I have a Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation steam loco that I want to add sound to. I’ve seen a plug and play unit by Soundtraxx but am not sure if it’s what I need.
I am NOT using DCC, just analog (simple DC current to the track). I’ve heard of units that detect the voltage on the track and create the appropriate sounds based on that. For example, if going from a dead stop to ½ power o full it will create the sound of a loco starting up and so on. Then will create the sound of brakes when the voltage is dropped, etc.
Has anyone heard of this? Is the Soundtraxx unit what I’m looking for? I’m not ready to go to full DCC right now as I’m just getting started and don’t have the extra $$$ right now.
Try 2 sites one is in Canada . search for sask modellers. The other is wiring for dc
Search for both the first has an article on the Consolidation.
Ken
And have seen this article before. I still a bit confused (remember, very new hobbyist here). Will I need to convert over to DCC exclusively to have sound as I described above or are there stand alone units? I notice the sound decoders they recommend are in the $25 range but the Soundtraxx plug-and-Play unit is over $130. What else is needed for sound? He link to the Soundtraxx unit is here: http://store.yahoo.com/internettrains/sounplugandp11.html
www.modelrec.com makes stand alone units with two speakers… Has a combination of 18 diesel/steam sounds. The hand held controller allow you to make your selections.
I have found the Model Rectifier sound decoder to be extremely crude when compared to the SoundTraxx system. I have installed SoundTraxx into two Bachmann Consolidations and another member of our local club has the MRC version. The difference in the quality of the sound between the two is something that needs to be considered. I don’t know about MRC’s Web site, but you can hear sound samples of the SoundTraxx products on their Web site. MRC is introducing a new version of their sound system that is supposed to be a significant improvement over previous versions, so if you do decide to go with MRC, make sure you don’t wind up with an old one. SoundTraxx, too, is coming out with a new decoder called the Tsunami which is also supposed to work on both DC or DCC. The most significant difference between the old MRC sound decoder and SoundTraxx was that the MRC had a “generic” whistle, bell, etc. that could not be changed, and it was not designed for any specific locomotive. SoundTraxx is programmed accoding to the type of locomotive you want to put it into. You can get more (better) information about the new MRC from http://www.tonystrains.com
Cacole gave you very good info. Just to add to it, if you’re willing to wait the Tsunami should be available in November.
Go to www.soundtraxx.com click on the purple Soundtraxx DCC box. When that page opens, go to sound samples and click on that box. When that page opens, look below and you will see Steam and Diesel sound samples that you can click on. You’ll need Media Player or similar device to listen to the sample.
If you haven’t seen this before, I think you’ll be impressed. What Soundtraxx recommends is for you to use the sound decoder that you like or comes closest to the type of locomtive you wi***o install sound in.
There are some talented guys here that are familiar with model railroad electronics like Joe Fugate that often give excellent tips. I’m sure they’ll chime in sooner or later.
The Tsunami also is DCC oriented DA conversion, but needs an analog stereo sound system under the table (not included in the price. Release of which will depend on the MTH litigation and could take years.
QSI is a proprietary combined DC / DCC sound and function system - and currently limited to purchasing a locomotive with it.
MRC is a table top single ended system that has limited sounds and a fixed location speaker. For beginner’s only. ($100)
Other systems send sound throught the rails to a speaker installed in a car, or locomotive, PFM, PBL, and Throttle Up and run $500 - $1000, however can be combined with an under-table sub-woofer (extra). Sound combining moving highs and under table lows is superior to the rest.
Since Throttle Up / Soundtraxx (same company) will most likely have their D/A system tied up for a while they may get on with re-building their Analog Sound throttles. They were marvelous!
Until then, you have QSI equipped locomotives. ($200 -$500)
Once again, thanks for the warm welcome and the outstanding information! I guess the best bet is to go DCC all the way, but perhaps that’s a different topic all together.
Dare I ask, what would be a good way to get started with DCC with my current layout? I only have one engine, a Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation (not counting the two Thomas the Tank Engine" engines I bought for my son). I know Soundtraxx makes a plug-and-play module for this engine. Is this only a sound decoder?
Can I buy a DCC controller, a chip for my engine that supports sound decoding and away I go or is there more to it then that?
YellowDesmo: There is an pure analogue way, but you need to be handy with a soldering iron, or know someone who is.
Peter J Thorne has published two electronics fo rmodel railroader books. In the first “Practical Electronic Projects for Model Railroaders” (1974 and on) he has a chapter on Sound Systems and simultaneous control. IMHO these are a bit bulky.
The more elegant solution is in his second book 34 New Projects for Model Railroaders(1982)
There in chapter 5 Sound Circuits he has a steam chuff generator that fits in an HO tender or car.
Also a Deluxe sound system with all the bells and whistles that uses small speakers in tenders or cars. Again it’s for scales larger than N. I built the chuff generator when I was in HO, and had it driven by a Flieschman(sp?) steam loco with the unit in a baggage car. A small sound, but an interesting project.
If you are not going DCC, something like PJT’s approach may suit.
Regards,