Hi all,
I am contemplating a small (3x5) N scale layout as a joint project with my boys. If I do it, it will be DCC, and I'd like to have sound. My two prior layouts (1 HO and 1 O) were both conventional operation, so I am brand new to both DCC and sound.
It seems like the Surround Traxx under-layout system by SoundTraxx might work well as it eliminates the need for speakers in the (tiny) locomotives or tenders.
The options for N scale equipment with on-board sound seem quite limited (compared to HO) so the SurroundTraxx system is rather appealing.
Does anyone have any comments or opinions on SurroundTraxx?
Thanks,
Randy
SUrroundtraxx requires Digitrax Transponding, which menas you are stuck to using Digitrax decoders in each loco. N scale diesels can be picky to get a decoder - so if you have a model that Digitrax doesn't make a decoder for, you're out of luck, or else need to get the frame milled to fit a generic tiny decoder instead of a drop-in type. There may be other ways to accomplish the same thing. RR&Co softwrae can track trains on your layout just from knowign the starting point - no Transponding needed. JMRI can do similar, although it's much hareder to set up. JMRI though has another feature to direct sounds out various speaker connections on your PC, which when combined with tracking the location of each train, can make sounds follow the loco. More work, less cost, although getting Transponding to work on a complex layout isn't exactly easy.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
This issue is being discussed, ad nauseam in the Yahoo SoundTraxx DCC group.
A couple “experts” who have not used it have some strong opinions.
I run HO sound and have no opinion on how it would work out.
Some of the discussion below. There is more if you search the Group for Surroundtraxx.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/soundtraxx/message/30840
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/soundtraxx/message/30769
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
A little preliminary info from SoundTraxx.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals.php
The newly formed SurroundTraxx Group. Again, I have never run any kind of an electronics business so have no opinion on the subject. SoundTraxx hopes this will help users of N scale and smaller to have some reasonable sound.
Bottom line, never, ever forget, we are boys playing with toys.
Model railroading is an analogy of the real thing and all analogies break down somewhere.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SurroundTrax/
I have been considering SurroundTraxx for the modular layout. I believe your assesment is correct in that it may be a much better solution for N-scale. The reasons I have not jumped in yet are: 1. As Randy says it requires a Digitraxx feed back system, hence digitrax decoders.2. Cost. The base system only has 6 sound zones. So to do a 24 module layout (with only 1 sound outlet per module) needs 4 sets of SurroundTraxx units (MSRP $2400) and the block detctors or 4 BDL16s in addition to the decoders in the units. Then the wires to connect them and of course the speakers. Wow.
On the other hand with larger speakers I would assume the fidelity is going to be outstanding compared to on-board units.
Why not get a pre-installed sound unit on a diesel?
You DO NOT have to use Transponding to use SurroundTraxx; however, the sound will not follow the engine from section to section without it. Since the original poster is considering a 3 x 5 layout, I wouldn't think it would be critical for the sound to follow the engine. You DO, at least currently, have to use a Digitrax system to use Surroundtraxx, whether you have the sound follow the engine or not.
Thanks for the replies.
I was thinking of using the SurroundTraxx in the out-of-the-box mode, without the transponders. I realize the sound wouldn't follow the locomotives, but I don't see that as a problem given the very small size of the proposed layout (3 feet by 5 feet).
However, I didn't realize that even in non-transponding mode I'd need DigiTrax decoders in the locomotives. That gets me into changing decoders--something I'd rather avoid, if possible.
Finding N scale locos pre-equipped with sound is an option, but the selection is pretty thin compared to HO, which is what got my thinking about the SurroundTrax system. If it weren't for the need for the DigiTrax decoders, I'd be very inclined to go with SurroundTrax.
I fnot using the train following capability it doesn;t need Digitrax decoders. The single speaker undertable mode does not depend on specific decoders. WHat it DOES need is a Digitrax DCC system, because it reads the speeds to synchronize the sounds via Loconet. ANyone's decoders can be used - I use Digitrax and have not a single Digitrax decoder installed in any of my locos. For a 3x5 layout, a Zephyr would be more then sufficient.