Have you checked out the MRC Tech 6 Blackbox Transformer Power Pack, 1.5Amp, MRC, 0001200 You get dual mode (for sound DCC) and you get AC mode.
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200827478
I am running 2 MTH SD70ace and 1 Intermountain ES44AC, all with sound with no trouble. You can't access some of the functions of the sound decoder but you get all the normal sounds. Great for running one sound locomotive and a couple of dummy units. My layout is small and it works great for me. Check it out.
In order to utilize all of their available sounds, DCC sound decoders and sound only decoders require a DCC system and DCC throttle. On DC you have very limited control over the sounds.
Thanks for the replies, would like to see more on the sound only decoders for DC? will look at the MRC site. again thanks for the help
jerrold
Check out the MRC web pages. I have 2 of their systems and they are pretty good for the price. I also have engines with the DC sound installed and they are also good for the price. Shop around and you can find some very good discounts on the web. I haven't had any problems with their systems or sound only decoders.
Bob
Southern Traction & Power Would like to see some reviews or opinions of currently available DC sound systems. I guess they will have the speakers to be mounted under the table. I am not considering going to DCC any time soon,maybe never. jerrold
Would like to see some reviews or opinions of currently available DC sound systems. I guess they will have the speakers to be mounted under the table. I am not considering going to DCC any time soon,maybe never.
Most of the current Sound decoders will run fine on DC power. This includes the Tsunami, and QSI.
Springfield PA
They may no longer be available except through a site such as e-Bay, but QSI started in the business making sound systems that played through speakers under the layout and were controlled by pushbuttons or toggle switches, and operated only on DC because this was many years before DCC came along.
They did make a system that used a remote controller where the unit mounted in the loco. But a sound file can be downloaded then played back thru a speaker mounted under the layout. Some used a cassette tape player. But with the mp3 players today and computers you have far more chooses to choose from as the player unit. You can mount speakers in several locations around your layout and play several sounds as needed for that location. With cheap mp3 players mounted within easy reach of the engineer a different sound to a different speaker/speakers.
Also there was a pocket memo thing that MRR did a article about in a past issue to put sound in a boxcar. If you can find a few they will work too. By using a reed switch and magnet to trigger the action for you when wanted.
Johnnny_reb Once a word is spoken it can not be unspoken!
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I have the MRC system that makes train sounds. It amuses the kids, but not much else to say about it. Preprogrammed, limited sound choices, can't match prototypes, make it more toylike than otherwise.
For a small layout the basic concept is good because all the sounds come from the same area anyway, but the implementation doesn't provide much controlability.
By the same token, I haven't found an on board sound system that I'm willing to plunk down big cash for (the DCC system and the DCC locomotives). To my ear, the best sound system I've heard was the Maguffin system back in the late 80s. Heard it at the Dayton NMRA convention and you could have sworn a train was coming right through the convention hall. But it was very expensive for the time and they didn't stay in business many years.