Trains.com

Plug and Play sound unit

1412 views
11 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Plug and Play sound unit
Posted by emipapa on Saturday, October 22, 2005 8:45 AM
Hello All,
This may not be the proper place to post this but I am not sure where to post it.
I have just purchased a new RDC and of course it does not have sound. After reading the owners manual I discovered I can install a "PLUG and PLAY" sound unit. My question is WHO makes these units and WHERE can I buy one, I have checked a few websites and cannot find the unit. Any help would be GREAT.
Ron
[:)]
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Saturday, October 22, 2005 9:33 AM
Well, in order to answer your question, it would help if you provide a brand name and model number of the RDC., because the manufacturer is possibly the only suppier of the sound system. The manufacturer's web site should be the first place you check if you haven't already done so.
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Sarasota, Fl.
  • 106 posts
Posted by BudSteinhoff on Saturday, October 22, 2005 11:29 AM
It most likely is an Aristo RDC, since I don't know anyone else makes them and they state plug and play.
Phoenix makes a sound system that is almost plug and play, simple install.
Sierra also makes a sound system that is less price but a little more involved to install.
Both good sound quality..
Bud[8D]
Bud
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Posted by emipapa on Saturday, October 22, 2005 12:17 PM
cacole and BudSteinhoff,
Thanks so much for your replys, I am very sorry for NOT providing all of the required information. I was under the impression and as far as I knew Aristo Craft was the only one to manufacture and sell the RDC (BUDD Car) Model # 22809. As suggested I did visit the Aristo Craft website and found NO information regarding Aristo Craft selling a "Plug and Play" sound board, infact I didn't see any sound board units there. I have visited the two sound system websites mentioned above and Sierra's index shows nothing for an RDC and The Phoenix website is not very clear if it is the "Plug and Play unit that Aristo Craft talks about. I guess I will have to email Aristo Craft for more information. If anyone out there has any information that would help me please send it along
Thanks for your replys,
Ron
[:)]
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Sarasota, Fl.
  • 106 posts
Posted by BudSteinhoff on Saturday, October 22, 2005 4:30 PM
Ron,
Aristo has no sound, they are coming out with a new system but who knows when.
The Phoenix sound only involves connecting a few wires to existing terminals,
Like I said almost plug and play.
That is about the closest you will get to plug and play at this time, not cheap.
Bud[8D]
Bud
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Posted by emipapa on Saturday, October 22, 2005 6:41 PM
BudSteinhoff,
Thanks for the information, Phoenix seems to be expensiive for just 1 unit but I am rather new at this so I am sure I am WRONG. I would think that if Aristo Craft makes mention of something called "Plug and Play", it must be out there somewhere but as I have stated I am sure I am WRONG. I sure do hope you have your HATCHES BATTENED DOWN and GOOD LUCK.
Thanks again,
Ron
[:)]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 7:06 PM
What is an "RDC" more americanism?


Ian
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Posted by emipapa on Saturday, October 22, 2005 8:04 PM
Hello iandor,
A "RDC" is a "RAIL DIESEL CAR" that is manufactured by Aristo Craft , The prototype was very popular in the 50's, 60's and 70's and they were manufactured by "BUDD". In fact in our area of the country many people called them Budd Liners and they were mostly used for commuter trains. If you look at the Aristo Craft website the Model or Part # for my unit is ART22809. Hope this is a help.
Good Luck
Ron
[:)]
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Saturday, October 22, 2005 9:49 PM
I have used SoundTraxx DSX Sound-Only decoders in several of my G scale steam engines and have found them to be perfectly suitable for this purpose.

Check the SoundTraxx web site and see if they have an RDC DSX decoder. They are not exactly "Plug-and-Play" but obviously Aristo doesn't have one.

Unless you are running your RDC from a DCC system, however, the SoundTraxx Sierra is what you will have to use.

The SoundTraxx Sierra operates from straight DC -- it is not a DCC decoder. Neither is the Phoenix sound system.

An RDC makes so few noises, I would not consider the cost of a Phoenix system worthwhile.

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Posted by emipapa on Sunday, October 23, 2005 12:06 AM
cacole,
Thanks for your reply, I will look at the Sierra SoundTraxx website again, I couldn't find an RDC sound card so I will have to see what I can find.
Thanks again,
Ron
[:)]
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Norton, MA
  • 394 posts
Posted by piercedan on Sunday, October 23, 2005 6:49 AM
In sound, you get what you pay for.

The pheonix 2K2 sound unit allows you to control many features.

There is a volume control for each speed step, as well as a volume control for bell, whislte, and any other sounds generated by this card. Of course you need the computer interface to adjust these, and I have one and done so.

You can also pick alternate horn/whsilte sounds.


Plus you can reprogram this unit and install it in another engine. with a completely different sound. I assisted a friend and his is in a boxcar which enables him to use the sound card on multiple engines.
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Cape Cod MA
  • 190 posts
Posted by emipapa on Sunday, October 23, 2005 9:24 AM
Thanks Dan,
I have sent you a reply off line.
Ron
[:)]

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy