Nine "N"gines Notching.....

[ednadolski]

I would like to see a manufacturer integrate a sound decoder into a throttle body -- so when you dialed up a loco - the throttle also generates the sounds from a duplicate sound file .. you could then put a much larger speaker in the throttle -- another option, bluetooth headphones paired to the throttle -- the tech is there .. maybe someone needs to start a "kickstarter"  and bring out that product

Hmm, you wouldn't even need a decoder for that. Just something that can sync a command to an appropriate loaded sound file. Probably something that can be bodged through JMRI.

https://www.jmri.org/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/vsdecoder/VSDecoderFrame.shtml

JMRI Virtual Sound Decoder Decoder Window
The Virtual Sound Decoder ("VSDecoder" for short) sits on your computer, listening to its assigned decoder address. When you do things to the throttle (change speed or press the function button), it makes sounds, just like a physical sound decoder in your locomotive would - except the sound comes from your computer.
Virtual Sound Decoder is completely independent of the hardware layout, and can be used in stand-alone mode. You don't even have to have a locomotive in the Roster to use it.
You do need to have a working sound system and speakers on your computer, of course!

Note, never tried it myself.... That being said, any time you drag a computer into something, the complexity goes up exponentially....

Ed

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Virtual Sound Decoders you say?
It's pretty neat stuff.
https://conrail1285.com/getting-started-with-jmri-virtual-sound-decoders/

Maybe not THE solution for a large layout, but for a smaller switching rig? Kinda just what the doctor ordered.

[peteski]

I would like to see a manufacturer integrate a sound decoder into a throttle body -- so when you dialed up a loco - the throttle also generates the sounds from a duplicate sound file .. you could then put a much larger speaker in the throttle -- another option, bluetooth headphones paired to the throttle -- the tech is there .. maybe someone needs to start a "kickstarter"  and bring out that product

Yes, but then you lose the sound following the model, which to me is the best thing about loco-mounted sound-equipped locos.  But we all have different ideas what we like about DCC sound.

[dem34]

I just like the flexibility that a commercialized version would offer. At the end of the day, particularly in N it can be quite difficult to even get sound into some models in the first place. Even if there is a loss in the immersion of the source being centered on the locomotive itself it would open up avenues for atleast getting the feel of industrial critters and small steam.

[John]

Virtual Sound Decoders you say?
It's pretty neat stuff.
https://conrail1285.com/getting-started-with-jmri-virtual-sound-decoders/

Maybe not THE solution for a large layout, but for a smaller switching rig? Kinda just what the doctor ordered.

I'm aware of the VSD .. maybe if you use a phone or tablet basted throttle . this could be a solution .. will have to play with it when I get time

[John]

Yes, but then you lose the sound following the model, which to me is the best thing about loco-mounted sound-equipped locos.  But we all have different ideas what we like about DCC sound.

How so. I walk around the layout with my throttle -- so if the sound comes out of it - it's the same effect (mostly )

[Ed Kapuscinski]

A super basic way to do this all: setup JMRI on a PC connected to your layout, run a VSD on it. Connect to it via Bluetooth headphones while you walk around. Boom.

[peteski]

How so. I walk around the layout with my throttle -- so if the sound comes out of it - it's the same effect (mostly )

Totally different effect.  Our ears (assuming they are healthy) can spatially locate sounds.  I don't know about you, but I don't constantly follow the locomotive of the train I'm driving on the layout.  The track also is not always constant distance from the edge of the layout.   Sometimes it angles away from the edge. Sometimes it disappears behind a hill, or in a tunnel.  Our ears can distinguish those subtle nuances of changing sound.  When the loco moves away from the listener, he can tell that it is moving away.  If it disappears behind a hill, the sound also changes. If it goes in a tunnel. the sound is also attenuated.  I also enjoy standing in place as my train passes by.  I can hear sound of the loco traveling past me (just as if I was standing by 1:1 train passing by me in the distance.

Another good example of moving sound installed in models are the sound effect decoders from Soundtraxx.  My friend runs a passenger train with sound decoder in the loco, and also 3 sound effect decoders in the cars spread in the consist.  The effect is pretty amazing when you stand and watch the train pass by you.  First the loco sound goes by and fades, then as the train keeps on running by you, the car mounted sound decoders produce random sounds of the train moving.  Rail clicks, little squeaks, etc.  It is very realistic.

None of this would be possible if the sound was emanating from the throttle or a headset.

[tehachapifan]

Totally different effect.  Our ears (assuming they are healthy) can spatially locate sounds.  I don't know about you, but I don't constantly follow the locomotive of the train I'm driving on the layout.  The track also is not always constant distance from the edge of the layout.   Sometimes it angles away from the edge. Sometimes it disappears behind a hill, or in a tunnel.  Our ears can distinguish those subtle nuances of changing sound.  When the loco moves away from the listener, he can tell that it is moving away.  If it disappears behind a hill, the sound also changes. If it goes in a tunnel. the sound is also attenuated.  I also enjoy standing in place as my train passes by.  I can hear sound of the loco traveling past me (just as if I was standing by 1:1 train passing by me in the distance....

....None of this would be possible if the sound was emanating from the throttle or a headset.

^^This^^

That said, everyone is different and is free to choose to pursue what makes them happy in this hobby. Many years ago, long before DCC and before I switched from HO scale, I had a transformer-sized sound control unit I hooked to a speaker under the layout that had a basic diesel rumble that, IIRC, throttled up when I increased throttle on the actual transformer. It also had a slide bar for the horn that was a little odd and sounded a bit to transistorized(?), but you could kind'a learn to play it pretty well. I used it for quite a while with a lot of enjoyment. No comparison to my N scale ESU and Zimo sound installs though.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One other aspect to think about.

There are a few different sound "use cases".

One is as an added dimension to our enjoyment of our railroads from a "railfan perspective". In this case, making sure that sounds sync up with the equipment, etc... are all key factors.

Another is "operational sound". In this case the sound experience matters from an interactive perspective. When you're switching you need to ring the bell when you're moving. You need to blow for crossings. You need to blow the signal to call in your flagmen. Stuff like that.

In each case the sound experience expectations differ.

It's best if both of those cases are covered, but the suitability of partial solutions differs based on which one you're in.

And also... I can't believe how much I now not only talk like a corporate douchebag but also think like one. lol

[Mark5]

I'm holding out for N scale rain ... 

[peteski]

. . .
It's best if both of those cases are covered, but the suitability of partial solutions differs based on which one you're in.

And also... I can't believe how much I now not only talk like a corporate douchebag but also think like one. lol

You are drinking the corporate Cool-Aid man!
But you're still not using enough buzzwords like "synergy", "leverage", "collaborate", "facilitate", and so on. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You are drinking the corporate Cool-Aid man!
But you're still not using enough buzzwords like "synergy", "leverage", "collaborate", "facilitate", and so on. 

I was joking with my coworkers the other day about how one of them actually said "synergy" to their family and lived to tell the tale.

[MK]

I'm holding out for N scale rain ... 

Or N scale wind.  Just serve beans at op sessions.   

[Jbub]

Or N scale wind.  Just serve beans at op sessions.   

We don't need to model wind blowing over a sewage processing plant.