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DCv3 Sound System

Features:

Steam versions
  • 'Chuff' sound - increases with locomotive speed, or can be synchronised to axles
  • Whistle - user operated [#]
  • Bell - user operated [#]
  • Blower
  • Air pumps - played at random
  • Safety valve - played at random
  • Can drive auxiliary audio amplifier for higher power
  • Operates from track power 12V or 24V
  • Settable volume control
  • Compatible with R/C receivers
  • Small 69mm x 24mm footprint (2.7" x 0.95")
  • Easy to install
  • Already built & tested!
  • Designed and assembled in the U.S.A.
  • Main 'chuff' sound can be turned off to use only the other sounds
 Diesel versions
  • Prime Mover sound with 8 notches!
  • Force Full RPM setting regardless of throttle setting [#]
  • Horn - user operated [#]
  • Bell - with simultaneous motor sound! [#]
  • Brake release sound
  • Compressor relief valve sound
  • Built-in audio amplifier (1W)
  • Can drive auxiliary audio amplifier for higher power
  • Operates from DC power 12V or 24V
  • Settable notch threshold
  • Settable volume control
  • Compatible with R/C receivers
  • Small 69mm x 24mm footprint (2.7" x 0.95")
  • Easy to install
  • Already built & tested!
  • Designed and assembled in the U.S.A.

Notes:

  1. # User operated inputs by simple switch (or open collector transistor) input.
  2. Features an optically coupled input sensor. This means that any connection to J3 pins 1, 2, and 3, do not electrically connect to any other power to the board!
  3. No reverse polarity protection provided in module. Unit may be damaged permanently (!) if reverse polarity applied. Protection can be optionally fitted by a diode (See [X] in Ride-on Application Note).
  4. Be certain that the components on the circuit board do not come in contact with any metal objects as such contact can destroy the sound system.
  5. Absolute maximum DC supply voltage 32V! Unit will be damaged at higher voltages.

OVERVIEW:

  1. This device is an electronic, self contained, sound system for installation in model locomotives.
  2. The sound system consists of a printed circuit board, and all required 2-pin and 3-pin connectors with wires. A speaker completes the sound system, and is provided by the user to suit individual space available.
  3. Make sure that the components on the circuit board do not come in contact with any metal objects as such contact can destroy the sound system (e.g. the engine chassis or other wiring). The speaker should be mounted as per available space, bearing in mind that sound reproduction is enhanced when a speaker is properly enclosed and baffled.
  4. An on/off switch, while not essential, is recommended.

 

SOUND INFORMATION

Steam versions
 Diesel versions
PRIME MOVER (Diesel)

Sounds range from idle to full RPM with eight notches. With no throttle or speed input, the sound system will produce engine idle sounds. As a throttle is advanced, a brake release will sound (see below), and the diesel sound will initially accelerate to notch #4, and then seek the correct notch setting for throttle setting. There will be a distinct volume increase during acceleration. Full RPM, regardless of throttle setting, can be forced if desired with single pole switch.

AIR RELEASE (Pops)

Air is pumped continuously in a diesel locomotive to maintain pressure in the brake system and for other purposes. Periodically the pressure will increase and the excess will be released through the safety valve. These AIR RELEASE sound (pops) are generated at random intervals during idle and at all notch settings.

BRAKE RELEASE

Brake Release Sound is produced when the input is advanced from the idle position. This brake release should always precede locomotive movement, but will only occur if the diesel sound is actually at idle. This requires approximatly 1.5~2V of input voltage to sense a running mode.

HORN

Horn sound is controlled by a momentary push button. The HORN will sound as long you are holding the control on. This will allow you to actually play the sound as on a real locomotive.

BELL

Bell sound is controlled by a toggle switch (or push-on/push-off button). The sound system includes a routine which ignores intermittent BELL requests, resulting in a delay when activating or deactivating the BELL. When BELL sound is requested the sound system will first adjust the diesel sound to the RPM required for simultaneous play. When deactivating, the BELL will stop at the end of a ring and the diesel sound will return to the correct notch setting. The BELL CANNOT BE ACTIVATED if the diesel sound is above notch #5.

 

CONNECTIONS - Sound Module

J1: AC or DCC Power In
1 AC input 1 or DCC rail 1 (Red)
2 AC input 2 or DCC rail 2 (Gray)

 

J2: DC Power In
1 DC power '+' (Red)
2 DC power '–' (Gray)

 

J3: Throttle input
1 Track RF input (Red)
2 Throttle/Motor 1 (Black)
3 Throttle/Motor 1 (White)

 

J4: Function Input
1 Horn (Red) [Active LOW]
2 Bell (Gray) [Active LOW]

 

J5: Motor Sound Select
1 Force Notch 8 (Red) [Active LOW]
2 Motor sound OFF (Gray) [Active LOW]

 

Speaker Output
1 Speaker connection (Earth end) (Red)
2 Speaker connection (Audio end) (Gray)

 

SYNC
1
2
3

 

CONNECTIONS - Aux Amp

(for 671/672 amplifiers)
1 DC power '+' (Red)
2 DC power "–" (Black)
3 Audio Input (Gray)

 

Speaker
1 Speaker connection
2 Speaker connection





[Updated: 18 Feb 2010] Text and photos Copyright © 2006-2012 SMEX, All rights reserved. Top of page

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