Idea for Sound system on the layout

[firechief811]

OK..I am basicly new to DCC, but I had an idea about putting sound on the layout without actually installing it into a loco.
If I bought a good sound decoder and mounted it inside a case, mounted it under the layout and wired track power to it so it would get a signal just like it would if it was inside a locomotive. Then I could give it an address and put it into a consist with another locomotive I am actually running on the layout. Then place speakers around the layout and hook it to the speaker wire on the sound decoder. Will that work and produce a good quality sound?? I had even thought of seeing if I could buy a small amplifyer to put inline with the speakers to amplify the power to the speakers to make it a little louder.
Am I on the right track...has anyone tried this???

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by firechief811

OK..I am basicly new to DCC, but I had an idea about putting sound on the layout without actually installing it into a loco.
If I bought a good sound decoder and mounted it inside a case, mounted it under the layout and wired track power to it so it would get a signal just like it would if it was inside a locomotive. Then I could give it an address and put it into a consist with another locomotive I am actually running on the layout. Then place speakers around the layout and hook it to the speaker wire on the sound decoder. Will that work and produce a good quality sound?? I had even thought of seeing if I could buy a small amplifyer to put inline with the speakers to amplify the power to the speakers to make it a little louder.
Am I on the right track...has anyone tried this???

Yes you are on the right track. PFM used this concept to enhance the low frequencies of the sound coming out of the on-board sound units. However you realize all the sound would come out of all the speakers at the same time and not "follow" the train? Also most DCC sound units have a power output of about 1 watt so the small amplifier would be essential. Actually hunt around at garage sales and you can probably pick up a quality old stereo for just a few bucks. Be careful hooking a speaker output directly to the input of an amplifier, check the manual of whatever sound unit you buy for instructions.

[BRVRR]

Basically you idea will work. I have installed an MRC diesel sound decoder under my layout table to give my many non-sound equipped diesels a voice. I wired the decoder to the track buss and wired the sound output to a four-inch speaker (with a home made enclosure) I had on hand. I also wired a small light bulb across the motor leads to give the decoder a small load. I gave the decoder Address 10 and mu my other diesels to it. That way you can use the whistle/horn sounds. There is a picture of my installation on my website. Once there pu***he What's New button.
A better under table diesel sound decoder is in the future of the BRVRR. Maybe a good quality steam sound decoder too!
In any case your idea is sound. Just remember to use the sound decoder as the 'lead' address in your mu's if you want to use the horns or bell sounds without dialing it up each time you want to make noise.
Good luck!

[robengland]

Great idea!! I'm gonna try it.

One day we'll get Surroundtraxx or similar, which will do it for us (to find out more just Google it)

[Anonymous]

DON'T FORGET A BEEFY SUB WOOFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

If the operative word is "system," then try Fantasonics.com. Jim Wells has a number of CD's especially created for model RRs. If point source sound is desired, there are sound boards which can be installed in separate buildings, railside structures, rail yards, local industries, or in both urban and rural settings. Ittsound.com supplies a number of ready made boards with EPROMs that can also be customized if you provide a sound source to this firm. The book Automating Your Model Train Layout also covers layout sound alternatives (check out storesonline.com/site/toymodeltrains).

Don Woodwell
NMRA Model RR Author

[ecdowney]

How about using two sound decoders at the same address? One is in the loco to provide location sound, the other connects to a woofer under the layout or where ever to give overall bass and feel. This capitalizes on the physiology that the ear locates postion using higher frequencies (which the loco's tiny speaker generates) but low frequencies are not well localized and only provide ambiance (from the woofer).