I'm new to the DCC arena. I run G-scale. I just ordered a Digitrax Super Empire Builder (DB150, DT402 throttle) and a DS583S decoder for the loco motor and lights. I've been looking around at 'sound only' decoders and I don't see much labeled for large scale. There are tons on them for N and H.O. but very few for large scale. I really don't see where scale has much to do with it unless you have limited space for the pc board as in N and possibly H.O. but G-scale appears to have no such space limitations. Is it a normal practice to use "H.O." sound decoders in large scale? If not, then where are all the large scale sound decoders hiding - Thanks much - Shu
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Have a look at the Digitrax SFX004 sound decoder. It comes with an 8 pin plug for their Sounbug decoders but can be used as a stand alone sound decoder. Instructions for hard wiring are in the manual near the end. It's rated up to 20 volts input.
SFX004 manual
Been there, done that. SoundTraxx used to make a sound only decoder for HO scale called the DSX, but it has been discontinued. They have also discontinued their G-scale Sierra sound system.
I have DSX decoders installed into two G scale steam engines that run on battery power using the CVP Products AirWire900 receiver/decoder, and a Sierra in another loco. Sound is weak with both the DSX and Sierra because both had only a 1 Watt audio amplifier. Other than the weak sound, the DSX and Sierra were much cheaper than any other sound system that was available at the time.
For my latest acquisition, I bit the bullet and installed a Phoenix sound system and AirWire900 receiver/decoder. The speaker provided with the Phoenix is of much higher quality, and the Phoenix system itself has 10 Watts of power output.
The difference in sound quality and volume between the DSX or Sierra and Phoenix is unbelievable.
I made the mistake of purchasing two Tower 55 HO scale models when they were still in business and were using the Digitrax SoundFX decoder, and a Kato Kobo sound-equipped engine with the Digitrax SoundFX. I wound up replacing all three of the SoundFX decoder with QSI because of the poor quality sound and weak volume of the SoundFX. The SoundBug is the same -- poor sound and very weak volume.
A QSI Revolution sound decoder in G-scale would be a good choice if you want to use an HO sound decoder in a G-scale locomotive, but don't scrimp on the quality of the speaker you choose.
Other than the Digitrax SoundBug or an MRC Sounder, I know of no one who currently makes a sound-only decoder. Note that the Phoenix sound system is not a DCC decoder, but the sounds can be triggered using a decoder.
If you've been lurking around these forums for any time at all, you probably know to not even consider using an MRC sound decoder.
ESU has a G scale sound decoder:
http://www.esu.eu/en/products/loksound/loksound-xl-v35/
Soundtraxx Tsunami is rated for 27 volts input. You would need to put a load across the grey and orange motor wires to fool it into believing it was running a motor.
QSI has G sound decoders
Thank you gents - I will be busy researching the information you have offered. It appears that the HO would be fine maybe coupled with a larger audio amplifier/ quality speaker which is no problem. Shu