DCC In-train sound in N?

[CaptOblivious]

New forum member soccertj08 recently emailed the following to me, and that I'd like to open to general discussion, being something of interest to many of us here:

Is there any way to put the actual sound of the real train onto the prototype train (n gauge version)? For example is there any way to put a the horn of a 223 Series Commuter Train, onto the Kato model of the 223 Series Commuter Train, but using a sound DCC decoder?

To which I responded thus.

It is possible, but it is likely a painful process. Also, the sound will be thin and tinny---no bass at all---because of the small speaker required. Lots of manufacturers make sound decoders. Here is a link to Digitrax's sound decoders:
http://digitrax.com/menu_sounddecoders.php
Only Digitrax currently makes sound decoders that let you load the sounds yourself. Everyone else makes decoders that come pre-loaded with sounds for North American locomotives only.

Another option, slightly more complex, would be install a sound decoder into a box like your throttle. This would allow you to use a much larger speaker, but the sound wouldn't travel with the train.

Just our of curiosity, do you know where I could get sounds of Japanese trains? I would love to provide sound for my E231-500 of EF65 for example.

[stevenh]

And the same user posted to my blog :)
I responded with:

Good morning Takahito,

Please do show me where you have found Japanese N Scale models with sound! As you can imagine, fitting the required components in Japanese locomotives would be extremely difficult. Currently my blog shows locomotives with standard DCC Decoders fitted to allow operation of headlights and movement.
Sound requires an additional speaker (like something from a pair of headphones) and fitting this into an N Scale locomotive would be very difficult. Especially in the Japanese models as they tend to use up all space with the chassis to make the locomotive as heavy as possible.
 
Once you have the decoders installed, you can hook them up to your computer via serial or usb interfaces to then transfer your required sound effects on.
 
I have found some interesting links for you:
An American locomotive with sound: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/IjStx1wwnKs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/IjStx1wwnKs</a>
MRC's Smallest Sound Decoder for N Gauge: http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2006/020706c.htm
MRC drop-in Sound Decoder for Kato F3: http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=8051
More N Scale Decoders: http://www.sodigi.com/N_Decoders.htm
 
I take it you are studying abroad? I know there isn't much happening for DCC in Japan now, but I hope they will adopt it soon.
 
Steven.

[Martijn Meerts]

Actually, there's several companies that release sound decoders that allow you to add your own sounds (although not always easily).

Some of the better sound decoders I know of are by ESU (http://www.loksound.com/), but even their "Loksound Micro" is big compared to regular, non-sound decoders.

That said, I have some H0 scale with sound, and even in those I tend to turn it off because it get annoying after a while (especially the constant chuffing of a steam locomotive ;)). I also have a 0 scale loco with sound, and I have to say, that one sounds impressive. Of course, that loco is rather big ;)

[Bernard]

I don't know if this helps but here is a review of the New LokSound decoder from a place that I bought my DCC system from.
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/loksound-review.htm

[Shashinka]

I don't know if this helps but here is a review of the New LokSound decoder from a place that I bought my DCC system from.
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/loksound-review.htm

I would think given time knowing how the Japanese modelers get that there may in the foreseeable future be onboard prototypical sound coming stock from the manufactures. I know Kato already has an in-house customization program

[alpineaustralia]

I have installed an MRC 1644 sound and motor decoder in a Kato SD70MAC diesel and it sounds fine.
I am also about to install an MRC 1636 sound and motor decoder in an Atlas GP40 diesel.
The problem with sound decoders for electric locos and shinkansen etc is that they are reasonable quiet to start off with and even then the sound is generally a hum of sorts and so you wouldnt get much value for your $89 decoder.

[soccertj08]

I have some interesting videos of train horns. In Japan the EF's, ED's and other diesel and electric locomotives operate with sounds like such: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/fxxbjskySZM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/fxxbjskySZM</a>
Within my knowledge I know that most electrically operated trains have what is called a music horn. The train uses a musical tune as a horn. Commuter Trains operating in JR West all have the same music horn which is: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/JMif849lfEk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/JMif849lfEk</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/DDPEZcFmbmQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/DDPEZcFmbmQ</a>.
For express trains in the JR West region operate with a different music horn. This is it: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/awD_rjV49Rk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/awD_rjV49Rk</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/NyGoN6ZsQkY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/NyGoN6ZsQkY</a>
I have very little knowledge about JR East, but from my understanding express trains have this horn: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/u6hxtE2s1Oc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/u6hxtE2s1Oc</a> as you can tell, it is a lot less musical than JR West.
For commuter trains in JR West, the music horn is of such: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/vJ8pjMWp4O4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/vJ8pjMWp4O4</a> The music horn is the first large musical tone right before the train leaves.
As for the N-gauge train with the sounds:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkYRlKJhA70 or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/h-rOuLwCP-Q" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/h-rOuLwCP-Q</a> ....The person who posted the second video claims that he used his cellphone to record the sound and transfered it to his train.

[CaptOblivious]

Sugoi! Very nice finds, TJ.

[Powersteamguy1790]

I've used with success the ESU Lok-Sound micro decoder in many N scale American steam locomotives. A tutorial for this decoder installation in a Kato Mikado can be seen on my website.

I've also used the Soundtraxx micro Tsunami decoder in many locomotives. The sound from this decoder is superb.

MRC also makes drop in and hardwired sound decoders for diesels and steam locomotives.

I don't know whats available in sound decoders for Japanese locomotives.

Stay cool and run steam..... 8) 8)