We've always believed that the classic BigSound^TM was the best sound board available anywhere. However, technology has advanced since BigSound^TM was first introduced in 1995, so we started with a fresh piece of paper and created the BigSound^TM 2K2, a sound board directly supporting DCC and programmable/upgradable by the customer using the ubiquitous PC. However, technology never ceases to advance and our customer demands are endless. In the past few years technology has changed even more, enabling us to respond again to customer demands and desires. We felt it was time to create the newest member of the Phoenix family...the BigSound^TM PB9

16-bit Sound Reproduction

A 16-bit combintation microprocesssor and digital signal processor is used to produce museum-quality sound that cannot be matched by an 8-bit solution

3 Watts Power

Strong 3 Watt amplifier produces more than sufficient volume for out-of-doors use.

3-Volt Low-speed Operation

Most sound units do a poor job at low power settings - meaning at low run speeds. Not so with the PB9, it is fully operational at power settings as low as 3 Volts. There is usually some voltage loss from the track through the wheels and contacts to the board, so the track voltage may have to be 5 or 6 volts for continuous operation in order to keep the battery fully charged.

4 triggers for external control

4 different inputs provide flexibility for attaching external controls.

Twice the memory of the 2K2

The increased memory size of the PB9 means we will be adding more sounds, effects and features. Just as you asked for. Look for new and improved sounds as well.

Advanced Circuit Protection

Not likely that you'll blow up a board from making a minor installation error.

BigBoost^TM is on the board

No need to purchase a separate, slow-speed booster, it is on the board at no extra price.

Board Size

The board is 2.54 " x 0.874" x 0.50" -- smaller than the BigSound^TM 2K2 board.

Smaller Battery

The PB9 uses a 3.6V 480mAh 2/3AAA NiMH battery pack - 53% the size of the 3.6V 300mAh 2/3AA Ni-Cad 2K2 battery.

Built-in Battery Charger

No need to purchase an external battery charger. The battery is charged automatically by the PB9.

Coal loading

The sound of coal being loaded into the tender from a chute on a coal loading tower.

Coal shoveling

The sound of coal being shoveled into the fire box by the fireman.

DCC Sound Decoder Built-In

It isn't necessary to purchase a separate DCC function decoder to control sounds like the whistle and bell on a PB9 - a DCC sound decoder is built-in. NMRA Compliant.

Extensive Sound Library

Over 70 sounds and growing.

Labored Chuff

Ultra realistic labored chuff when a locomotive starts to climb a hill. Usually triggered from a track magnet.

Lineout for external amplification

Real-world applications can be achieved including high-volume amplification by using the low-noise lineout capability.

Opto Isolation Not Necessary

Opto-isolation is not necessary when using the PB9 with remote control.

Polyphonic Integration

Different sound-features are generated so that one does not distort the other For example, bell stands out clearly from the chuff.

Manual and Automatic Opeation

Manual and automatic operation can be achieved from the same board.

Simple remote programming

No buttons to push or wires to configure. The PB9 is 100% configurable from any personal computer by using our simple computer interface.

Tunnel Fade

Configure for an ultra realistic fading of the chuff as the locomotive enters a tunnel. Can be triggered from an appropriately placed track magnet.

Voltage controlled whistle & bell

Bigsound PB9 default configuration allows the voltage to control the whistle and bell.

Water Filling

The sound of water rushing into the tender.