Fitting a Loksound XL to train engineer revolution

K

keith Bristol

I'm New, Please Be Gentle
Hi,

As a first post I am after some help. I am looking to run a non dcc loksound xl with train engineer revolution from batteries at 20v approximately. I need to get the sounds for a specific loca that are only available from esu.
K
 
as far as I am aware the revolution receiver does not provide dcc signals and thus using it with a DCC decoder will not work.
 
I agree with Mark, the revolution receiver cannot generate the DCC signal.

You could possibly feed the decoder with the analogue signal, and use the decoder just as you would on an analogue layout, but you would be missing out on a lot of DCC features. In this case you would need to worry about the PWM signal produced by the receiver. Most decoders, and as far as I know the ESU LocSound is no different, do not like PWM. Crest sell a board to convert to linear DC, CRE57091.

I believe there are other sound boards that work better, and cheaper, with an analogue signal than getting a DCC sound decoder.

To load sounds into the LocSound decoder you either need the ESU programmer, or ask a dealer or mate, to load the sound for you. You probably also need to be able to program the CVs in the decoder offline, since you will not be able to do that through the revolution.
 
Great thanks for the replies. Which sound cards would you suggest with a non dcc handset and can they be programmed with sounds?
 
To go with the Train Engineer Revolution the best quality one is Phoenix PB11 (about £220....you might get an older 2K or PB9 version, second hand for about £120 to £175)
They come with many sounds programmed in for a specific loco ie one board will be for a single type of loco (but if you buy the Phoenix programmer you can load your own sounds from the Phoenix website). The sounds are for steam locos, chuff , blower, air pump, coal shovelling, dynamo, fireman Sam, brakes, coupler-clank, bell, horn etc. for diesels it is diesel engine notching, dynamic brakes, air pumps, horn bell.

There are other boards like 'Mylocosound' or Dallee, and even the LGB sound modules which will work with DC (analogue) power. They are perfectly fine, cheaper (a lot cheaper for the Mylocosound) but it depends on whether you are following an American theme, European or a British one as the bell and the horn on the Mylocosound is not good for American locos.
The LGB sound modules are for American or European and the sound are pretty good...close to the Phoenix but they are of a 'generic' type and do not have as many different sounds in each module as the PHoenix

As can be seen, a majority of the analogue sound boards are for american locos (Mylocosound could be British or European and the LGB ones are either American or European, Phoenix have a good spread of American or European sounds with one British (the Class 66 diesel), Dallee are nearly all American
You pays your money and you takes your choice :D

As has been said before, you could buy the Crest linear converter for your TE power supply and then find a DCC sound board as it will perfectly fine on DC power.
 
I have been having a few conversations with Navin at Crest, he is saying that they will be releasing sound files to suit there sound units soon. USB up load to receivers. Reckons by end of year.
 
The Tinker said:
I have been having a few conversations with Navin at Crest, he is saying that they will be releasing sound files to suit there sound units soon. USB up load to receivers. Reckons by end of year.
Click to expand...

That will be the end of 2016 then...... ;-)
 
beavercreek said:
To go with the Train Engineer Revolution the best quality one is Phoenix PB11 (about £220....you might get an older 2K or PB9 version, second hand for about £120 to £175)
Click to expand...

I also favour the Phoenix, they may be more expensive but if you're going to take the time and trouble to fit (or pay for professional fitting) you might as well go for the best.
I differ from Beavercreek in one small detail, if new I'd go for the cheaper P8. It's very similar to the PB11 but lacks the back up battery system needed for standing sounds on track powered analogue when there is little or no power to the track. In a battery powered loco the back up battery isn't needed.

IMHO the only down side to the Phoenix, other than the expense, is the limited number of European sound files.
 
Concur with Neil on this..
Also of note is the Phoenix cards have a number of 'trigger' inputs you can use with track-magnets (and reeds on the loco), or ('and' if you like) triggered from outputs on the Revolution.
 
Thanks to everyone, the Phoenix card is exactly what I need to liven up my large diesels but they are UK locos used frequently at exhibitions.
The issue for me is that you have a small OO loco at 4'' long making prototypical sounds and I have the same loco at 18'' long that makes none or sounds like a class 37.
Loading your own sounds... Umm
 
Alternatives to the class 37 are available.

Take a look at Brian Jones' products.

http://www.brianjonesmodels.co.uk/page10.html

I have found him to be very helpful, knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
 
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