Example 1: Simple sound

Kit: MX648; SugarCube8

Installing DCC sound in a Bachmann OO Class 08 diesel using a Zimo MX648 decoder. No stay-alive in this one, but a fairly simple installation...

Disassembled, 8pin socket removed, MX648 hard-wired to pickups and motor...

Hole to thread speaker wires through...

Tidy the wiring and pop the main part of the body back on, SugarCube and crew in place...

Wait for the glue to dry, and finally put the cab back on...

Example 2: Bigger speaker and big stay-alive included

Kit: MX648; IceCube18X13X07-1W; LifeLink + 17000uF SuperCap

A more ambitious approach, but well worthwhile, and frankly not a whole lot harder. The big SuperCap really helps with running reliability in this stiff little model, and the larger speaker gives it more presence too.

SuperCap is protected in Kapton tape and mounted at the front - care must be taken not to allow the end of the motor shaft to foul on the capacitor though.

The sound decoder goes vertically in front of that...

LifeLink PCB goes in front of that, and we root wires for the speaker back toward the cab - a small hole has these wires threaded through, which we can trim to length and solder to the speaker once the main part of the body is back in place.

Please note that these guides are provided as useful resources for you, as-is. YouChoos cannot be held responsible for errors in the information, or for any damage caused to your models or equipment if you choose to follow any of the steps detailed here.