A fresh approach to N scale sound

Bryan Dec 21, 2011

  1. Bryan

    Bryan TrainBoard Supporter

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    I'd like my N scale diesel locomotives to sound off, with eight notches on the throttle, dynamic brakes, and air horns. Like many N-scalers, I'm frustrated with the options:

    * In-loco "drop-in" installations that are too tinny-sounding to be convincing
    * High cost of equipping numerous locomotives with sound
    * Major modifications to locomotive frames needed to accommodate speakers (but sound is still disappointing)
    * Under-the-table installations that produce a cacaphony if you're running more than one train
    * Surround-sound transponding installations that require dedicated track blocks (interfering with the use of blocks for other purposes)

    Here's my solution, which I'm currently testing.

    The system employs:

    * Six Soundtraxx DSX decoders, each linked to a different loco by means of DCC consisting
    * Transformers per Soundtraxx's specifications to connect the decoders to audio amplifiers ($2 each)
    * Three low-power (but high quality) audio amplifiers with 3.5mm minijack output (see link below) ($20 each)
    * Three rotary selector switches to enable any of the three amps to connect to any decoder's output
    * Three Bluetooth FM transmitters that accept output from 3.5mm minijack ($20-$25 each)
    * Three Bluetooth audio quality headphones, each linked to one of the three transmitters; these need to permit ambient sound so that others can talk to you ($20-$25 each)

    To use the system, each operator:

    * Puts on Headset No. 1, 2, or 3
    * Selects the appropriate decoder output for this transmitter-headset pair
    * Operates the locomotive, obtaining very high quality sound admixed with ambient environmental sound
    * Follows the locomotive around the layout

    Advantages:

    * Operators hear only their locomotive's sound
    * Excellent sound quality with good midrange and bass
    * Low cost (uses abundantly available surplus consumer stuff)
    * Only a few sound decoders are needed -- again, low cost
    * No cacophony when two or more trains are operating
    * You feel like you're in the cab of the locomotive rather than listening to it go by
    * No modifications to loco frames, bodies needed
    * Operators can individually select volume levels to suit their preferences
    * You are your own transponder -- you physically locate the sound by following your locomotive around the layout
    * Instant usability for modelers and/or visitors with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids

    Disadvantages:

    * Non-operating observers hear nothing (but you could optionally route an amplifier's output to an audio system with speakers, as the occasion warranted)
    * Best for walk-around layout designs
    * Receivers are battery powered and may need changing during an operating session
    * Possible interference from other wireless devices (I haven't experienced any)
    * Funny-looking thing sticking out of your ear

    Bryan Pfaffenberger
    Charlottesville, VA

    Audio amplifier link
    http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/AMP-5/MINI-STEREO-AUDIO-AMPLIFIER-W/SPEAKERS/1.html
    Technical specifications for connecting DSX decoders to external audio amplifier - attached
     

    Attached Files:

  2. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    I like the concept.

    I'm not so sure about "low cost", though... I can't even find a DSX decoder, even on eBay... a Tsunami looks to be $100-ish each, which along with the other components puts the cost at somewhere around $800+... a SurroundTraxx box is MSRP $600 and would probably do better if not for the whole thing, then at least for the "back end" than six individual decoders - it will at least give more flexibility on which sounds are available.

    On the other hand, using a SurroundTraxx may kill the "you only hear your own loco" aspect... which has its up-sides.

    But I do like the wireless aspect. Would be pretty cool if you could integrate some communications as well... dispatcher-to-train radio, that sort of thing.
     
  3. u18b

    u18b TrainBoard Supporter

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    I already own the sound system you propose (well, almost).

    I have one of the best external sound systems ever made -- the SDx-1 and the PDH-1 horn designed by Kieth Gutierez (they are old and impossible to find now). The SDx digitally replicates a SD40-2. It senses analog track voltage. As the voltage goes up, the sound goes up/ramps up accordingly.

    I had a problem when I switched to DCC since my system is not designed for it. My solution was to install a decoder in it. The track sensing wires of the sound system now connect to the orange and gray wires of the decoder- so the sound system is still interpreting analog voltage. Now, I program the decoder in it to match the decoder signature of the loco I want to follow. So the DCC system is now running two decoders- one in the loco and one in the sound system.

    So the difference between what my system does and what you describe is that all I have to do is plug in headphones (which, I designed my system to do). It is just not wireless- which I could probably add one day.

    One other significant difference is that my system is for one loco. You envision 4, 5 or 6 operators all hearing their own loco.

