Sound only DCC board choice

Neil Robinson

Neil Robinson

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I'm investigating the possibility of installing sound in a mate's Bachmann Connie.

The loco is fitted with a NCE decoder so no motor control or lighting functions are required but the sounds will need to respond to the DCC control system.
It seems that Bachmann designed the loco to have a motor decoder in the loco and a sound unit in the tender so I'm guessing that separate sound units aren't uncommon. However I'm only familiar with the Phoenix P8 and LGB's 650xx units.

Any recommendations?

I'm also considering a smaller scale combined motor and sound decoder, with a reasonable speaker power output, for sound only. Would this be sensible?
 
Hi Neil,
Not sure if you have been following the thread about OO/HO decoders being used in our scale?

Thing to watch out for with smaller scale decoders, is the track-voltage they can tolerate, and their current rating. - Not sure of the stall-current of a Connie?

A Massoth 'S' decoder does not have motor control, so would be an option..
The MyLocoSound card can cope with PWM from the motor decoder, and you can use function outputs from the main decoder (if there are enough) to trigger effects on the card..
You *could* use the 'chuff sensor' (if fitted) to trigger the MLS card. - But may need to be creative, depending on whether this model has any electronics associated with this.

I suppose you might also find an original (American sounds) LGB card, removed from a US-outline model? - Though the physical size of this might be a problem??

PhilP.
 
Actually, a sound only DCC decoder is uncommon. The processor required to run the sound is also capable of running the motor (a lesser task)...

The Connie, in my opinion, is borderline for an HO decoder. If you are trying to do this as cheaply as possible, then you will have to buy a less-featured sound unit, and it probably won't be DCC.

The only thing that comes to mind is a MyLocoSound... A smaller loco could use a Zimo HO decoder with sound... like a MX645.... you could check the average and stall currents of the Connie and see if it's within the HO limit but I think it's marginal.


Greg
 
You might also check out the Faller 180730 Sound Module. The manual can be accessed on their website. But, it may be too big physically for your application at roughly 10x9x4 cm. I bought one to add Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs singing "Little Red Riding Hood" to a 42260 Augsbuger Puppenkiste boxcar - another round TUIT.

Phil S.
 
I would go with the Massoth S.
 
DIETZ make a small decoder called the DCC2SUSI, whoes name pretty much describes its purpose. It is a small decoder with only a SUSI output and costs 20 Euro. It is designed for up to G Scale working to 24V and including LGB serial pulse options. Use it with a SUSI only sound decoder, which DIETZ also make, and you have a sound only decoder. Cheaper than a Massoth S.

I have a couple of these DCC2SUSI units. Iteal for adding sound to non sound LGB DCC equiped locos or any DCC equiped loco without a SUSI interface.

Dietz DCC-Dekoder DCC2SUSI
 
Thanks for the replies.
Should my mate go for sound he'll now be able to make a well informed choice
That Dietz SUSI board, of which I was unaware, may prove useful on some projects
 
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