Hi All,
I am a newbie to the hobby. Currently I have the USA Trains F3A & B units. How hard is it to install a Phenix Sound system then run a second speaker on the B unit? Have any of you done this? Pictures would be great!
Hi [#welcome] I have installed one of the above in a bachmann 2-8-0 steam loco that was very easy to do. As long as the axles have pick up designed for this purpose. Look at a coach that has pick up for lighting from track power that will show you what sort of axles you need There is plenty of sound from unit so I think only one speaker is needed[:)]
I think the multiple speaker hookup is the way to go. I would note, however, that there will probably be times when you’d just as soon not have sound while locos are running; therefore, I’d make sure that there was an external cut off switch for the sound unit!
Bob;
Put a 2K2 in my U25 and for all intents and purposes, it was pretty much plug and play. As for the second speaker, I would contact Phoenix to make sure that it can be done and what external modifications, if any, it might require. In some applications, (not necessarily trains) wiring more than one speaker to an output can lead to devastating results due to impedance mismatching. If done wrong, the output amplifier could end up overdriving and might burn up. I’m not saying necessarily that this is the case with a Phoenix sound card, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Mark
Hi all once again,
Thanks for your prompt responses. I have checked with Phoenix and apparently hooking up a second speaker is not a problem. Do any of you have any pictures how the board is mounted and what wiring goes to where and such?
Like I said, it was pretty much plug and play, and the instructions in the Phoenix box were more than adequate to get you through with ease. As for the second speaker, I’d wire it in parallel with the first, unless the phoenix board has a connection for a second speaker. I don’t know, and it’s been a couple of years since I had it open to look at the board.
Mark
Zonzo,
I am very interested in how your install goes as I have just purchased a USAT F-3 A/B unit myself and plan on installing sound. Keep us posted on your progress.
It all depeneds on how much room you have my speaker is glued into its predetermind site sound board comes with 2 sided stickey pads My card sits on top of speaker with no probs. A good wiring diagram is enclosed with unit. all points are marked as to what sounds you require from it . ALways remember to leave plenty of spare cable when connecting it up if not and any lead comes out its a fidley job trying to get an odd wire back in place[:)]