    I just thought others might enjoy a variation.
     
  4. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Looks like a great idea. Hope it works out.
     
  5. gregamer

    gregamer TrainBoard Supporter

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    Any success with building any of these? I had a similar idea, but I'm not really an electronics guy. I was thinking that maybe it could be wired like this soundbox, then plug a blue tooth transmitter into the 3.5mm jack or even a powered bluetooth transmitter. Do you need an amplifier to power the Bluetooth?

    Of course maybe an even better system would put a Bluetooth transmitter right into the decoder. (Not holding my breath for this though.)

    Note: See also Soundtraxx Technical Note #11 - Using a Tsunami with an Undertable Speaker
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 23, 2012
  6. Carl Sowell

    Carl Sowell TrainBoard Supporter

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    I don't believe Soundtraxx makes the DSX decoders anymore.
     
  7. wmcbride

    wmcbride TrainBoard Member

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    Has anyone actually bought and used the Surroundtraxx system?

    I think Mike Fifer was planning on it but has been working on his HO switching layout.
     
  8. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yes, I'm anxiously awaiting Mike's review. There was so much misinformation out about this unit that I think the only way we're gonna know anything about it is through testimony such as Mr. Fifer's. I will probably end up buying one if the reality matches up to the latest information I have on it. I will have to eat a bunch of crow but I'll be glad to do it... ;-)
     
  9. Mike C

    Mike C TrainBoard Member

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    I have thought a little about this before. But what I am thing / wondering, is how would I wire in a sound decoder ( just 1, I am only looking to have some good generic sound ) so I could assign it to any loco that I wish to run, and send the sound output to my old 2 channel stereo system. ideas ???.....Mike
     
  10. gregamer

    gregamer TrainBoard Supporter

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    Carl, I don't think you necessarily need to use a DSX sound decoder, I believe just about any sound decoder would do. The soundbox link uses a TSU series decoder.

    Mike, I think you'd have to change the address each time to match the loco address you are using it with. Alternately you could just address all of your locos to match the soundbox. It's kind of a hassle, but it only takes me about a minute to change an address.


    Greg Amer
    The Industrial Lead
    gregamer.com
     
  11. seanm

    seanm TrainBoard Member

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    I have built a sound box with 6 Tsunami decoders. It had volume controls and distributed speakers around the layout with volume controls on them. it worked well enough but had some serious limitations. you did have to consist every time you switched engines or consists and if you only had 1 SD70ACE sound board, you could not run two consists or two seperate ACEs on different throttles and have sound.

    Here is a look at my sound board. It cost me around $100 for the parts, not including the Tsunamies. if you want tosee how it developed, check out this thread http://www.nscale.net/forums/showth...ion-Undertable-sound-box&highlight=brainstorm

    [​IMG]

    I have since scrapped this board in favor of the SurroundTraxx module. I sold the 6 tsunamies and that gave me enough to box the Surroundtraxx. It is far superior to my soundbox. You can run up to 6 sound engines and store 99 preconfigurations. you do not need to consist, you just program the virtual sound decoders to match the road numbers of the locos on your system. When you call up the loco on the throttle, it also calls it up on the SurroundTraxx. I am not using the transponding or train following, but I was not interested in that to beginwith, so it is fine. I even built a decoder definition file for DecoderPro to easy the use of the SurroundTraxx. Over all I am very well pleased with it and have not regretted stopping the soundboard project at all.
     
  12. ArtinCA

    ArtinCA TrainBoard Member

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    Lance Mindheim has been doing something I'm leaning towards for my layout and sound.. You'll need to go donw a few on his blog, http://www.lancemindheim.com/blog.htm
    , but it's worth it. He's pairing sound decoders with headphones. Not a bud in the ear, but really good wireless headphones. After reading his blog, I'm more than set to use a setup like his with my own layout. You get a loco and a set of headphones.
     
  13. Bryan

    Bryan TrainBoard Supporter

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    This is pretty much what I had in mind -- thanks for the link! You do indeed have to scroll WAY down... or better yet, search for the post titles. First one, "Sound," was posted April 7, 2012. Scroll up to see the more recent posts on the same subject. It's important to get "open-air" headphones so that multiple operators can hear each other (and the dispatcher). --Bryan
     
  14. seanm

    seanm TrainBoard Member

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    I can see how a SurroundTraxx would not work in your situation if you want each sound on a seperate channel for headsets. Interesting idea though.
     

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