Best System to add Sound to Small RR

[jmbjmb]

I'm starting to think about adding sound to my locomotives.  While I don't need DCC for train ops, it seems like sound and DCC are integral to each other.  My layout is small, representing a branch line.  Operations concept is one train down the branch, do some switching, and back to staging.  Right now it's wired for a single cab as a single block, with no expectation of multiple trains (if I did, the engines would have no where to go).

With that kind of background, is there a "best" way to go to get sound appropriate to that small a layout?  Is there a particular system better suited to low speed switching and sound vs multiple train ops?

Thanks in advance,

jim

[Stevert]

Jim,

  Most if not all of the currently-available sound decoders are "dual-mode", which means that they will operate on either DCC or straight DC, although with DC their functionality may be somewhat limited.

  With that in mind, instead of spending what may be a substantial amount of money to convert your loco fleet, you may want to consider something like this:

http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=7739

I have no experience with that product, it simply strikes me as a possible solution for your particular situation.

[simon1966]

Most sound decoders are dual mode, that is to say that they will work on DC as well as DCC layouts.  You can get control boxes that go between your DC pack and the layout to activate the sounds.  The problem is, (perhaps why you have posed the question?) that often the low speed performance of a sound loco on DC is poor.  Often you have to really crank up the throttle to get the loco moving, and frequently the sound of the motor throttling up comes in before the loco even moves.

DCC really eliminates this problem.  Most modern DCC decoders have motor control methods that allow you to run the loco at incredibly slow speeds at the lowest part of the throttle.  You can actually program the decoders so that they start moving at a certain level and can fine tune things like momentum for realistic operation.  So IMO, DCC can certainly add something to your operations.

Regarding the choice of DCC system?  Well any of the systems will do what you want.  Good ones to look at would be the NCE PowerCab, or the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.  These two systems are rather different in their form factor.   The PowerCab is a throttle on a cable, so you can walk up and down the layout.  It also has a switching mode where the knob can be set to control speed and direction.   The Zephyr is a console, but does have controls more like a DC pack, so you have a throttle control and then a lever to brake and change direction.  It really is a matter of personal preference.

[jmbjmb]

simon1966

 The problem is, (perhaps why you have posed the question?) that often the low speed performance of a sound loco on DC is poor.  Often you have to really crank up the throttle to get the loco moving, and frequently the sound of the motor throttling up comes in before the loco even moves.

Yes, thank you, that's been one of my factors holding off.  My current, cobbled together transistor throttle from about 20 years ago gives great slow speed for the switching I like.  But it looks like that day where I have to replace it is approaching.  With all the sound systems out there, it seemed logical to upgrade.  Just want to make sure I put my money into a system that gives the best performance and sound for my size layout instead of into a system designed for a dozen operators.

Thanks guys.

[Texas Zepher]

jmbjmb

it seems like sound and DCC are integral to each other.

That might be true from a most pragmatic point of view in this day and age, but far from being 100% true.  BLIs Blueline was made specifically for DC applications.  Then there is Phoenix Sound which has been museum quality for about a decade, unfortunately most of their units are too large for HO.  You have not specified which scale you are but Phoenix is mostly O and G.  While I hate MTH company  I believe their DTS has some advantages over DCC sound.   I have also had wonderful sound in my DC locomotives thanks to PFM and PBL since 1983.  This was before DCC was even conceptualized let alone a standard.   In many regards DCC sound is just now catching up to the quality of these units.   But I blather, and you probably don't really care .... To get to your real question.

  My layout is small, representing a branch line.  Operations concept is one train down the branch, do some switching, and back to staging.  Right now it's wired for a single cab as a single block, with no expectation of multiple trains (if I did, the engines would have no where to go).

With that kind of background, is there a "best" way to go to get sound appropriate to that small a layout?  Is there a particular system better suited to low speed switching and sound vs multiple train ops?

 With that scenario it seems it might be the first practical application I've discovered for SurroundTraxx    http://www.soundtraxx.com/surround/.   I really like the concept but every application I've come up for it is too large.  It would take four of the units for the smallest modular layout where I wanted to use it.

 You would have to equip your loco with a transponding decoder (which pragmatically means Digitrax).   Then break the layout into 6 blocks and put an occupancy detector on it.  Install 6 speakers near each of the block.  The advantages of this system are that the sound would be better because the speakers don't have to be wedged into a small locomotive, and you could choose which of the transponding decoders best provided the low speed switching you desire.   Finally, should you get a second locomotive you would not have to get a sound decoder for it either, just a Digitrax.  Just tell the soundtraxx about the new locomotive and customize the sound for it and there you go.