DCC Sound from Select controller

[Baz48]

Hi, could anyone please enlighten me, can I use my Select DCC contoller to operate the sound facility on hornby locos fitted with "sound", and if so how does this work- please note that I have looked carefully through my select owners manual but there is no mention of the "sound" facility

Many Thanks, Barry..

[2e0dtoeric]

This should really be in the DCC threads, as there is more chance of a DCC user seeing it!

I don't have a Select controller, but a DCC sound-fitted loco will work with Select - most of the time!!!

The instructions ARE in the book, if you look properly. I can't say which page to look at, though.

On the Elite F1 (function one) turns the sounds on, and the other F(number) gives you the different ones, whistles, toots, etc.

Select can only access a limited number of the available sounds.

[Chrissaf]

"I have looked carefully through my select owners manual but there is no mention of the "sound" facility"

.

That is because sound instructions are usually found on the specific sound loco instruction sheet. The 'Select' instruction guide references how to use 'functions' in general (see section titled "Locomotive Function Control"). This section of the manual does use playing a 'Horn or Whistle' sound as an example, so to say there is NO mention of sound is not strictly true.

.

Note the following though: early Selects with firmware revisions below 1.5 can only access functions F0 to F8. Sound locos tend to have some sound functions controlled by functions higher than F8. In order to access F9 and above you will need to have your 'Select' firmware upgraded to at least firmware 1.5 if not already at this revision. Hornby charge £15 to do this. The current firmware revision level does appear very briefly in the LCD display during the power up self test process.

.

Note also, that when you are controlling the loco i.e its DCC address has been selected and it is under the control of the speed knob. You have to send a Function One (F1) command to turn sound on. With sound turned on, then sending the Function (n) command will play the sounds (where n is the relevant sound function number documented on the sound loco instruction sheet).

.

Note also, that the 'Select' Function feature operates as a 'toggle' in other words it locks on. Therefore, for momentary sounds, like a whistle or horn for example, you have to issue the relevant Function command twice. Once to play the sound, then again to 'toggle' the function to 'off'. This is all explained (albeit not very well) in the 'Select' instruction guide in the section I mentioned in the first para.

 

[2e0dtoeric]

Chrissaf read the query differently to me! I assumed the o/p couldn't get any sounds at all.

[Howbi]

Page 17 of the Select manual specifically refers to Loco Function Control and describes how to operate sound and lights functions in conjunction with the instructions that come with the sound decoder.  Modellers must be encouraged to always read the Manual first!!! HB

[Baz48]

Thanks to all for their very useful advice, I did read the manual and there is a very short piece regarding locomotive functions, however I thought that this just referred to diesel locos lights and a "tooting" of the horn as already built into the diesel  loco).

I did not realise that this function can also be used to "drive" the full range of steam sounds as available in a sound chip installed in a steam loco! - I don't have any diesel loco's, only steam- I have recently returned to the hobby after 50 years, -I had a 3 comprehensive rail hornby dublo layout when I was a boy.

Thank You very much for your help!!!

[Howbi]

Hi Baz, glad that we've be able to help get things going for you. I was in this same position as you 4 yrs ago and gradually got to learn all this new stuff and soon realised that the purchase of the Elite controller was a necessity so started saving for it.  The Elite really opens up the enjoyment of the hobby with it's twin throttles and extended range of functions not to mention the importance of addressing all the CV's. I too had a Hornby Dublo set which still runs today but I have converted the tank loco to DCC, runs like a dream!! HB

[96RAF]

To expand on what Chrissaf said about Select v1.5, I believe this upgrade gives access to the full range of 28 Functions - maybe someone who has this version could confirm this please.