Hi, this might sound unusual but as a DC hobbyist I want to get sound in my 2 dc (analog) locomotives. I know I could just put a DCC and sound board in my 2 locomotives, but is it possible to just get a sound board (module?) and put it in the loco? For anyone wondering one of them is an athearn RTR gp38-2 and the other is a proto 2000 gp9. I prefer not to buy aa whole new dcc system. What is the best and cheapest alternative?
Does this even make sense to anybody? Is this possible?
I prefer to use a speaker in the locomotive as oppesed to a speaker under the layout.
Decoders now come dual mode. They operate in DC and DCC. Limited sounds in DC but you will get the prime mover and a couple other sounds. Just no control over them.
I have seen this question a few times in the Bachmann forums for those who do not want to buy a DCC controller but want a few sounds.
You do have to turn the power pack up higher than when running a DC only loco.
There are a couple black boxes sold that go between the power pack and track to operate sound decoder equipped locos. Don’t remember the brands. Others will comment on this.
I think there is a system that can be mounted under your layout that makes the sound seem to follow your locomotives. It was written up in MR, i think, if not, RMC or MRN. If I remember correctly is was conceived for N scale locos that were too small to carry decoder and speaker. It was not a control system, like the above.
Sorry I can’t remember the name or have a better handle on when it was reviewed.
Just expect to lose quite a bit of throttle control once installed, as on DC it takes, anywhere from 6V plus for just the sound to come on, then you get motor power after this.
You would also, probably, like a control box, like the one offered by BLI, or by Soundtrax, for controlling of bell and whistle/horn sounds.
Easiest way without the full DCC investment. (Although you might then want DCC to unlock the full potential… Don’t say you weren’t warned! [:)])