dallee-electronics electric sound version 3 w auto horn User Manual
OVERVIEW: This device is an electronic, self contained, sound system for installation in model
electric locomotives that are designed to operate with conventional DC track power or other types of
command control systems including radio with either track or battery power, also as a stationary
sound unit. Because of its dimensions (2.7" x 0.9" x approx. 0.5" high) the sound system may be
limited to installations in some powered units making the need for use of a "dummy" unit or a trailing
car. This unit differs from the standard DC type sound systems in that it contains automatic Horn
play patterns each time the input is triggered. Triggering the play patterns is done by the use of a
reed switch passing a fixed magnet. The Bell is also triggerd on and off in the same manner. Large
gauge "G" operators usually place the reed switch beneath the locomotive. One side is used for the
Horn, the other side for the Bell. Magnet trips are then placed in the track. Another method of
operation is to operate the sound system as a stationary unit and place the magnets on the
underside of an engine or car.
electric locomotives that are designed to operate with conventional DC track power or other types of
command control systems including radio with either track or battery power, also as a stationary
sound unit. Because of its dimensions (2.7" x 0.9" x approx. 0.5" high) the sound system may be
limited to installations in some powered units making the need for use of a "dummy" unit or a trailing
car. This unit differs from the standard DC type sound systems in that it contains automatic Horn
play patterns each time the input is triggered. Triggering the play patterns is done by the use of a
reed switch passing a fixed magnet. The Bell is also triggerd on and off in the same manner. Large
gauge "G" operators usually place the reed switch beneath the locomotive. One side is used for the
Horn, the other side for the Bell. Magnet trips are then placed in the track. Another method of
operation is to operate the sound system as a stationary unit and place the magnets on the
underside of an engine or car.
An on/off switch (not included) must be used to power the sound unit on and off in some
applications. The audio amplifier can produce 1.1 watt of power which is in excess of what most
small speakers can handle. If more audio power is desired, an amplifier such as item #671 or #672
can be used. The speaker impedance must be 8 ohms or higher. Sound volume is adjustable. Refer
to our catalog for available speakers. Always try to use the largest size speaker for the space
allotted or multiple cluster's of four smaller speakers also works well.
small speakers can handle. If more audio power is desired, an amplifier such as item #671 or #672
can be used. The speaker impedance must be 8 ohms or higher. Sound volume is adjustable. Refer
to our catalog for available speakers. Always try to use the largest size speaker for the space
allotted or multiple cluster's of four smaller speakers also works well.
Sounds produced via momentary reed switch closure are automated horn patterns, and a bell.
Non-user controllable sounds include brake release and electric cooling fan sound automatically
activated.
Non-user controllable sounds include brake release and electric cooling fan sound automatically
activated.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: The sound system consists of a printed circuit board, a speaker,
four 2-pin connectors with wires and one 3-pin connectors with wires. Refer to the drawing on page
2 to familiarize yourself with the connectors and controls on the sound board. Then refer to the
specific instruction sheets for the type of installation you intend to make. Before proceeding with the
2 to familiarize yourself with the connectors and controls on the sound board. Then refer to the
specific instruction sheets for the type of installation you intend to make. Before proceeding with the
installation read the balance of the instructions carefully so you will be completely familiar with what
is required and what sounds you should hear.
is required and what sounds you should hear.
The circuit board should be mounted so that at minimum, the volume control is accessible either
through the frame or via a hatch or a hole in the locomotive body shell. 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. 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.
through the frame or via a hatch or a hole in the locomotive body shell. 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. 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.
If a DC locomotive is not moving, there is no track power, therefore to have sound it is necessary to
have a separate power supply for the sound system. For in locomotive use, this separate supply is a
battery. Without a battery, the sound will not work at lower track voltages. For some this is not a
problem. Drawings are supplied for multiple types of connections. If using batteries, we suggest the
use of one 9 volt or 6 AA or 6 AAA batteries in series to maximize volume potential and battery life.
Rechargeable batteries can be used. When connecting the battery (DC) power leads be absolutely
have a separate power supply for the sound system. For in locomotive use, this separate supply is a
battery. Without a battery, the sound will not work at lower track voltages. For some this is not a
problem. Drawings are supplied for multiple types of connections. If using batteries, we suggest the
use of one 9 volt or 6 AA or 6 AAA batteries in series to maximize volume potential and battery life.
Rechargeable batteries can be used. When connecting the battery (DC) power leads be absolutely
certain that wires connect to the proper DC input leads.
Installation of the reed switches is easily done by making the appropriate wire connections and
placing the reed switch in the proper location for magnet activation. When removing the reed
placing the reed switch in the proper location for magnet activation. When removing the reed
switches, be careful not to crack the glass. Do not bend the leads at the glass ends, use a needle
nose pliers to hold the wire entering the glass and then bend the wire. Bending at the glass will
break or deform the alignment of the reed switch. Carefully solder wires and cut excess lead ends.
Reed switches are not warranted under any circumstance since they are quite fragile and easily
broken physically and electrically. Extra reed switches are available, item 989. After appropriate
lengths of wire are placed on the reed switch, secure the reed switch with either double sided tape
(item 388) or other type of glue. Make sure that all wires to the reed switches and sound system do
not come into contact with any other metal or power wire since this may damage the sound system.
