Another question: Sound?

Beaumont Yard Jun 4, 2015

  1. Beaumont Yard

    Beaumont Yard TrainBoard Member

    306
    0
    21
    As mentioned in the question I posted about HO track, this scale is somewhat new to me.

    I'm intrigued about doing something in HO and incorporating sound. So I have a couple questions...

    Is DCC required for sound operation? Specifically, I want the sound coming from the locomotives. If not DCC, how would sounds be coordinated with the locomotives actions?

    I know there are sound systems out there where you can put speakers on your layout and trigger the sounds from another controller, but I'm looking for something that relates directly to the locomotive without having to use 2 controllers.
     
  2. montanan

    montanan TrainBoard Member

    1,153
    2,034
    39
    Here is a Bachmann locomotive with sound operating on a DC layout. The sounds were apparently pre programmed. I have no control whatsoever of the sound. Video is 1080p

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7zO8kdjGGA
     
  3. COverton

    COverton TrainBoard Supporter

    1,939
    179
    36
    The sounds from modern DCC decoders do not need to be derived via powered DCC rails. In fact, virtually every sound DCC decoder made since 2004/5 is a dual-mode decoder for use on either DCC or DC rails. However, your sound will be limited to bell, variable chuff, horn/whistle, and the typical random 'neutral' sounds a locomotive of that type would make sitting idle....steam hiss, air condensate cock let-off (the spitting that diesels make incessantly) air pumps, turbo-generator, injector or feed-water pump noises, etc. You won't have the owner's manually actuated Function Button sounds that a typical DCC system affords the user.
     
  4. Beaumont Yard

    Beaumont Yard TrainBoard Member

    306
    0
    21

    Thank you for the video. It was very helpful! If you have one of a diesel, I'd love the link. But this gave me a good idea of what to expect. I'm going to a train show tomorrow and will be able to ask a lot of questions about sound in general.
     

Share This Page