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Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Fri May 22, 2026 8:04 am
by 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
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Fri May 22, 2026 3:49 pm
by ge_rik
BryanW wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 8:04 am
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
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Fri May 22, 2026 4:03 pm
by 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
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Fri May 22, 2026 10:12 pm
by 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
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 6:15 pm
by 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
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 7:23 pm
by Palmerston
Phil.P wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 6:15 pm
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.
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 10:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Thu May 28, 2026 6:00 am
by philipy
Johnnie1000 wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 10:24 pm
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.
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Thu May 28, 2026 9:41 am
by Johnnie1000
philipy wrote: Thu May 28, 2026 6:00 am
Johnnie1000 wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 10:24 pm
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.
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 8:07 pm
by Phil.P
Long, long ago, in a time before the plague.....
Mtroniks had a lifetime warranty on their speed controllers, and I had replacements..
I am guessing that once they had supplied a critical mass of these, it was not viable to continue this?
I have a bit of a 'love-hate' with them, as not being VAT registered or having a physical shop, they would not supply me directly.
Luckily, I have a very understanding supplier who would obtain these, and supply me 'at cost'.
Phil.P
Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2026 9:13 am
by Palmerston
Just visited Mtronik's website and there is a new module visible, 6 series, with the same dimensions as the old 5 series and only suitable for brushed motors, so a great replacement. Good news, just not available yet!
Their Facebook page was last updated on Dec 8, 2016, and the X Twitter has had no posts at all since it was created in 2014.
I did send an email about availability, so wait for that.....