Would it be a waste to put a sound decoder in both an A and B unit?

[WilmJunc]

I have in Intermountain F7 A/B set.  The B unit is a powered unit (not dummy).  Would it be a waste of money to install a sound decoder in both the A and B units?

[jecorbett]

I have in Intermountain F7 A/B set.  The B unit is a powered unit (not dummy).  Would it be a waste of money to install a sound decoder in both the A and B units?

See my thread from earlier today about the issues involved with MUing a sound unit with a non-sound unit. I got some excellent replies. There will be a speed differential between the two units without additional adjustments.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1037915/ShowPost.aspx

[CAZEPHYR]

I have in Intermountain F7 A/B set.  The B unit is a powered unit (not dummy).  Would it be a waste of money to install a sound decoder in both the A and B units?

See my thread from earlier today about the issues involved with MUing a sound unit with a non-sound unit. I got some excellent replies. There will be a speed differential between the two units without additional adjustments.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1037915/ShowPost.aspx

 I use the Soundtraxs DSX with NEC drive for each unit.   If you want to omit sound for one unit, the NEC DCC units still MU correctly without any fuss.   I prefer sound in each unit, but that does cost more money.  Listening to each of my five unit set working its way out of a tunnel is really much like the prototype when you hear each one individually burst out into the open.    

Depending on the sound unit having DCC drive or not,

[johncolley]

It depends on the effect you are after. In the real world, depending on the distance you are from the locos, you may hear each one as it gets closest to you, but only for a moment. Anywhere else on the layout you just hear the total of the units. By the way, it works best to have your volume(s) at around 40 to 50%. You just want to notice the sound, not be deafened by it. So if you check out Joe F's DVD's you will see that having sound in just the second unit is really plenty adequate. You might put the extra money into getting another unit, or sound for one you have. Enjoy! jc5729

[jecorbett]

I have in Intermountain F7 A/B set.  The B unit is a powered unit (not dummy).  Would it be a waste of money to install a sound decoder in both the A and B units?

See my thread from earlier today about the issues involved with MUing a sound unit with a non-sound unit. I got some excellent replies. There will be a speed differential between the two units without additional adjustments.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1037915/ShowPost.aspx

I hadn't read some of the later replies to my thread before posting my reply to this thread. It seems there is a difference of opinion regarding the possible speed differential. Your reply here seems to agree with those who say it is not an issue in DCC.

 I use the Soundtraxs DSX with NEC drive for each unit.   If you want to omit sound for one unit, the NEC DCC units still MU correctly without any fuss.   I prefer sound in each unit, but that does cost more money.  Listening to each of my five unit set working its way out of a tunnel is really much like the prototype when you hear each one individually burst out into the open.    

Depending on the sound unit having DCC drive or not,

[Don Gibson]

I'd be tempted to put the drive in the A only and sound unit in the B.

WHY? The B unit can then be put into other consists to add sound + 2. the opportunity to use the entire B interior as a 'baffle' - improving the sound quality.

I don't think one needs 'needs' multiple sound units to  get the monophonic illusion of movement.

Adding a 'second' sound module would basically just improve the volume.  If the 'B' is indeed a 'Dummy' there is no conflicting speed problem. It's pulled.

 

[scubaterry]

I have a set of P2K F1 AB and a set of F2 AB.  All are powered
and I installed soundtraxx DSX sound decoders in each.  The A
units took a round one inch speaker with enclosure nicely in the cab
roof pointing downward and the B units took a medium 3/4 X 1 oval
speaker.  I lash them all up for an awesome ABBA sound
experience.  I have the motor and sound decoders in both A and B
units of the F1 all to the same address.  The same with the F2 all
the same address.  When I mu them up I only have two address to
deal with the F1 set and the F2 set.  The A and B units of each
will always be operated together so having the same address is no
problem.  But I can run both sets independantly as AB, AB. I use
Digitrax motor decoders with the lock feature which makes it easier to
have the sound and motor decoders set to the same address. I hope this
is making sense to you.  I have a short vid of the ABBA consist
cruising by.  I will dig it out and post it.

Terry 

[Anonymous]

I guess it all depends on your perspective (and budget).

No, you won't get as much out of sound in a B unit as an A unit.  But the extra "running rumble" is worth something, at least to many of us.

I usually run A-B-A or A-B-B-A units, with power and sound in the As, and the Bs complete dummies (no power, no sound).  But if I was only running A-B or A-B-B, I'd go for at least one extra sound unit.  Depending on your distance and perspective, it really does spread out the sound.

[scubaterry]

Here is a short vid of my ABBA consist with sound in all units.  It doesn't get much better.

Terry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oeE7NDT4Dc 

[scubaterry]

Anyone know how to make the video link live?  I cut and pasted
it from youtube but it doesn't seem to want to work when you click on
it.

Terry 

[tstage]

Terry,

1. Highlight the word(s) that you want to include as your link
2. Click on the "Insert/edit link" button up in the button bar.  (The Insert/edit link text box will pop up.)
   
3. Insert the link's address in the "Link URL" box
4. Click the Insert button at the bottom of the box.

That should create a clickable link for you.

Terry's YouTube "All-sound" ABBA consist video

Tom

[scubaterry]

Tom I don't have/see a button bar? Is that something that shows up when you are posting or replying to a post? I'm on a MAC.
Tks
Terry

[tstage]

Terry,

So you don't get a tool bar right below Message and above the text box where you write your post?  The Insert/edit link icon is located right smack in the middle, 4th icon left of the "smilies" face icon.  It looks like this:

 

Tom

[scubaterry]

Tom - OK something weird going on.  I have it this time but the last few I didn't. Tks Tom.

Terry 

[Anonymous]

Tom I don't have/see a button bar? Is that something that shows up when you are posting or replying to a post? I'm on a MAC.
Tks
Terry

 

Another option is to use the special code for a url.  I can't type it exactly, as it won't be displayed, but it's a left bracket ([), then url, then a right bracket(]), all run together before the actual url address.  After the address, the same thing except /url instead of just url.