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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?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
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.
Most DCC sound decoders can be set to run perfectly on DC with all the sounds from the loco working automatically.
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.
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
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!
Thanks
hi Gerry ,
try IDR wired to trigger mp3 pre-recorded free sounds, of what ever tain you are running