Phoenix Sound Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Phoenix Sound Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

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Which system is best for my locomotive?: When in doubt, the PB22 is our universal 'runs on almost everything' system - DC track power, DCC, remote control, etc. The P8 system is for constant power - DCC or on board remote control - either battery or constant track powered, the P8 is not meant to run on variable DC track power. The SM18 is a combined sound and motor decoder, so if you are running DCC and do not have a decoder in the locomotive already then this is the system for you.
Doesn't the BigSound^TM P8 replace the BigSound^TM PB22? They seem to do the same thing...: They may appear similar, but some major differences exist that keep the P8 from repalcing the PB22. The P8 units have no BigBoost^TM circuitry (low voltage operation) built in, and no battery input/charging circuitry. Lacking these, the unit will NOT make any sound until input voltage is at least 10V and does not become reliable until 12V; as a result the P8 units will not produce start-up, shut-down or idle sounds if you operate it as a variable DC powered system.
Can I still get sound chips for the Model 96/97 BigSound^TMboard?: Yes, to an extent. We currently have remaing chips for most sounds, but once they are gone that is it. Due to changes in technology we can no longer program these chips, it is simply no longer possible for us.
Can I still purchase a Model 96/97 BigSound^TM board?: No. We no longer have any stock of these boards and most of the components are no longer in production. We can no longer even obtain parts tp repair these systems.
How do I hook up the computer interface if I do not have a Serial Port?: Most computers do not have a serial port and we make the Computer Interface with a USB connection now.
Do I have to purchase the Computer Interface software since it available as a free download on your website?: Honestly, no you do not. But there is a catch. You can not simply connect a 2.5mm stereo cable to USB connector and plug it in to your computer. The data signal from our systems is not meant for direct connection to a PC. We provide the software with a cable containing an interface circuit. We will happily provide you with a schematic and parts list if you desire, but many components are surface mount and available only from electronics supply houses. You will also need to provide your own pc board, prototypoing board or utilize a breadboard. This is not a project for the casual hobbyist. If you wish to attempt this yourself, the cost in components and time will most likely exceed the purchase price of the Computer Interface Kit.
Is a version of the Computer Interface software available for the Mac?: Currently our software is designed to run on the PC platform. Some Mac users have reported success running our software with Virtual PC for the Mac.
How much is the BigSound^TM PB22?: Check out products page for current pricing. The PB22 is avalaible as the sound board only or as a complete kit with all components needed for the lcomotive specified, pricing is dependent upon whether it is a board only or a complete kit.
Can the BigSound^TM be used in O and HO scales?: Yes, the Model 97 boards were used in O scale and even occasionally in HO. Our smaller and more efficient newer systems are easier to fit into these scales. The P8 system fits nicely into O scale and fits in HO boxcars comfortably.
Why does the BigSound^TM cost so much?: Quality is built into the BigSound^TM board. Advanced protection circuitry protects you from blowing your board because of some small error or short during installation. More importantly, BigSound^TM uses a 16-bit microprocessor (not 8-bit) which produces a substantially better sound. Also, sound data is not compressed on the board so it takes more memory, but the end result is unmatched fidelity in the playback. Finally, unlike some competitive boards where you must purchase add-on items separately, such as external battery chargers or even a speaker, these are included items with the BigSound^TM board, or are not required because they are built-in.
How do I control the bell and whistle/horn sounds?: There are three ways to activate these effects: motor speed, trigger input and DCC command.
MOTOR SPEED(Voltage): The crossing whistle/horn plays when you reach a set speed and can be played again by slowing down and speeding up. The crossing whistle speed is adjustable and can be determined by either the track/motor voltage or by a reed switch and axle magnets. The bell plays when your engine begins to move or slows to a stop.
TRIGGER INPUTS: Reed switches hooked between ground and the trigger terminals on the board may be used to trigger effects with track magnets, in an arrangement similar to that used by LGB. Outputs from remote control receivers may also be tied into these trigger inputs on the board. Once activated by a trigger, that sound will not play automatically again until the system has been powered off and restarted.
DCC COMMANDS: The BigSound^TM recognizes DCC Function output commands transmitted on the track. These functions may be assigned to trigger sounds as well as set the speed of the locomotive in lieu of motor voltage or a speed trigger such as an axle cam or reed switch and axle magnets.
What is the maximum voltage the BigSound^TM systems can handle?: Track Voltage of up to 24V is acceptable for BigSound Model 96, Model 97 and 2K2 systems, The P, PB and SM Series systems can accept up to 30V input; AC, DC, PWM DC and DCC are all acceptable.
Battery Voltage can run up to 20V and the system is protected against inverted (reversed) polarity.
Can I use a 4 ohm speaker?: All systems from the 2K2 onward can drive a speaker load down to 4 ohms (two 8 ohm speakers in parallel)and is circuit-protected against shorts. Additional information about multiple speaker configurations may be found on our support page.
Please Note that the BigSound Model 96 and Model 97 speaker load is limited to 8 ohms.
How long will a battery charge last if I don't run the engine?: That depends upon the battery chemistry of the system. The sla gel cell batteries of the Model 96/97 systems will maintain a charge in storage for about a month. The NiCd batteries of the 2K2 systems will maintain a charge for a few months. NiMh batteries used in the PB9, PB11, PB11v6, and PB17 will hold a charge in storage a bit longer than the NiCd packs. The Li-Ion batteries used with the PB22 can hold a charge for up to 6 months in storage.
If the battery does run down, no damage will occur but the system will not function at low track voltage until the battery recharges.
Can I install a BigSound^TM system myself?: Yes. Any reasonably handy modeller can install a BigSound^TM system themselves. We provide basic installation information in the manual with every kit. You will need to drill some holes and fasten the components into position. You also need a connection to the track or motor, which may require minor soldering in some instances. Non-powered cars may involve a little extra work as you need metal wheels and contacts to obtain power from the track. Some kits have additional notes that pass along tips which we have collected from our own experiences as well as those of other customers and installers.