This looks really cool, especially hooking it up to a good audio system. I've always wondered why nobody did this. I don't have a big DCC layout and don't have time to modify stuff anyway, so this is good for people like me.
Thank you for the video. I recently purchased the soundbox , the video gave me a preview and setup was a a breeze. The soundbox adds a new dimension to my to my platform and as with any Kato product it is top quality. Thanks again.
Wow..Thanks for this, I've been waiting. For those of us that model in the Steam Era (not so DCC friendly or can afford the expense of chips) this adds an extra dimension to our hobby. Thank you Kato !
Yes it is not DCC, got that, but, to be able to add some sweet, full range speakers with enough power behind them to make the sounds right, is the key. The required small speakers in an N scale locomotive just don't cut it for me. Looking forward to the additional cards, the low rumble of the G.E. FDL/FDM series. EMD 645/710 supercharger/turbocharger gear train whine maybe even an Alco 251?
Kato's Sound Box, which finally arrived, turns Kato's linear direct speed controller into a semi-momentum speed controller. The engine revs-up as you turn the throttle up before the train moves, and then accelerates to cruising speed with appropriate engine notch and loading sounds. Then there's stopping- by trial and error- you learn to hit the # 6 button at the right moment which idles the engine, but also turns the controller into a more, but not totally, linear and direct control mode for stopping the train. The software reverts to full momentum control with appropriate engine sounds upon restarting from the last stop. Different engines run at different speeds but there is are no reference positions or indications on the two dials that control starting point and speed synchronization. For each locomotive, I record and references the positions off the two dials by sighting time-of-day setting (noon, 3 o'clock, etc.) As soon as you connect a $ 20 or $ 30 computer speaker system to the Sound Box, the sound, and especially the horns, improves 100%.
I remember seeing a first look video of this by you guys a while back. I remember the product actually looking better, and the sound chips were designed to look like shipping containers. Overall I remember it looking much better than this. So what ever happened to that? Maybe I'm just imagining it, but I would love to know.
What if I am running 2 DC locos at the same time, like in a consist? will the control stop working? I know the sound will be only as one engine running, but as there are 2 different DC locos running on the same DC power and perhaps different currents flowing thru them, what will happen to the sound box? Thanks I love this idea, congratulations!!! AH!!! will you sell the sound cards separatedly too?
now will more sound cards be released in the future? such as modern GE diesels... also can i hook this up to a speaker system i have in the walls around the room in order to have this sound broadcast around the layout?
Prefer running the old tyme analog dc "control board" system Question Are units available for multiple sound cards that you can individualy operate? What about locating various speakers on a layout near their appropriate settings? How is this achieved?
So if I program a horn sound, and then swap sound cards, ( like a steam card) will the reprogrammed card remember my preferred horn sound, or will it go back to factory default every time I swap it?
The F40PH sound would be our "2nd generation diesel with Turbo charger" sound card, item # 22-203-2 For the GEVO you would use the GE 3rd Generation diesel, item # 22-202-3
Thanks. Does the +/- polarity matter when connecting both cables from Brand-X Power Supply to Kato Soundbox? Will Kato have its own DCC controller in near future?
Questions for Kato USA: 1. How much does this cost in U.S. and/or Canadian dollars (I'm from Canada)? 2. Can I program the system to have an announcer's voice (e.g.'Your attention please! The Toronto-Montreal train is now arriving on track 3; passengers should start boarding now'.) by using a microphone?
The sound box has an MSRP of $280. The sounds are specific to the sound card, but you can always hook up a microphone if you want to provide your own station announcements.
Can this be hooked up to 'AUX In' jacks on a full-size stereo receiver and played through decent speakers and sound good? That's the only way I'd consider buying one! So what if the sound could be much louder than 'scale'----it would be great to be able to hear a deep, rumbling loco! You could always turn it down or off for late night operating sessions.
Is there a way to make the train react faster to the power box speed controls? Like turning down the momentum speed “feature” and making the train more responsive but still have synced sound
this is out of left field i know, but if i use both the kato power pack and kato sound box, im assuming i would need to place a voltage reducer between the sound box and my track to run my z scale gp7/e8 locos in my coffee table layout.
