DCC and sound

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks for the input guys!

JFugate, you gave me a good option to think about. I'm going to wind up having two E7 B units and at least one dummy FP45. Very generous amounts of space. Will be taking advantage of it! Since motor control won't be an issue I'm assuming I'll be able to use the Soundtraxx DSX series decoders.

I am definetly staying away from the LC series. I know that even at low volume a decoder with a more powerful amplifier will give out more dynamic sound as is the case when comparing the DSX decoders with the LC. I don't mind saving and budgeting a few extra dollars for quality sound. If one's getting sound, might as well get the good stuff!

Cheers and Thanks!

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by darth9x9

I really liked sound at first but I visit a large layout regularly that has a dozen or more locos with sound (out of over 50 on the layout). I love the F8 feature...ie mute button! There is just too much sound to be appreciated.

One feature I really like in the Soundtraxx decoders is the timeout feature. If the loco is no longer assigned to a throttle, you can set it to automatically mute after a set length of time. I have mine set at 60 seconds.

So once you pull the loco lashup in to the yard and tie up, 60 seconds later, the lashup goes silent. No muss, no fuss, it just does it on its own once you deselect it's address so the decoder is no longer receiving any commands.

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: "I mount the speaker in the roof facing up, and the sound is pretty good, I think.

JOE: You are correct - as long as there is a 'hole' for the sound to squeeze through. - Think of a 'shower head' with water. - Don.

Reason: By Sealing off the back wave from the front, the whole body becomes a baffle

[mcouvillion]

I've placed sound decoders in several of my engines/lashups: 1) a Soundtraxx DSX decoder in the dummy of an ABA Alco lashup, with two baffled 1" diameter round speakers in the dummy and one each in the powered units, 2) a single 1/2" speaker recessed into the weight of an Atlas RSD-4 under the fan shroud that was drilled out to "release" the sound from a DSX Soundtraxx decoder, 3) a DSD-090LC Soundtraxx in an Athearn Trainmaster with a 3/4" x 1.5" baffled speaker (this engine also has the new pinhole color video camera under the hood!). The sound from the baffled speaker installations is broad-spectrum and the volume is adjustable. The un-baffled speaker installation is imperceptible with any other background noise (even at maximum CV values) and I have been disappointed by its performance (though there is absolutely no place the put a baffle in the engine - I almost didn't get the decoder and speaker to fit).

Sound adds a lot, but if too loud is very annoying. The crew I run trains with has decided to reduce the CV setting on sound decoders from the default (I remember it being about 75% of the range) to about 20 - 25% of the range. This has made a huge difference. The sounds are still noticeable, but don't carry "100 scale miles" as mentioned above. We have begun trying to incorporate the whistle signalling into our operating sessions, and try to ring the bell continuously while moving within yard limits.

As for letting the sound escape out the top or from the bottom of the engine, I don't think it makes any difference three feet away from the loco. You can't tell the difference if the decoder and (baffled) speaker are installed properly

We used the boxcar method when sound decoders first came out, since we were skeptical and price -conscious. All of the engines for our regular operating sessions now have sound and our individual favorites do too! It has added a lot of realism and enjoyment to operations.

[Don Gibson]

Is SOUND baffling? A Primer.

HERE's a simple test for you Broadway owners on the subject of 'Baffling'.

1. STEAM: Remove the tender superstructure (it's a friction fit) Run the engine around 9 volts so it 'chuff's and runs slow.
2. with the tender top in your hand place it loosley on the top of the chassis. Now remove it..... same engine, same speaker, same amplification.

WHAT you are hearing is the 'Baffling' - or separation of back wave from front wave.