I'd like to add sound to my HO setup, so that the sound comes from each individual train (rather than from a stationary speaker), and I'd prefer that the sound be controlled by the operator (as opposed to being generated randomly). I'm using conventional DC power, not digital. Does anyone have a recommendation as to how to do this at reasonable cost? Can you recommend specific products?
First things first. Welcome to Trainboard. Secondly there are sound units available that work off track power. Check in the Walther's catalog under sound and power.I'm sure some of the others around here can point you in the right direction. <marquee>North American Rail Alliance</marquee>
Catt, thanks for the welcome. I have looked at the offerings in the Walthers catalog, but found the descriptions leave a lot to the immagination. For example, MRC's Soundmaster 210 appears says it supports on-board sound from a receiver installed in an Athearn stock car - but does it support multiple receivers or do you need a separate Soundmaster console for each train? Does anyone have experience with this product? How about QSI's Maxx Traxx? Modeltronics? Circuitron?
the only DC conventional sound system that I am fimiliar with is the old PFM system. It was a very high quality system in its day, and you might be able to find a used one somewhere.Brand new they were sort of expensive (500.00 or so to start) I have seen the MRC system at the stores, and the sound is OK, but you will be able to run only one train at a time here. I think the best system is the Soundtraxx DCC system, if you can afford to go DCC in the future.....Mike
I'm not sure, as I have never bothered to examine it closely, but I think on the Soundtraxx site Soundtraxx they have a sound system for conventional DC... no guarantee's.
