Ambient Sounds are Part of the Package
Additionally, SurroundTraxx will add ambient effects to simulate operation in varying terrain such as the reverberation that occurs when the train is in a deep canyon. Multiple effects can be used in different locations, so your train will sound uniquely different passing between canyon walls than it will on a high trestle.
SurroundTraxx is not only a sound system for locomotives, but for the entire model railroad. Each speaker can be programmed with any of a number of environmental SoundScapes that can run continuously, randomly or change with the time of day. For example, SurroundTraxx can create effects for running water, thunderstorms, roosters crowing at sunrise, or industrial scenes. Other environmental effects can be triggered by an approaching train such as a grade crossing bell or the clickety clack of the wheels.
What Makes SurroundTraxx Different From Other Sound Systems?
SurroundTraxx is the only sound system designed specifically to work within the DCC environment. SurroundTraxx is the only sound system that uses this technology to reproduce multiple locomotive sounds for multiple trains simultaneously regardless of your trains’ location. Likewise, it is the only sound system with the capability to mix and match primary sounds in a multi-engine lashup.
How Does SurroundTraxx Work?
SurroundTraxx is designed for use with any DCC system based on the NMRA standards. SurroundTraxx has six independent sound channels and a dynamic mixer to reproduce the sounds of up to six different locomotives simultaneously. The Command Station provides basic information about the train, such as speed and function setting in the DCC signal. Special Transponding block detectors provide the identity and location of each train. Each train has at least one Transponding decoder, which allows it to talk back to the system. SurroundTraxx uses this information to correlate where to send the sound for that train. While SurroundTraxx uses Digitrax’s patented Transponding block detectors for train identification and detection, it also provides the necessary infrastructure to allow the use of this technology with non-Digitrax DCC systems. Additionally, SurroundTraxx has been designed to be easily upgraded to support other methods of two-way train identification technology as they become available.
How Do You Get Started With SurroundTraxx?
Simple layouts can use SurroundTraxx with one speaker as an under table
sound system and enjoy multiple locomotive sounds as well as the SoundScape
environmental effects. To take full advantage of SurroundTraxx' unique capabilities,
each SurroundTraxx system requires at least one BDL168 and one RX4, available
from Litchfield Station, to be installed into the layout. Each train must
also be equipped with at least one transponder or Transponding decoder for
the full roaming speaker effect.
Each SurroundTraxx system supports up to six blocks and six speakers. For larger layouts requiring more speakers, multiple SurroundTraxx systems can be linked together.
Multiple Speakers Make SurroundTraxx Work
SurroundTraxx can be used with one speaker to provide under-layout sound
for locomotives and environmental effects as shown. This requires no additional
hardware other than a speaker and will get you up and running in no time!
Grow your SurroundTraxx system as needed, by adding Digitrax Transponders,
Block Detectors and up to a total of six speakers for six sound zones as
shown.
Works with onboard Sound Systems.
Use SurroundTraxx in conjunction with SoundTraxx Digital Sound Decoders for a powerful and realistic effect!
How do I prepare my layout for SurroundTraxx?
For a Micorsoft Power Point (LARGE: 3 MB) treatise on SurroundTraxx directly from SoundTraxx, CLICK HERE! This presentation was made before Digitrax changed the BDL162 to a BDL168. BDL168 is the current equivalent product.