Surround Traxx from sound traxx

[BDF]

I am not sure if it’s out yet but has anyone used Surround Traxx from sound traxx?  If so can you share on you thoughts about it?

 

Thanks,

BDF

 

[MRRSparky]

I recommend you do a search for "SurroundTraxx" on this web page.  There has been lots of discussion about it.  Also, navigate over to Yahoo Groups Soundtraxx page and do the same search.  Again, lots of previous discussions.

[cacole]

Go to the SoundTraxx web site and read their documentation about the system.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/documents/SurroundTraxx%20FactSheet.pdf

My impression is that if you have a small layout and are just starting out, this would be a much cheaper alternative than sound decoders in each engine.

On the other hand, for a large layout the cost of all the block detectors and speakers could mount up very quickly.

[BDF]

Thanks but I have read the documentation, I was interested in personal impressions of the system.  Regarding system capability I share some similar concerns.  One area that I see as a potential problem is the fact that you can only accommodate 6 locos sounds at one time. If you are interested in the modern era as I am this is problematic when talking about multi-diesel lashups with differing types of prime movers in each lashup.  Now imagine a meeting between two large trains, or an engine terminal with a bunch of idling locos etc.

 

Another question is what does it sound like when you have a linear walk around type layout and you are following your train over the main; does the sound volume stay the same to your ears as it would if you had a sound decoder onboard?  I model in N-scale so this is an intriguing technology to me but I still have questions.

 

Scott- I looked for a soundtraxx on yahoo groups but couldn’t find it. Do you have a link?

 

Thanks,

BDF

 

 

 

 

[MRRSparky]

Here you go:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/soundtraxx/

I hope it helps.  I saw a demo of the system at PSX 2004 (NMRA Train Show) in N-scale and I was duly impressed with the sound quality.

It seems to me that Surroundtraxx is the only viable solution for those in N and Z-scales who want sound.  Just be aware that each loco has to have a decoder capable of transponding, and that you will need a number of Digitrax transponder repeaters to make it realistic.  I don't remember if the system supports 4 or 6 speakers.

Yes, Surroundtraxx could get expensive but bear in mind that you will spend a minimum of $100 each loco in which you install sound.  That includes the decoder, the speaker, and materials (solder, plastic for enclosures, etc.)  

I've done 15 of these so far (and am hopefully finished with my fleet) and my best record is around 8-10 hours[ some take the better part of 24 hours if any frame milling is involved.  That includes the planning time to figure out how to make room for the decoder and actually wiring it in.  The biggest time consumer is figuring out where the speaker can go.

There are some installation where the decoder is a simple plug-in but there is still the issue of the speaker installation.  Some of the newer locos include space for a speaker.  That helps a lot.

[Texas Zepher]

BDF

but has anyone used Surround Traxx from sound traxx?  If so can you share on you thoughts about it?

I have not used it but have several thoughts based on the documentation that I've gone over.
1. It should be easier to obtain a higher quality of sound just because the speaker does not have to be tiny and "on board".  The more difficult part might be getting the speakers fit into the layout so the sound appears to be coming from the train and not somewhere else.   If one was clever they could position speakers to make a scene echo, reasonate, and mix as real sounds would.  I have not gotten the specifications of the sound outputs to determine the range and if it is a high-fidelity output.

2. While the sound fades out as a train passes, it does not grow louder as the train approaches.  I think I've figured out a way to make this happen using a track diagram programmed into a computer, but the base system doesn't.    If one only uses the default six speakers on a loop layout the sound could be fading from the prior passage as the train is really approaching from the opposite direction.

3.  I am disappointed that they choose to use only the Digitrax transponding.  It would have been nice to  to also utilize the RailCom feedback system being considered by NMRA for standardization.  As I generally do not use Digitrax decoders it precludes me from using their system. It sort of defeats one of the wonders of DCC that being the interchangablity of multiple vendor's products.

[CPDoug]

Have purchased the Surroundsound and have been using it in nontransponder mode for now while I wire and connect the detectors.  Have an N Scale layout and seem the only sensible route for me  if I wish to have sound. Requires thought ,some knowledge and patience.

Will let you know how things go as I complete the project..

CPD

Have had issues. Have Digitrax components up and functioning.

Is anyone else out there setting up at this time?  Wold enjoy hearing your prioblems or successes.

CPD