Sound card for 6 volt supply

[BryanW]

Hello,

I am considering adding a sound card to my one and only battery loco. However I cannot find one that has a working voltage as low as the 6 volts available from the battery that is in the loco. The one I am looking at is the Micron Mini Sound Module (MSND01) but the bumf makes it clear that 7volts is the absolute minimum voltage. I have read about but have no knowledge of "voltage upscalers" or whatever they are called but havent a clue what to look for or where to buy. As usual there isnt a lot of space to add the sound module, the "upscaler" and the speaker.
Can anyone help please. It doesnt have to be the Micron - anything that will work with this voltage will be considered.

Thank you in anticipation.

BryanW

[ge_rik]

Hello,

I am considering adding a sound card to my one and only battery loco. However I cannot find one that has a working voltage as low as the 6 volts available from the battery that is in the loco. The one I am looking at is the Micron Mini Sound Module (MSND01) but the bumf makes it clear that 7volts is the absolute minimum voltage. I have read about but have no knowledge of "voltage upscalers" or whatever they are called but havent a clue what to look for or where to buy. As usual there isnt a lot of space to add the sound module, the "upscaler" and the speaker.
Can anyone help please. It doesnt have to be the Micron - anything that will work with this voltage will be considered.

Thank you in anticipation.

BryanW

Hi Bryan
If you search for step up converter on eBay you het dozens eg - https://ebay.us/m/GnGAYF
This is adjustable so you'd need a multimeter to set it to the value you want.

If you want a basic diesel sound, you can get them more cheaply. This runs on 3.6v - 8v - https://ebay.us/m/wytQ2r

The MTroniks card is very good. Not sure if it works on 6v it just says 12v max - https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/ac ... 5MSMT.html

Edit: Just found the more recent version of this module on the MTroniks website and it does operate from 6 to 12v - https://www.mtroniks.net/prod/Sound-Sys ... escription

Rik

[ge_rik]

Another possibility is a Train Tech module. Completely self contained and very small. However, not really a narrow gauge steam or diesel sound - eg https://www.petersspares.com/p/train-te ... nd-capsule

Rik

[BryanW]

Thank you Rik.

I should have made it clear that this is a steam outline loco, not a diesel so that rules out the tug boat sounds.

Bryan

[Phil.P]

Be aware the Mtroniks soundcards are no longer the little square ones..
The new ones are H-U-G-E!

If you are running from 6V then then MR601 is a combined receiver and speed controller, which will slip in almost anywhere.

Phil.P

[Palmerston]

Be aware the Mtroniks soundcards are no longer the little square ones..
The new ones are H-U-G-E!
Phil.P

Indeed, i asked Mtroniks if they could supply the older model 5 with Small Diesel sound as this still was in stock at their factory but with the wrong sound. Nope, not possible to reprogram the sound. The newer larger model doesnt fit in my Little John. I also asked why their new module/card is so BIG. No reply, made clear this size is not suitable for model trains. They must be aware of this as they supply these modules to Roundhouse for Harlech/ Criccieth castle.

[Johnnie1000]

I do like the Mtronics sound cards. Particularly the twin engine tug boat that sat rather well in my diesel shunter. However, please be aware that if you make the mistake of putting 12.0001v through it, you will be delighted to see the magic smoke. You'll be delighted further when you call them to be told in an offhand way that there are no serviceable components inside the unit and the only choice is replacement. For that money, I would have expected some sort of protection circuit. Or a huge label.

[philipy]

if you make the mistake of putting 12.0001v through it, you will be delighted to see the magic smoke.

Well if the instructions say 6v, trying 12v is not the most sensible, tbh. For about 5quid you could simply install a voltage regulator between battery and board and solve the problem.

[Johnnie1000]

if you make the mistake of putting 12.0001v through it, you will be delighted to see the magic smoke.

Well if the instructions say 6v, trying 12v is not the most sensible, tbh. For about 5quid you could simply install a voltage regulator between battery and board and solve the problem.

Yup. I know that now.