jake9 wrote: Question - how easily did the Soundtraxx fit into the RS-1 and the FM H15-44 cabs?
Question - how easily did the Soundtraxx fit into the RS-1 and the FM H15-44 cabs?
The decoders fit quite easily into the long hood. The hard part is finding somewhere to fit the speaker afterwards. (I made an enclosure that fits in the cab space and the short hood.)
Here is a similar example for an RS2 - the plastic sides around the speaker have a top made of electrician's tape so I can access the LED if necessary, but still provides the necessary 'box lid' for the speaker baffle
Jon
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Jon - just listened to your great videos and love the whistle on the FM H15-44. I think I remember hearing that when I was a kid on ACYRR.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
nscaleboy77 wrote: Well since im in N Scale and unless i buy a 500.00 broadway limited that wouldnt match anything im modeling, i like to make the train noises myself.CAABooom, clash clash, inshatttt insssshatt, ca cling, ca cling, trough trough trrrrough, woooooooooo, wooooooo, chugga chugga, choo choo, troughhhh troughhh troughhh.
Well since im in N Scale and unless i buy a 500.00 broadway limited that wouldnt match anything im modeling, i like to make the train noises myself.
CAABooom, clash clash, inshatttt insssshatt, ca cling, ca cling, trough trough trrrrough, woooooooooo, wooooooo, chugga chugga, choo choo, troughhhh troughhh troughhh.
I thought of doing that but my wife already thinks that a 59 year old playing with trains is already on the edge of senility. If I make the sounds she'll really think it's already set in! Besides I save the sounds for when I'm watching Victory at Sea reruns.
Irv
HarryHotspur wrote: MisterBeasley wrote: "Get one sound engine and you're hooked." Yup, that sounds about right.I bought a Proto 0-6-0 with sound, and then added sound myself to an Alco RSC-3. Next was an SW-8 switcher, which I found with sound at Walthers for $100. Then, it was a BLI Hudson, again purchased with sound.I just finished adding sound to a trolley car, using a downloadable Digitrax sound decoder.Next, I'll probably look into adding sound to one of my GP-9's. They don't get much action anymore, unless, as you suggested, they're consisted with the Alco to make some noise. I'd also like sound in my S1, but that's going to be a tight fit. (The SW-8, a similar engine in size, needs traction tires to make up for the low weight of an engine filled with a speaker and electronics.)The old, old, noisy Athearn F7's probably aren't worth it. They're too noisy all by themselves. The subway cars can't be heard, as they spend their days in the tunnels. The other trolley, maybe, and the other Geep will likely get sound in the future if the first one comes out well.You need to get those things kids call "bass shakers" and hook 'em up to your stereo. Then when the subway comes by your whole room will shake. Very realistic.
MisterBeasley wrote: "Get one sound engine and you're hooked." Yup, that sounds about right.I bought a Proto 0-6-0 with sound, and then added sound myself to an Alco RSC-3. Next was an SW-8 switcher, which I found with sound at Walthers for $100. Then, it was a BLI Hudson, again purchased with sound.I just finished adding sound to a trolley car, using a downloadable Digitrax sound decoder.Next, I'll probably look into adding sound to one of my GP-9's. They don't get much action anymore, unless, as you suggested, they're consisted with the Alco to make some noise. I'd also like sound in my S1, but that's going to be a tight fit. (The SW-8, a similar engine in size, needs traction tires to make up for the low weight of an engine filled with a speaker and electronics.)The old, old, noisy Athearn F7's probably aren't worth it. They're too noisy all by themselves. The subway cars can't be heard, as they spend their days in the tunnels. The other trolley, maybe, and the other Geep will likely get sound in the future if the first one comes out well.
"Get one sound engine and you're hooked." Yup, that sounds about right.
I bought a Proto 0-6-0 with sound, and then added sound myself to an Alco RSC-3. Next was an SW-8 switcher, which I found with sound at Walthers for $100. Then, it was a BLI Hudson, again purchased with sound.
I just finished adding sound to a trolley car, using a downloadable Digitrax sound decoder.
