My Challenger has sound that works on DC but I have no control of it. With DCC you do have control. However I would have to defer to the electrical and computer wizards that are here for the howtos.
Most of today's sound decoders will operate on DC, but not well. Motor control isn't nearly as good, and while you will get some sound, you will not get the full range of sounds nor be able to control them like you can with a DCC system. Basically, sound on a DC system is a kludge, and a pretty bad one at that. If you want sound, you need to move to DCC. John C.
QSI decoders will not only run on DC, but flipping the direction switch will give you control of the bell and whistle on DC, and a $45 box will control a whole bunch of sounds on DC. Quantum Engineer... Greg
Can you put sound in a engine that runs on DC? Or do you need DCC? I recently purchased two Bachmann GP35 E-Z APP locos, which contain Bluerail Trains boards. This has nothing to do with DCC. The signal is sent to the board in the loco via Bluetooth 4 and not the rails. The sound, with this version of the board, actually comes from the device you are controlling the locos with. Not optimal for sure, but you have sounds for fans, horns, bells, prime movers, couplers and brake release and probably some I am not remembering. The second version of the board will have sound-on-board, other enhancements and be significantly smaller in size. You can create an unlimited number of consists and speed match the locos. Basically, much of what can be done with DCC. I have a DC layout with an MRC Tech 7 train control. All you need is a board installed in the loco and the free app installed on the device you want to control the loco with, (i.e. a smart phone, or tablet.) That is it. If you want the sound on-board you can wait for the new board which should be released this summer. I just couldn’t wait that long. I am quite thrilled with the functionality of the Bluerail Bluetooth boards and can’t wait for the new boards to be released. I, also, own some Bachmann Sound Value locos and they are good performers, but the sounds and control runing the DCC boards, on DC, are very limited. I am in no way affiliated with Bluerail, other then as a satisified customer. Glenn
I am an old DC only guy that also wanted sound. I have purchased several Broadway Limited dual mode sound equipped engines that fit the bill. You need to also purchase their analog master control module (about $45.00) to activate the bell and whistle as well as change the cv's which I found necessary to enhance performance. Specifically to increase the start voltage as sound requires more voltage and steals it from the motor. Once you play around to adjust to your individual power pack you will get good performance out of these engines. I really like them and with my well blocked railroad I can keep these BLI's any my regular DC engines running at the same time.
