I'm pretty happy with this Kato sound box hooked up to computer speakers for a simple DC setup...
Jonas,
I just watched a demo of this. Each locomotive has it's own sound card or module. So, if you switched locomotives that have different prime movers, you'd also have to switch to the appropriate sound card?
It also looks like the speaker is built into the sound box itself. Does it allow for additional speakers to be daisy-chained from the speaker in the sound box?
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi Tom. They have lots of different sound cards available. There is a small speaker on the sound box, but I have it hooked up to a set of computer speakers with subwoofer, which gives a much better sound than the built in speaker. There is a line out jack so you can connect that to whatever you want to connect it to. I like it.
I wasn't sure if it was limited to either/or with a speaker - i.e. you could only use the built-in speaker or one external speaker. That's a nice option and I'm glad it's working well for you.
Although I have no plans of switching from DCC, I am curious how much each of the sound card costs?
Thanks,
You can actually use any sound card with any locomotive but you should just pick one that sounds right for your locomotive.
The sound cards generally cost about $30 each. The box is about $175-$200 depending on the seller and it typically comes with one sound card.
The easiest thing to plug into the line out jack is a set of computer speakers or a USB external speaker that has a line in. I have also connected it to my home stereo but decided to go with the computer speakers.
HTH
Will the Kato sound box work with DCC controller or not. I bought one but I am DCC but if I could use it only on one train I would like too. I realize it is not DCC but I cannot find anywhere whether or not it will still work with a DCC layout.
The Sound Box is Analog/DC only. However, I assume if you have the ability to change your layout's power from DCC to DC, you could use it with an engine with a non-sound dual mode decoder on DC.
N HO Unitrack Analog Sound Box (katousa.com)
Also, just to clarify something - you don't need to buy a sound card for each model locomotive, just one for each type of motor sound you want. So like the "EMD 1st Gen Diesel" card would work for all early GPs, SDs, F-units, etc.