Looking for inexpensive way to have sound with my layout. Strictly run DC.
Welcome to the Forums.
Record sounds on some type of music player. (Your choice between a Cassette player, CD player, or MP3 player.) Then attach some computer speakers to it, put it under the layout and . . . . presto – layout sounds.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
The cheapest way is to make your own sounds with your mouth. :D
I can do a fantastic K3LA diesel horn if I squeeze my throat a certain way or if solder drops on my fingers. Unfortunately, it makes my dog run around and bark like mad, and my wife screams at me to cut it out. It just ain't no fun no more.
Crandell
yeah thats a cool Idea on using a mp3 player. I wonder if anybody has made any sound files that can be dl off the net.
There certainly are heaps of sound files around, but you may want to use an audio editor program such as Audacity to mix up a set that suits your layout. Google is your best friend when searching for audio.
I found everything from ships horns, farm tractors, autos, machinery and station announcements to dogs barking, cattle and birds chirping. Mixed them together and put them on an old MP3 player. I used the stereo channels to provide a city sound and a country sound both at once, just positioned my speakers appropriately. A whole new aspect to this hobby.
Have fun.
cheers
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
This site is the main one I used
http://sounddogs.com/
Cheers for the site :)
I have a mp3 player but I dont know if I can you speakers with it? will a speaker jack fit a mp3 player
I bought it years ago and never used it all that much.
JeremyB Cheers for the site :) I have a mp3 player but I dont know if I can you speakers with it? will a speaker jack fit a mp3 player I bought it years ago and never used it all that much.
Ifyou use an MP3 player you will need something to amplify the sound. they do sell cables that will allow you to play your MP3 player through your stereo or any thing with an auxillary input. Hre is a couple different ones in the thinks below. you can get them at Radio Shack also.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+6'+Mini-to-RCA+Stereo+Audio+Cable/9222352.p?id=1218062425208&skuId=9222352
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+3'+3.5mm+Stereo+Audio+Cable/8915178.p?id=1218010260736&skuId=8915178
Truck.
cheers Truck
I was actually just thinking about that as I saw your post that I would have to get ones of those cables. I was looking at that audicity program and It looks like it will take some reading to figure out how to use it.
You can use an amplified computer speaker set with an MP3 player. The cables that come with the speakers should already have a plug that fits the player.
cacole You can use an amplified computer speaker set with an MP3 player. The cables that come with the speakers should already have a plug that fits the player.
Good thinking Cacole, that completly slipped my mind. As I always use a stereo. All my kids "3 of them" have stereos in their bedrooms, I have them set up so they can connect their MP3's to.
Truck
Try this web site, you can buy a system that does just that for probably cheaper than the electronics, amplifiers, speakers, and time figuring it all out would cost. http://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/sound-effects.html
Came across this system today while surfing, hope it helps
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/mrc/mrcaa555.htm
Jim