Under Layout Sound Decoder

[kelleywpns]

All

I'm building an around the walls (17' x 14') N-Scale layout with a center peninsula.  In my primary yard area, I plan on using a SW8 to handle most of the switching duties.  I'd like to mount a sound decoder under the yard to match (consist) up with the SW8 while it's going about it's business.

I was looking at the Tsunami TSU-IM1000 EMD 567 as the sound decoder.  Anyone have any experience ding a similar project?  Any pros/cons?  Different suggestion on the actual decoder?

Thanks for your help.

Mike

[richg1998]

Little info about connecting a Tsuanmi for under the layout. Scroll down. There are a couple links to click on.

http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/soundtraxx/tsunami.htm

Rich

[Lake]

Mike, I plan on doing the same with my two N-scale, Atlas MP15's yard engines, as there is no room inside them.

I have read that others have done it and it works well since the engines are always near the sound source,

[cacole]

The biggest advantage to this approach is being able to use a larger, high quality speaker for better sound.

 

[MisterBeasley]

I did a similar thing for a Bachmann 0-6-0T tank engine.  I used a SoundBug, which is a much cheaper sound-only decoder.  (Right.  It does NOT have the sound quality of a Tsunami or other "quality" decoder.)  The SoundBug does let me program the decoder with a PR2, which I have, and I put in a small "teakettle" engine package.

I mounted the decoder and speaker in a small structure on top of the layout.  I think putting it on top adds to the "directionality" of the sound, particularly since the engine will operate in the corner of the layout (and of the room) with the carfloat terminal.

I would recommend a cutoff switch to disconnect the decoder when the engine is not in use.  Also, you will need to put about an 80-ohm resistor across the motor leads when programming it.

One of these days, I keep telling myself, I'm going to add some seagull and waterfront sounds to what's coming out of that decoder.

[rrinker]

 Fred Miller has a sound project for Digitrax sound decoders to use them as a stationary sound unit, I believe it also uses the chuff cam connection as a trigger so there can be random sounds that just play periodically as well as triggered sounds from some sort of input like a pushbutton or other sensor.

 That's a good way to repurpose them if you don't like them in your locos. Only problem with the Soundbug is that it has less memory for the sound files than some of the others.

                 --Randy

 

[kelleywpns]

Thanks so far for all the suggestions.

It was also recommended to me to use a LokSound Select Micro (or just the regular Select, if you're doing an under-table mount) with the 73836 sound file for an EMD 567, non-turbo. 

Does anyone have any experience with this decoder?  Also, going with Mr B's suggestion, does anyone see a problem with utilizing the LokSound Micro and installing a resistor to mimic a load?

Thanks again.

Mike

[cacole]

Since you're not going to connect an actual motor to the decoder, a LokSound Select Micro woud be just as good as any other -- available motor current is the only thing different between the various types.  

[rrinker]

 I believe the regular seelct is significantly less expensive than the Select Micro - since it's going under the layout, the size doesn't matter, so save the dough.

            --Randy

[MisterBeasley]

kelleywpns

Also, going with Mr B's suggestion, does anyone see a problem with utilizing the LokSound Micro and installing a resistor to mimic a load?

I should have been more clear about that.  You only need the resistor to program the decoder - set the address and any other CVs.  After that, you want to remove the resistor, or the decoder will use power just like a real engine, and the resistor will get hot.  (Maybe just warm.)

[kelleywpns]

Randy ... you're right, there is a big price difference.

All

Being an N-Scale layout (and using a HO decoder), the yard is approximately 6' long x 18" deep (with the exception of the drill track).  Any suggestions regarding hooking up a separate speaker system, or keeping the speaker meant for a HO model?

 

Mike

[gandydancer19]

MisterBeasley

 

 

kelleywpns

Also, going with Mr B's suggestion, does anyone see a problem with utilizing the LokSound Micro and installing a resistor to mimic a load?

 

 

I should have been more clear about that.  You only need the resistor to program the decoder - set the address and any other CVs.  After that, you want to remove the resistor, or the decoder will use power just like a real engine, and the resistor will get hot.  (Maybe just warm.)

 

You can avoid the heat on the resistor by programming the motor settings (start, middle, and top speeds) to zero.  That way you can leave the resistor in place.  I actually use the 'user speed table' and set everything to zero.

[rrinker]

 Be careful with that - on many decoders, setting a 0 for CV2, 5, and 6 means just use the defaults. Same dealw ith a full 28 step speed table. For decoders that support it, like Loksound, setting CV2=1, CV6 = 2, and CV5=3 Is probably safer - it's an actual value that will adjust the voltage output, and still very low even at max throttle.

 Or - just disconnect the resistor when done programming. Or use a 18 volt light bulb.

         --Randy

[CNCharlie]

I have a N scale layout on a door and I mounted a MRC #1908 diesel sound only decoder under the layout and hooked it up to a 2x4" speaker. It has an EMD 567 sound file on it and I find it works very well. There is more than enough volume with the large speaker, in fact I had to turn it down to half volume as it was just too loud. 

I know many here don't like MRC but as no motor control is needed it does the job well. Also it only cost $35.

CN Charlie

[mfm37]

I hooked up a Soundtraxx DSX sound decoder to a couple of 4 inch 8 ohm speakers years ago. Worked fine on my N scale layout.

 

Martin Myers

[Mark R.]

Check the last two paragraphs in this link ....

http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/soundtraxx/tsunami.htm

Mark.