Adding sounds using recordable modules

I added sound to my Weinermobile, I used the Big DAWGS Sound Module.  I triggered it with the TMCC control module, that's the ERR MiniCommander 2 in the middle of the second picture.  It also drives the lights and of course the motor.

I used a guy out in California to get sounds of my choice for my MTH HD dealership.

Clem k

This worked for me!   

Heres an example I used it with on my layout to simulate a rocket blastoff.

however I did replace the original speaker with an amplified one.

-Pete

I bought a super cheap recordable sound module off ebay. I downloaded a 'night time' sound track....put the module into a trackside shack. I used a push button tho trigger. 

Kinda cool....but not much use when 5 trains running!!!

As the guys are showing, there is no shortage of sound modules from Radio Shack, eBay, model train suppliers, etc.  Most are limited to seconds or a couple minutes due to what amounts to an analog sound storage technology albeit on an IC chip.  These are less than $10.  In any case you need to convert the track AC voltage to the required DC voltage adding powered-trucks if just a plain boxcar, provide a bigger speaker - perhaps adding a small audio amp module.  Comparing to our engines, you need audio power in the several Watts range to be effective.

But the real trick is getting the TMCC/DCS command control - I assume you only need on/off triggering rather than full audio control (changing volume, selecting from individual sounds at will, etc.).  There is nothing available for DCS so I believe one of the ERR modules as GRJ shows is your only option.  I think the lowest-cost solution to basic on/off control under TMCC is their dummy engine "Mini Commander EX" for $25.  Then there are some logistical issues such as adding the infamous DCS-choke if you might be using this on a DCS layout, and determining if the ERR module has a controllable output that provides a suitable voltage to drive the sound module, and so on.

Some other thinking outside the box(car) ideas.  You can buy a remote control link for less than $10 on eBay as shown below.  In this case there's a small fob with a button that opens/closes the relay on a remote module.  So you could hook the transmitter to a TMCC ASC or DCS AIU accessory module and send the remote control on/off to the boxcar which has the relay module.  The relay then controls your sound module.  This would save a few bucks but of course requires some DIY handi-work to open up the transmitter and wire the switch into the ASC or AIU, etc.

Yet another idea is to simply transmit the sound using a wireless mic modules, a "walkie-talkie", whatever.  Some of these wireless links like for TV headsets have remarkably hi-fidelity sound.  Again, an ASC or AIU can switch on the transmitter to remotely trigger the sound in the boxcar.  The sound would come from anything local - boombox, tape recorder, PC, etc.  But again, lots of DIY handi-work.

Thanks for all your replies so far.  I am always amazed at the

amount of knowledge found on this forum.

KC