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Sound On DC Layout

Gerry models in N scale and asks:

“I want to have sound on my dc layout.  Any suggestions?”

7 Responses to Sound On DC Layout

  • David Stokes says:

    If you can hear your engine from 5 feet away, the volume is too loud. Think about standing on a platform for real, when do you hear the approaching loco? from 100 metres away (300′), maybe even less. The horn is louder than the engine, but not much.
    I might be an old fart, but I think sound is a subjective thing, and for me just audible is loud enough.

  • Frank B says:

    Most DCC sound decoders can be set to run perfectly on DC with all the sounds from the loco working automatically.

    • Frank B says:

      BUT ! 
       Many modern DC controllers use PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation), which may cause problems with DCC decoders.

      If you are running a DCC loco on a DC layout,  
       1) make sure the decoder is set for DC running, and  
       2) make sure your controller provides a smooth DC voltage.

      • Bruce Woods says:

        It’s called Pulse Width modulation. Which is how DCC works, only it’s like the DC controller turned to full. The DCC (coded signals) is superimposed on that waveform. However I would remove the loco decoder and install a blanking plug if I was to run it on an Analogue (DC) system

  • Nigel says:

    Gerry, take a look at this link:

    ccgi.dcpmicro.plus.com/traintech/pdf_manuals/SFX_with_N_Gauge.pdf

    It talks about modifying the Train Tech sound chips (whick work on DC) to fit in N gauge locomotives.

    Good luck!

  • gregory david nicolson says:

    hi Gerry ,
    try IDR wired to trigger mp3 pre-recorded free sounds, of what ever tain you are running

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