N Gauge Sound Transmission


Danggali

New Member
Hi,

I'm new here and in model railroads. I'm hoping to build an N Gauge layout inside a sea-container (6m x 1.2m)

All my info at the moment comes from google and youtube. I've never heard an n-gauge loco sound in real life. But it seems to me that they all sound a little 'tinny'.

I'm wondering does anybody know if the sound card has an audio-out? (even if you have to solder to the card) I want to add sub-woofer sounds synchronised to the load on the diesel.

Alternatively, are there specialist sound cards that someone/anyone makes?

Ta in advance.

Greg. :)
 
I've never heard an n-gauge loco sound in real life. But it seems to me that they all sound a little 'tinny'.
Yup, darn physics.

I'm wondering does anybody know if the sound card has an audio-out? (even if you have to solder to the card) I want to add sub-woofer sounds synchronized[sic] to the load on the diesel.
In addition to the BLI rolling thunder system there are several other ways to do this. The easiest is to purchase a separate sound decoder that connects to the stationary sound system. Just program the decoder to the same channel as the locomotive and there you go. The downside of this concept is you either have to reprogram the stationary decoder every time you switch locos or have a bunch of stationary decoders. If you use the output of a sound decoder as input to the stereo system it would be best to add a resistor.

I thought some of the Phoenix Sound units had aux outputs, but I just looked at their website and don't see it mentioned. I sent them an e-mail asking. I also ask if the sound processors even generate frequencies in the sub-woofer range. It would be silly to attach it to a sub-woofer if there aren't even any frequencies that low coming from the source. I think for N-scale it would be a great improvement just to add midrange and normal woofer speakers to it. A speaker as small as will fit in N has to be overdriving attempting to get below high mid range (1280hz).

There is also a system called Surround Trax that is designed to use high quality speakers placed around the layout. The system uses feed back from the loco decoder to know the location and sends the sound to the appropriate speaker(s). It does not work with all decoders. Only decoders with a given feed back system. But it is two steps above having a stationary off-board sound location, and depending on the number of locos could be lots cheaper than having a duplicate decoder for each. It is made by the SoundTraxx people in Durango.

I assume you want DCC so I won't describe the old systems like PFM that had units specifically made to add the off-board sound.
 
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Yup, darn physics.

In addition to the BLI rolling thunder system there are several other ways to do this. The easiest is to purchase a separate sound decoder that connects to the stationary sound system. Just program the decoder to the same channel as the locomotive and there you go. The downside of this concept is you either have to reprogram the stationary decoder every time you switch locos or have a bunch of stationary decoders. If you use the output of a sound decoder as input to the stereo system it would be best to add a resistor.


Is it possible to program a stationary decoder to the loco? That is, in addition to the onboard sound card, so both cards are synchronised?
 
Is it possible to program a stationary decoder to the loco? That is, in addition to the onboard sound card, so both cards are synchronised?
That would require some sort of wireless transmission and receiver, Wifi or Bluetooth, and only the system produced by BLI so far has that. Whether BLI is willing to sell their decoders for fitting to other model maker's locos, or only as replacements of their own, don't know, but given it's their speciality, I doubt it. As I understand it, the system recognises more than just one.
 
Demo video. You will need a reasonably decent sound system with subwoofer preferably to get the full effect

I hooked this up and watched it. It works fine. But I have a question, how do I know the sound that's rumbling through my shack is coming from the Rumblin Thunder Box? It maybe I'm hearing it so good because it's my amp and sub-woofer?
 
That would require some sort of wireless transmission and receiver, Wifi or Bluetooth, and only the system produced by BLI so far has that.

Wouldn't it be possible to just fit an audio-bluetooth device into one of the rail stock? They're not expensive. Then, if the sound card has an audio out, or if it's speaker wires have enough potential to drive the bluetooth then you can wireless to your amp.

You could probably take it out of it's case or disguise it as a load on a flatbed.




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51vIZLM-7uL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
 
Hope I'm not pestering you guys too much? Any help is really welcome to me. :)

I'm only at the planning stage. Is there anything fundamentally wrong with this track. It's a desert layout, near Broken Hill in Australia. Minimum scenery. Just passing through country like this.

Desert.jpg




I figured it takes an n-gauge loco 30 seconds to travel 6 metres. If you want scale of 120km/hr real time. And 1 minute to cross 6 metres. At 60km/hr real time. Not sure if that's right. They were just going to be the outer main line/s speed. So that a double or triple headed consist of 50 trucks would take a minute to cross from right to left?

I only want a minimum of points, just enough for the grand-brats to shunt around with. In the Inglenook problem I think there are 8 trucks and you have to shunt-order 5 of them. My plan is to make each one of the eight trucks into 8 trains of 10 trucks each, so the final train leaving the station for the main line will be pulling 50 trucks. Hope that makes sense?

