Bachmann's new Class 37 (Refurbished) and the PLUX22 decoder.

Discussion in 'DCC Sound' started by Keith M, Aug 24, 2022.

  1. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,446
    Likes Received:
    2,902
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    As many are now aware, I've moved away from 4mm (00 gauge) stuff onto 7mm (0 gauge) nowadays, but I have a 94 year old pal Bill who is still buying various new 00 gauge loco's, and I've DCC fitted a few of his buys and a couple of DCC sound fits, this Class 37 being the latest one. My default choice of sound decoder is Zimo, as I've had past issues with ESU, and normally get sound decoders from Youchoos (others are available!) as I've found the owner John Gymer to be very helpful. Unfortunately, John doesn't as yet do a sound file for the Class 37/4 specifically, so I had to look around, and found on the internet a sound file comparison of 3 different alternatives, so had a listen to them all, and decided to go for the Coastal DCC version, partly since I've dealt with them previously and been happy with their service. I've previously fitted one of the PLUX18 decoders (also to one of Bill's loco's), but not had dealings with the PLUX22 version (as opposed to the common 21 pin versions), and I detailed this in a previous post, so I had expected the PLUX22 to have the same 'Click-in' format as the PLUX18, but in fact it just resembles the normal 21 pin decoder, but with 22 pins! Anyway this is the intended victim, which comes with 2 fitted speakers, so makes a sound conversion quick and simple, though obviously speakers can be changed or added to improve sound if required, space permitting.
    IMG_2269.jpeg
     
    jakesdad13 and Andy_Sollis like this.
  2. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,446
    Likes Received:
    2,902
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    It's very nicely made and well detailed, runs smoothly straight out of the box (though I do 'run-it-in' before DCC converting) and has a fully adjustable selection of head and tail lights including 'High Intensity', engine room and individual cab lights on DCC, more basic lighting functions on DC, controlled by 2 dil switches under the body. Also included is a 'Bag-of-bits' including snowploughs, pipework and other fittings to be fitted by the owner depending on wether the model is for display only or use on a layout.
    IMG_2270.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2022
    jakesdad13 and Andy_Sollis like this.
  3. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,446
    Likes Received:
    2,902
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    Thankfully these days, many manufacturers are at last getting wise to the fact that modellers expect that a DCC fit is a simple operation, not requiring a total dismantle just to swap a DC plug for a decoder. Whilst changing the DC plug for the decoder is the easy bit, speakers etc already being fitted, it still requires the removal of no less than 8 rather small screws to be able to lift off the body, these screws being at the four 'corners' of each bogie, the limited bogie swing just allowing for screwdriver clearance. Once the body is free, there are several mini plugs carrying voltage from the chassis to various lights within the body, so rather than remove all these plugs, I found that by easing the body to one side, enough room can be made to remove the DC plug and insert the sound decoder, in this case a Zimo MX645P22. I then refitted the body into place to test and set up the decoder before replacing the screws once I was happy with the setup. This is the view of the chassis with body to one side, DC plug is the yellow rectangle, swapped for the PLUX22 decoder.
    IMG_2271.jpeg
     
    jakesdad13 and Andy_Sollis like this.
  4. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,446
    Likes Received:
    2,902
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    With the setup on this decoder, for lighting to work correctly, the 2 Dil switches under the body need to be left in the 'On' position, other than that, after decoder setup, it all runs and sounds nicely, so that should please my pal Bill. I don't do 'Commissions', but I'm happy to help others if I can. This below is the PLUX22 DC plug, looks very similar to a 'standard' 21 pin except for the extra pin........more functions anyone?
    Keith.
    IMG_2272.jpeg
     
    jakesdad13 and Andy_Sollis like this.
  5. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    3,896
    Likes Received:
    3,622
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2018
    No video? :p

    I was sitting waiting to hear it!
     
    jakesdad13 likes this.
  6. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,446
    Likes Received:
    2,902
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    Sorry Andy, I'm not technical enough to do videos. :p
    Seriously though, I recall that the three sound file comparisons I listened to on t' internet was a MIOG (Modern Image 0 Gauge) posting so a bit of a Google search should find it.:thumbup:
    Keith.
     
    Andy_Sollis likes this.
  7. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    4,535
    Likes Received:
    2,071
    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2015
    Know what you mean Keith, I have posted a couple of videos on here but for the life of me I can't remember how I did it :headbanger:

    Pete.
     

Share This Page