Reed switches are not warranted under any circumstance since they are quite fragile and easily
broken physically and electrically. Extra reed switches are available, item 989. After appropriate
lengths of wire are placed on the reed switch, secure the reed switch with either double sided tape
(item 388) or other type of glue. Make sure that all wires to the reed switches and sound system do
not come into contact with any other metal or power wire since this may damage the sound system.
If any connections are not done properly, especially the power connections, you will damage the
sound system. This type of damage is not covered under any warranty. The sound system is
thoroughly tested and inspected before packing to insure proper function. There is a minimum
charge of $35.00 plus s/h for repair.
thoroughly tested and inspected before packing to insure proper function. There is a minimum
charge of $35.00 plus s/h for repair.
SPEAKER MOUNTING: The speaker generally should be mounted so that the sound can actually
"get out" of the locomotive. A hole in the floor or fuel tank is acceptable but open grills or a doorway
may be a better choice as the sound can exit upward rather than down toward the track. In some
cases, particularly with plastic body shells, just mounting the speaker against the shell will be
adequate as the vibrations of the shell can enhance the sound. Enclosing the speaker in a chamber
"get out" of the locomotive. A hole in the floor or fuel tank is acceptable but open grills or a doorway
may be a better choice as the sound can exit upward rather than down toward the track. In some
cases, particularly with plastic body shells, just mounting the speaker against the shell will be
adequate as the vibrations of the shell can enhance the sound. Enclosing the speaker in a chamber
will also enhance sound reproduction. A very simple enclosure can be made with a tube. The longer
the tube the better the speaker will reproduce low frequency sounds. It is usually best to seal the
the tube the better the speaker will reproduce low frequency sounds. It is usually best to seal the
end of the tube, so there are no air passages to the rear of the speaker, thus creating a sound
chamber. By carefully sealing all openings it may be possible to use the entire body shell as a
sound chamber. A simple wall behind the speaker may be all that is possible or perhaps all that is
needed.
chamber. By carefully sealing all openings it may be possible to use the entire body shell as a
sound chamber. A simple wall behind the speaker may be all that is possible or perhaps all that is
needed.
Speakers can be attached with double sided tape, with glue or with "hot melt". Enclosures can be
made with plastic, wood, card stock or even metal. Film cans or medicine bottles make excellent
sound chamber enclosures for small diameter speakers. Attachment with "hot melt" is
advantageous as the "hot melt" can be used as a gap filler when creating an enclosure.
made with plastic, wood, card stock or even metal. Film cans or medicine bottles make excellent
sound chamber enclosures for small diameter speakers. Attachment with "hot melt" is
advantageous as the "hot melt" can be used as a gap filler when creating an enclosure.
A second speaker, wired in series with the main speaker, can also enhance sound quality and will
permit a higher volume without damage to the individual speakers. A tube with a speaker at each
end or a speaker in a doorway at each end of a body shell is an excellent approach. A four speaker
approach will yield the highest volume while still maintaining the 8 ohm minimum requirement.
Drawings for this are included in the speaker instructions.
end or a speaker in a doorway at each end of a body shell is an excellent approach. A four speaker
approach will yield the highest volume while still maintaining the 8 ohm minimum requirement.
Drawings for this are included in the speaker instructions.
Speaker enclosure is an art and experimentation is definitely in order for your installation so as to
gain the maximum benefit of the superb sound quality available in this sound system.
gain the maximum benefit of the superb sound quality available in this sound system.
SOUND INFORMATION:
All sounds are discussed assuming that the sound unit is fully powered at all times. If only powered
from track power, the sounds will only start when sufficient track voltage is obtained.
from track power, the sounds will only start when sufficient track voltage is obtained.
COOLING FANS (ELECTRIC): sounds range from silent (fans do not operate when not running) to
full fan rpm. With no power to the track / motor the sound system will produce no sounds. As a
throttle is advanced to put the locomotive in motion, a brake release will sound (see below) and the
electric fans will accelerate to full rpm. When track / motor power is removed the fans will, after a
throttle is advanced to put the locomotive in motion, a brake release will sound (see below) and the
electric fans will accelerate to full rpm. When track / motor power is removed the fans will, after a
period of time, ramp down in rpm and then stop.
BRAKE RELEASE: sound is produced when the throttle is advanced from the idle position. This
brake release should always precede locomotive movement but will only occur if the locomotive
brake release should always precede locomotive movement but will only occur if the locomotive
sound is actually at idle. This BRAKE RELEASE requires approximatly 1.5 to 2 volts of input voltage
(J3) to activate.
(J3) to activate.
HORN: sound is controlled by the reed switch trigger. Upon closure of the reed switch via an
external magnet, the sound system will begin to play appropriate Horn patterns. Each activation will
trigger a different Horn signal (play pattern). We used appropriate railroad patterns for a moving
train.
trigger a different Horn signal (play pattern). We used appropriate railroad patterns for a moving
train.
1
IN LOCOMOTIVE ELECTRIC SOUND
with automated Horn play by
CAUTION: this device can be damaged by static discharge. Please exercise care during installation to avoid this possibility.
Discharge yourself to an electrical ground (outlet cover screw) before removing this device from its anti-static bag. Please read
Discharge yourself to an electrical ground (outlet cover screw) before removing this device from its anti-static bag. Please read
instruction sheet completely before attempting to install and operate this product.
Save the anti-static bag for possible reuse of storing or shipping the sound unit!
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