Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

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SanDogDewey
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Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 10:57 pm
Location: Seaside, Oregon

Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by SanDogDewey »

Any recommendations for sound cards that work well with a 4QD Pro-160 controller?
SanDogDewey
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Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 10:57 pm
Location: Seaside, Oregon

Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by SanDogDewey »

Ordered a Phoenix PB-17 card to go with the 4QD Pro-160 controller. Should have it in a couple of days. Hoping to run this off the 10K speed control pot. More to follow.
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kcameron
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Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by kcameron »

I would say the P8 sound card is the simplest to install. It does very well just tapped into the center of the throttle pot. The others are newer but you may have to add a diode or two and other small parts depending on how you wire them. Not hard, just more work to figure out for the newer boards.
-ken cameron
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jcbrock
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Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by jcbrock »

Our battery loco has a P8 and it doesn't have any connection to the controller at all. It has a connection to the motor leads to make the sound speed up and slow down, then connections to 12v power, the speaker, and pushbuttons for individual sounds (whistle and bell). Pretty simple. I need to add a separate 12v horn though, as I prefer to run with the sound off and then you need an alternate warning device. I'd really like to be able to use any model locomotive DCC sound decoder for sound only, obviously they can't control the amperage levels.
John Brock
SanDogDewey
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Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by SanDogDewey »

I’ve been reading through the installation instructions and it looks like it is doable. The card should be here tomorrow. It is programmed for a Bachmann 2-6-0, so I need to reprogram it for my “Diesel” switcher. I can’t find anyone who has the Phoenix computer interface for sale, so my diesel may sound like a steam engine for a while. I’ve got an email into Phoenix, but haven’t heard back. I heard they’re having supplier issues like everyone else. Funny, the 4QD controller was at my door 3 days after ordering it from the UK!
SanDogDewey
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Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 10:57 pm
Location: Seaside, Oregon

Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by SanDogDewey »

I see where the Phoenix software is downloadable from their website. I’ve emailed them once and left two voicemails with no response. Is it possible to borrow a USB programming cable to reprogram my PB-17?
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kcameron
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Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by kcameron »

I'd suggest asking around any G-gauge groups you know about the programming cable. Those chips are very popular with that scale. You are more likely to find somebody with one around those locos.
-ken cameron
Syracuse Model Railroad Club http://www.SyracuseModelRr.org/
CNY Modelers http://www.cnymod.com/
Finger Lakes Live Steamers http://www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org/
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Glenn Brooks
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Re: Sound Card for 4QD PRO-160

Post by Glenn Brooks »

Also, try a search here on Chaski. I seem to remember a not to old thread that discussed Pheonix sound cards, and several others.

Glenn
Moderator - Grand Scale Forum

Motive power : 1902 A.S.Campbell 4-4-0 American - 12 5/8" gauge, 1955 Ottaway 4-4-0 American 12" gauge

Ahaha, Retirement: the good life - drifting endlessly on a Sea of projects....
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