Next, I'll probably look into adding sound to one of my GP-9's. They don't get much action anymore, unless, as you suggested, they're consisted with the Alco to make some noise. I'd also like sound in my S1, but that's going to be a tight fit. (The SW-8, a similar engine in size, needs traction tires to make up for the low weight of an engine filled with a speaker and electronics.)
The old, old, noisy Athearn F7's probably aren't worth it. They're too noisy all by themselves. The subway cars can't be heard, as they spend their days in the tunnels. The other trolley, maybe, and the other Geep will likely get sound in the future if the first one comes out well.
You need to get those things kids call "bass shakers" and hook 'em up to your stereo. Then when the subway comes by your whole room will shake. Very realistic.
Yeah, we New York City residents know that. They say the Empire State Building sways because of the winds at those heights, but we know better since there are lots of subway tunnels all around it.
<The subway cars can't be heard, as they spend their days in the tunnels.>
If you think subways are quiet because they run in tunnels, you've never been on them in the tunnels.
Any New York City resident who has ever ridden a subway knows how easy it is to be deafened by the squeel of flanged wheels on the tracks not to mention the rocky motion of the cars themselves while they are in motion.
da_kraut wrote: Hello everybody,One of my locomotives has sound that works while the engine runs on DC. This has me hooked. So the question for to all of you is do all of your engines have sound. The other option is to have only a designated few locomotives with sound and then take one of these engines into the consist to give the lash up sound. What is your experience.Thank youFrank
Hello everybody,
One of my locomotives has sound that works while the engine runs on DC. This has me hooked. So the question for to all of you is do all of your engines have sound. The other option is to have only a designated few locomotives with sound and then take one of these engines into the consist to give the lash up sound.
What is your experience.
Thank you
Frank
Since I'm in N-Scale sound hasn't been a reasonable option for me yet. But if I could both afford it and it were reliable and practical to put sound in my locomotives, I'd do it in in aNew York minute. BTW, I don't do steam locomotives.
I have seen and heard sound on a friends N-Scale Challenger and it is fantastic. Just to hear the conducter on that one saying "All Aboard" is mind blowing. That one's N-Scale too but the sound mdule is in the tender and I am not going to permanently couple anything to my deisels at this point in time.
da_kraut wrote:Hello everybody,One of my locomotives has sound that works while the engine runs on DC. This has me hooked. So the question for to all of you is do all of your engines have sound. The other option is to have only a designated few locomotives with sound and then take one of these engines into the consist to give the lash up sound. What is your experience.Thank youFrank
Frank;
My answer is simple, NONE
I've operated on layouts that used the old PFM sound system to layouts with many locos equipped with the latest Tsunami and Loksound decoders.
Even on low volume, after 10 minutes or so hearing more than one sound unit gives me a massive headache.
Besides, I've had cab rides in Southern's 4501, and SP's 4449. The current sound unit/speaker combinations can't hold a candle to the real thing!
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
All of them. The sound of silence :(
One of these days.... one of these days!
:)
jake9 wrote: As I have ACY engines, I am looking for decoders and sound for S2s, RS-1 and FMH15-44, FMH16-44s. Any ideas would be appreciated.
As I have ACY engines, I am looking for decoders and sound for S2s, RS-1 and FMH15-44, FMH16-44s. Any ideas would be appreciated.
S2 - MRC (see previous post for video)
RS1 - Soundtraxx Alco decoder (40 seconds into video)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uslTeRxNzoE or alternatively Loksound.
H15-44 - Soundtraxx FM decoder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A46yCjN-NqM
All the above decoders provide sound and power for the motor and lights, so only one decoder required (stay away from the Soundtraxx DSX decoders if you only want to use one decoder.
regretfully, only one Atlas Trainmaster so far but I am hopeful.
hobo9941 wrote: I used the Locsouind Micro for the little switchers. The decoder fits "as usual" over the motor. The little speaker is between the engeners in the cab face down. Thanks for the reply. I didn't know Loksound had an Alco sound for their decoders. It is an Alco, isn't it?
I used the Locsouind Micro for the little switchers. The decoder fits "as usual" over the motor. The little speaker is between the engeners in the cab face down.
