar 2, 2016 15:13:33 GMT -8
Apparently the decoder from Bowser isn't an 8 function decoder either - just learned this today. If you want the eight function version with the correct file configuration as the OEM engine, you have to order it directly from ESU at this point. Matt at ESU is going to talk to Lee at Bowser regarding this situation, and hopefully Bowser will be able to provide the eight function version as a direct replacement in the near future.
Mark.
|
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Mar 3, 2016 11:59:54 GMT -8
Apparently the decoder from Bowser isn't an 8 function decoder either - just learned this today. If you want the eight function version with the correct file configuration as the OEM engine, you have to order it directly from ESU at this point. Matt at ESU is going to talk to Lee at Bowser regarding this situation, and hopefully Bowser will be able to provide the eight function version as a direct replacement in the near future. Mark. Well, isn't that interesting. I would think Bowser would surely let people know that what they are selling as an "upgrade" is merely an off the shelf ESU decoder. They do include a speaker and what appears to be some type of speaker mounting. But I would think most people would be expecting the full function capability. Thanks for the insight. Bob |
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on Mar 4, 2016 14:43:27 GMT -8
Sounds like Matt at ESU is on top of things as Bowser does now have the correct OEM decoder for the Bowser SD40-2 .... www.bowser-trains.com/history/sd402loco.htmlWhat Bowser's site fails to mention clearly is that their SD40-2 "upgrade" is a retro-fit kit for the ATHEARN SD40-2, not Bowser's own SD40-2. Mark. |
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Mar 6, 2016 8:22:05 GMT -8
OK, so is 1238, which is for the Bowser SD40-2, now have the full 8 function decoder? 1309 is for the Athearn units and I would assume those are "off the shelf" ESU decoders.
There are 2 different links for the 2 upgrades. Bob
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on Mar 6, 2016 9:07:09 GMT -8
The 691-1238 is for the Bowser SD40-2 and includes the proper speaker with plug. I was told these are the same decoders that are in the factory installs.
Mark.
|
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Mar 6, 2016 14:21:16 GMT -8
The 691-1238 is for the Bowser SD40-2 and includes the proper speaker with plug. I was told these are the same decoders that are in the factory installs. Mark. Thanks Mark. Bob |
|
