I recently installed a MRC Diesel Sound Box (#1023) as a temporary measure until I can afford to convert to DCC and engines with sound. Basically, I am satisfied with the various sounds but the diesel engine “rumble” is irritating–it is either at “idle” or random acceleration sounds. I have contacted MRC and they say the sound should change as track voltage is increased. Mine does not. I did install it as instructed with the yellow and white wires going to the track terminals. Does anyone who has this “sound box” have a similar problem? It may be my throttle, which is a Dallee Yardmaster, I suppose. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
I can’t answer your question, but I would like to know what you think of the sounds. How’s the bell and horn? Does the horn sound as long as the button is pushed? How about the bell? Does it cut on with a push and off with a push? Any description and info would be appreciated. How realistic is the diesel engine?
Dragenrider,
There are three horns, two of which I think sound pretty good, even though they are “tandem” instead of single, as on most switchers. The bell also has options and the one I like sounds fine. The horn sounds as long as you puhe button–a “short” sound takes some practice! The bell begins to ring as you puhe button and continues until you discontinue it. The other sounds are neat also–brake application (although it sounds more like flange squeel and the flange sound more like brake application), brake release, air, air pump, etc. Overall, I am pleased but the engine sound becomes annoying after awhile. I did not use the speaker that came with it but opted for two speakers from Radio Shack, mounted strategically under the layout. I also used Velcro to attach the device to the back of my Dallee Yardmaster controller and used wire ties to tether the cords together. If I could solve the mystery of the diesel rumble, I would really like the diesel sound box. But, I can see DCC on the horizon, as more and more manufacturers come out with sound in diesels. I have heard both the Lifelike E-9 and the BLI NW-2 “in person” and was quite impressed. But my controller with center off position on the reverser will not work with the DC mode of these engines and I would need the separate control available. I simply can’t give up my Yardmaster–the best throttle I’ve ever used. Hope this helps–buy one but be prepared to endure the random sound of the diesel engine. Aggh!
Dragenrider,
I meant to say the bell sound on the box begins to sound when you push it and continues until you push it again–nice feature. I use the bell quite a bit now.
So I understand that the sound is “supposed” to change with the increase in the throttle but not be random like yours is doing, correct?
Thanks for the other info, too. I’m getting more and more interested.