Thanks for the reply. I didn't know Loksound had an Alco sound for their decoders. It is an Alco, isn't it?
I just fitted one of the MRC S2/S4 sound decoders into my Atlas switcher. Couldn't have been easier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0a4AHpDHsM
Well, now I have two.
I have a Proto 2000 U28B with sound. IMO the engine shoould be louder, I can barely hear it when set to max volume; but it's synched perfectly.
I also have an MRC sound decoder put into a bachmann FT. I'l be able to road test it later. Seems to work pretty well.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
Most of my locos are either older Athearn's or RPP units with Athearn drives, so I don't really need "sound"!
Or should I say, any more sound!
-George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
Since I've pretty much just begun, I have only two locos but both have sound. I have a Bachmann Three Truck Shay with DCC and sound and a Diesel Canadian Pacific with DCC and Sound and they're both very nice to listen too. I haven't finished my layout yet, just begining the painting the scenery stages but it sure is a lot of fun even at this stage.
Bud M.
hobo9941 wrote:I have about 20 sound locos, of all varieties. Some I installed, and some are QSIs. So how did you install sound in an S2? I have three S2s, that I have postponed installing sound in, because of their small size, and limited space.
I have about 20 sound locos, of all varieties. Some I installed, and some are QSIs. So how did you install sound in an S2? I have three S2s, that I have postponed installing sound in, because of their small size, and limited space.
Reinhard
1 SD60M
2 SD60
5 GP60
5 GP38-2
2 GP20
1 GP10
Only my SD60M had sound. The plan is to have 2 GP60's, 2 GP38-2, and the GP20 and 10 with sound. That is a ways away though.
I started with sound in S1, Ge 44tons, SW8, RS-1, RS-3 etc. I like the sound of that old engines a lot. When I installed sound into GP30, GP38 etc. I was disapointed. The sound was more some kiind of noise. I stopped converting modern diesel engines.
I also installed Soundtraxx 1st gen, in an F-7 A and B unit, using two speakers, one in each unit, connected with Miniatronics mini plugs. So far, using two speakers on the one decoder has not harmed the decoder. The speakers are in the rear of the A unit, and the front of the B unit. So they are very close together. Since both speakers are on the one decoder, the horn is perfectly in sync, and you really can't tell which unit it is coming from. And the two speakers do increase the sound volume.
Phoebe Vet wrote:I am well aware of the limitations of small speakers, but the enclosure is a major factor in getting the most frequency response possible given the limits of the speaker.
Look at what Bose has done with 5 inch speakers where you used to need 15s.Well that is debatable. Having both in my collection I'll take the 15" any day. In fact, I'll take my 12" Advents (1979 Series 1) over the Bose.
Look at what Bose has done with 5 inch speakers where you used to need 15s.
just an improvement over stock instalations.That isn't hard at all.
just an improvement over stock instalations.
17 out of 52 are sound locomotives, all factory installed. I am just starting to attempt converting some P2Ks with Soundbugs. I've got 10 I'd like to convert but may only do 6. The GPs look a bit tight for a speaker inside the shell.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
I am well aware of the limitations of small speakers, but the enclosure is a major factor in getting the most frequency response possible given the limits of the speaker.
Look at what Bose has done with 5 inch speakers where you used to need 15s. They do it with long throw speakers and acoustic waveguides.
I wasn't expecting 20-20K just an improvement over stock instalations.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet wrote:I'd love to hear more about speaker enclosures that maximize frequency response.
my sound locos consist of a brass 2-6-6-0 D&SL mallet( micro-tsunami with 1 inch PFM Can speaker), brass Rio Grande Pacific ( standard Tsunami with 2 inch oval speaker), a bachmann 3-truck (soundtraxx pre-tsunami), a proto 2000 GP-7(QSI), and an ABA set of DRGW PA's (loksound).
The first 3 I installed and they all run on cams so the chuff in synced. the mallet is a compound so therefore has only a single set of chuffs and not a dual set like the big boys.
My favorite has to be the D&SL mallet because I mounted the decoder and the speaker in the boiler. The chuffs actually come from the opening just above the cylinders so when you get up close to it the sound is actually coming from nearly the right location instead of from the tender.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/