I am getting back in the hobby after being out of it for 20 years. I am probably going to stick with DC as that is what I know best, plus I have a lot of older engines. I would like to add some sound to my layout. Can you have sound with DC engines or do you have to have a DCC system? If I can have sound in my layout, what DC system would you recommend? My old DC system is shot, so I am going to have to purchase new equipment.
MRC makes DC sound units - the only thing is they are stationary. They are not mounted in an engine, but under the table. I have the older diesel-only one, and it works fairly well. The newer ones come with both steam and diesel sound combined in one unit. They have an option to work with DCC, but again, the sound won't travel with the loco.
http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=7739
woodman I am getting back in the hobby after being out of it for 20 years. I am probably going to stick with DC as that is what I know best, plus I have a lot of older engines. I would like to add some sound to my layout. Can you have sound with DC engines or do you have to have a DCC system? If I can have sound in my layout, what DC system would you recommend? My old DC system is shot, so I am going to have to purchase new equipment.
Almost all DCC sound equiped locos will run on DC and provide some level of sound effects, but there are many limitations. Bell and whistle control is limited or non exsistant and the sound stops when the loco stops. And, speed control is poor because the locos draw high voltages before they start to move.
Layout based sound systems are likely a better choice for a DC layout.
There are a number of new single loco "controllers" that use a DCC signal and control sound but do not have selectable addresses and do not require the other elements of a DCC system, but most of these will not run straight DC locos. One that will control DC locos as well as DCC/sond locos is the new MRC Tech6.
I still run DC, I don't care for onboard sound in small scales like HO. The sound quality is not good enough and I find more than a few minutes of it very annoying - but that's me.
If you really like onboard sound, you should consider DCC. Just remember that just like DC, as the layout gets bigger, the complexity of DCC will increase. Most older locos can be fitted with decoders, most are not hard to do. Learn about it and know what you are buying if you do go DCC.
Other aspects of your layout may effect whether or not DCC is a good choice for you. You may want to start slow and decide what kind of layout you want and what kind of operational considerations are most important to you.
Cost is also a factor, DCC in its most basic form can be very affordable, and just like complex DC systems, a large layout or large fleet of motive power can be very expensive to equip or purchase with DCC, especially with sound.
Sheldon
woodmanI am getting back in the hobby after being out of it for 20 years. I am probably going to stick with DC as that is what I know best, plus I have a lot of older engines. I would like to add some sound to my layout. Can you have sound with DC engines or do you have to have a DCC system? If I can have sound in my layout, what DC system would you recommend? My old DC system is shot, so I am going to have to purchase new equipment.
The only thing I would say is to avoid the MRC DCC Briliance sound decoders. They work in DC, but have a horrible record for reliability. They also have a few volumes available - very loud, outrageously loud, and insufferably loud.
As noted earier most sound decoders will operate in DC mode. Also loco's that come equipped with sound decoders will work as well. You just get limited functions and may not be able to blow the horn etc.
Broadway limited Blueline loco's actually come as DC loco's with sound.
http://www.broadway-limited.com/products.aspx
Springfield PA