Each shunt-siding (in red) can hold only (3) 30 trucks. In my drawing I have two extra shunt lines but I may not use them.

Does anyone have a rough length for 30 coupled n-gauge trucks? Fuel tankers, containers, etc?

Have I got enough points? (switches)

If this is all a bit non-standard and a touch crazy, just say so. I won't be offended.

NGauge.jpg


Ta if anyone can help

Greg :)
 
Wouldn't it be possible to just fit an audio-bluetooth device into one of the rail stock? They're not expensive. Then, if the sound card has an audio out, or if it's speaker wires have enough potential to drive the bluetooth then you can wireless to your amp.

You could probably take it out of it's case or disguise it as a load on a flatbed.




TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver, 2-in-1 Wireless 3.5mm Adapter (aptX Low Latency, 2 Devices Simultaneously, for TV/Home Sound System/Car/Nintendo Switch)
by TaoTronics



Amazon's Choicefor "bluetooth transmitter"

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View attachment 43434
Getting way past me.
 
Is it possible to program a stationary decoder to the loco? That is, in addition to the onboard sound card, so both cards are synchronised?
It depends on the synchronization method used by the specific decoder. If it uses a physical cam or optical strobe, then no it would not be in sync. If it uses output track voltage or throttle step (which most do) then yes they can be syncronized.
 
I read the reviews and it sounds like their woofer is too small. But a simple setup and cheap.
I have been picking up really good sub-woofers (Boston Acoustics, Klipsch, JBL!, SVS, etc.) at the thrift store to use with my system. Finding good woofers is harder since many of their cone's foam has rotted and needs to be replaced.
 
This one looks like it comes with a 2watt audio output. Looks like it's already geared for the Rolling Thunder Sub Woofer.




BLI 3743 GE AC6000, BHP Iron Ore #6073, Bubbles Scheme "Fortescue", Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N


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Industry-Leading Features OVERVIEW:
ABS Body with Heavy Die Cast chassis for max. tractive effort
Features the ALL-NEW Paragon3 with Rolling Thunder SOUND & Control System (Rolling Thunder transmitter onboard)
Integral DCC Decoder with Back EMF for Industry Best Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
Precision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
Powerful Motor
Premium Caliber Painting with Authentic Paint Schemes
Prototypical Light Operation with Golden White LED Headlight, Rear Light
Couplers: (2) MicroTrains #1015
Many Separately Applied Details Minimum radius: 9.75 radius or greater recommended.
Industry-Leading SOUND / OPERATION Features:
Operates in DC & DCC (use DCMaster for DC sound)
2 Selectable Bells
3 playable horns
1 long, non-looped horn
1 alternate horn for locomotives with a second horn
4 Times Expanded Autopilot storage
Expanded Startup and Shutdown sequences
2 Watt Audio output
84 db signal to noise ratio
16 bit audio resolution
24 sounds with separate volume control
Unmatched frequency response as low as 20 Hz when paired with Rolling Thunder subwoofer kit
8 simultaneously playable audio channels
Functional Dynamic Brake with Grid Blower sounds
Improved motor control in DC and DCC
Motor short circuit protection
Works with NMRA standard DCC controllers
Automatic Dual Mode: Works with DC power packs or DCC
 
Unfortunately BLI has not as yet produced any newer large 6 axle locos in N or HO for either BHP or FMG, so you're stuck with the AC6000 for BHP. They were withdrawn some years ago now.
Athearn Genesis in their HO line is doing the SD90MAC-H Phase2, in FMG livery, but haven't seen an announcement for N yet. Of course the other thing is they don't use BLI's Paragon 3 either. Makes it hard, eh! We had an expat Aussie living in New York State who wanted to model N scale WA iron ore roads and asked about Open Hoppers to suit. I put him onto the West Aussie club and they had a member casting them in resin. I'll do some checking tomorrow at my club, here in Qld, get their correct contact details for you.
 
I may have skipped over this, sorry if I did, but I knew a fellow who simply put a sound decoder and speaker in his paper mill and gave it the same address as his switcher. The sound seemed like it was coming from the loco and bouncing off the buildings like the real thing.. I may do the same with my trackmobile.
 
I'll do some checking tomorrow at my club, here in Qld, get their correct contact details for you.

Hi, I'm in QLD too. But spend a lot of time in Broken Hill (BHP) so that one suits me, as my track above is 'imaginary' The Broken Hill Railyards.

Greg. :)
 
I may have skipped over this, sorry if I did, but I knew a fellow who simply put a sound decoder and speaker in his paper mill and gave it the same address as his switcher. The sound seemed like it was coming from the loco and bouncing off the buildings like the real thing.. I may do the same with my trackmobile.

That's good news. I'll try that.

Greg
 



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