Is there a way of increasing sound volume?

[My name is Bond]

I’ve fitted an 18 pin sound decoder to a TT:120 loco and after having a few teething problems with sound downloads I have managed to get things running with the default steam sound download. As documented in earlier threads if there is a sound data issue then nothing will work but at least I now have a loco that runs.

I am using the app and Bluetooth control with a 4amp DCC transformer.

However the issue is I am underwhelmed by the sound volume. YouTube videos show locos running with high levels of sound that can be heard in the next room.

In my case the steam sound struggles to get above the noise of the rolling stock running on the track even when sound volume slider in the app is turned right up to 255. In fact beyond around level 70 there is no noticeable increase in volume.

So what am I doing wrong and how to you set the sound levels so that I can impress those who enter the playroom, rather than getting the quizzical looks currently?

As for the sound download issue with sounds over and beyond the default that is for another day.

[96RAF]

Sounds like maybe a dodgy speaker. Is the driver in an enclosure and sealed.

[My name is Bond]

Yes. The enclosure under the decoder mounting board in the tender.

Must admit I removed the pre installed speaker and fitted in its place the speaker that came with the decoder which is hardwired to the decoder with a plug connection.

I thought the pre installed speaker was a weight and so removed it and only realised after what it was. Didn’t realise it was powered by contact strips on the underside of the mounting board. Fact is the sound decoder installation instructions on this point are unclear and basically confusing and I would suggest others have inadvertently removed the pre installed speaker without realising what it was.

Notwithstanding this I would still expect the speaker included with the decoder to be a lot louder than it is.

[Fishmanoz]

Rob, in case you haven’t seen any of the available TT:120 locos, they all have the speaker fitting directly to the tender under the PCB the -N18TXS decoder connects to without any of the supplied enclosures.

The only way you could get assembly wrong would be to not remove the cover from the sticky surface and so leave it loose in the tender. The instructions are pretty clear though.

Assuming it’s properly sealed in, then the fault can only by duff speaker as you suggest or possibly decoder audio amp.

Edit: MB posted while I was typing. Surely the instruction leaflet with the loco details that a speaker is included and how it connects to the loco. If not, it should.

[Rallymatt]

I would be tempted to put the pre-fitted speaker back in as you have that. Certainly doesn’t appear that everything is correct as my TT:120 sounds are really loud, that’s on 20!

Do take care with the speaker socket, some people have knocked these off and if the solder joint has become damaged that would affect the speaker volume. The pre-fitted one would also circumvent that possible issue

[My name is Bond]

I have removed the speaker that came with the decoder and reinstalled the original equipment sound speaker that came pre installed in the loco and the sound is FANTASTIC!

Can’t believe it.

The speaker that came with the decoder was faulty.

All the nosy Parker’s that are popping their head around the playroom door are also open mouthed in amazement at the sound!

Just goes to show. It was a duff speaker.

Something to note if others encounter this.

Now just got to look at the sound downloading issue but that is for another day after I enjoy some steam working.

[Fishmanoz]

Did the leaflet or other documentation with the loco not tell you a speaker was installed?

If I were Hornby, I would be displaying it loud and clear on the box.

And just looking in the Shop, there’s no mention in the Tech Specs for the locos so people don’t know the speaker is 5here when they purchase.

[My name is Bond]

Nothing on the box or in the TT:120 instruction leaflet, or even in the website specifications, stated a speaker was pre installed.

The instruction leaflet shows both the decoder and speaker shaded and the PCB exploded away from the tender chassis suggesting it has to be unscrewed and speaker installed.

It even states “space has been allowed under the PCB for a sugar cube speaker as shown in figure 10”

Reading some of the TT:120 threads here and elsewhere I’m not the only one who has removed the pre installed speaker, in the belief it is simply a weight filling a void. It is not hardwired to the PCB and the contract strips look like the edge of something fixing it in place.

I will post a warning in the TT:120 forum immediately!

[My name is Bond]

Just to add it has now been confirmed that the TT:120 analogue train set locos do not have sound speakers fitted. Only the stand alone tender models do.

So a bit of added value if you purchase an individual loco but then you can’t purchase an 18 pin sound decoder without the speaker included. But at least you do not have to unscrew the circuit board which to be honest is doable but very fiddly if you have big fingers.

I guess though the instruction sheets enclosed for both remain the same.

[Rallymatt]

@Bond, 😁pleased you are now experiencing full volume. It’s very impressive from such a small loco isn’t it.

I guess although the main range locos are coming pre-fitted with a speaker at the moment it might not always be that way. Personally I’d rather it continues as the fitting is much neater without the wire in the TT:120 locos