could break trackage into blocks and use block detectors to generate different frequency tones same tones can be used but in different sequences. there could be non-detecter blocks so tones turn on and off providing more locations.
perhaps the combination of a sound decoder and just a few detector blocks with tones
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Welcome to the forum!
I don't have a lot to say about your questions, and I'm "skating on thin ice" here regarding my knowledge. But you might look into the TCS (Train Control Systems) WowSound decoders. They advertise a function called "audio assist" that does decoder programming via audio prompts played through the locomotive speaker. (Something like an answering machine voice that says, for example, "press button 3 to set horn volume.") _Maybe_ there is some way to get the system to do other things you want, such as report the engine number audibly. Alas, I don't have those decoders myself, so I can't tell you more details. But check the TCS website, and maybe consider contacting TCS to see if it actually can do what you want or if there is some perhaps clunky workaround.
In years past I think at least one other decoder brand (QSI?) had a similar audio feedback/prompt capacity.
Maybe someone who actually has TCS decoders can say more....
Hello, i'm working with a blind N scale modeler that wants to add to his layout. He currently has a N scale table top lay out. It has two out side loops and 2 figure 8's loops in the middle. While you could normally run 4 trains at the same time he is only able to run 3 at a time due to the 2 figure eights crossing over them selfs and two trains running together there could hit each other. This works for him.
The next step is he would like to run two loops around a room. Typical high up ceiling loop setup. Two parallel tracks with sets of switchs where the trains can switch between the two loops as required. Nothing hard here.
Now the fun part. As he is blind, we are looking for sound options.
Option 1, DCC The Digitrack DCS52 Zephyr Express controler looks to be a good option as it has real knobs for the speed and direction control. Also the keys/buttons are different shaped. We probably would not use any of the other DCC functions like switch control as he needs the switch feedback to know what is happening. This bring in the fun of adding DCC board to N scale gear Also there is the problem of knowing which engine is keyed up on the controler at any time. Any way to add sound feed back to DCC controler?
Another option is fixed sound items around the lay out. Something like as the train passes this place a crossing gate sound goes off or a train horn goes off, and stuff like that.
Other options?
The goal here is to add sound to basic train operations. Open to other ideals as well.
Our backgrounds, we are both Ham's, model trains in N, HO, and G scales. I have worked with DC and DCC layouts and I can handle the electric's part.
Thanks for your time
Rudy