Greetings, great video & Thank You. ... I'm running HO, DC, blew my controller that had a speaker, 20 yrs old. Moving forward, would love to purchase Katos soundbox. Addl. I'd like to stay with a Kato Controller for simplicity. There are variable controllers from Kato on the Market, some without a break, etc, .. Do you recommend a Kato Controller for this soundbox??? A lot of Kato's controllers seem to have the 2 side adapters for the soundbox, from what I can tell. Correspondence from retailers are no the best with their inventory. I had to look at the #'s on your controller as you have the option to break. Kato's not offering yours right now, however, again, theres a lot of Variations with Kato controllers on the market and am apprehensive to pick one without asking. Any help greatly appreciated. Thank You. Regards, Dan
The sound box is operated the easiest with a Kato controller. At the moment we only offer one Controller, item 22-018-1, which will work perfectly with the Sound Box.
@@KatoUSAinc I ordered with Kato direct. They steered me in the direction of whats needed to run 2 leads to an atlas terminal track. .. He did say, theirs an output to plug your own or addl speakers if desired. Brilliant idea imo, many thanks again.
Just about any of our N and HO scale releases are available with DCC+Sound versions as optional upgrades. You can check with your preferred hobby shop for availability.
We will have other sound cards with more modern sounds. We've already got samples done up for modern GE and EMD diesels, it's just a matter of getting the production sorted out so we can announce a timeline of availability :)
Pedro Pons Unfortunately the Analog Sound Box is for analog setups only - it's reliant on the DC current and feeback from the motor to work properly. Soundtraxx has their Surroundtraxx system that is a similar kind of system that can work with DCC.
I have one on my layout and the sound is working like it should. However, there is a green light above the sync knob that starts flashing rad and then the track voltage goes to zero. Why?
Susan Johnson That should be the short circuit safety light - it goes off if it detects something amiss with the voltages on the track since it's reading back the engine load. I would suggest checking all of your wiring and making sure the track is clean and that there's nothing bridging any blocks you might have.
Additional question... It looks like it has a DC power input on the back. Do I really need to use the snap adapter if using with a "brand X" controller?
that's wack, I thought you would come up with a receiver to add to the train but sound comes from the controller. I think I will still stick with my MRC Sound master which I actually have sound coming from the loco and not to mentioned I can connect it with my computer and have a full list of sound bank.
The benefit of this system is that it can be used by anyone without the need to modify their engines - of course if you want Sound to come from inside your engine the engine you can get a full DCC setup and we sell essentially all of our locomotives now with pre-installed DCC + Sound in the locos as an option. That doesn't work for everyone, however :)
Too bad the sound is WAY out of sync with the actual movements of the throttle. I like the idea, but the sound is so delayed from the locomotive movements that are actually happening that the whole effect is ruined.
@@KatoUSAinc where can I find that sheet because I don't see it anywhere and l may be looking forward to getting one and I want to know how to connect it to bachmann ez track
Now that I have one, I can answer my own question- 9 3/4" wide, 5 1/4" front to back without connectors plugged-in, and 3 3/4" tall with a Sound Card installed.
The unit has an effect on other electrical accessories. Lighted cars perform better, no more flickering lights. However, Kato signal lights go wacky and irrational.
To further clarify, Kato signal lights perform as expected with sound box and single locomotive. Unfortunately, my layout requires two locomotives per train.With two locomotives, the signal lights go whacky.
It's not a roll of the dice. Every sound box that has English packaging and that is produced for sale in the USA has a 1st Gen EMD Diesel card. Only if you buy a Japanese packaging sound box (made for Japan) do you get a (Japanese) Steam locomotive.
MEH cant connect to DCC, to big and cartridge come on get real. they need to have flash memory built in with USB connection upload new sound also the box seems really BIG!!! But looks OK simple DC system.
It seems to be very cheepy... scotch tape to hold it on, really? Couldn't spring for protection for the speaker? Plus you have to buy add on cards for every type of loco you have... I'll stick with Soundtraxx thank you. Kato you should be ashamed.
The tape is more of a precaution than a requirement :p. There's nothing wrong with using Soundtraxx or DCC for people who wish to use it (and our sound cards will cost a GREAT deal less than sound decoders for your engines!). This is a simpler, more affordable option, that's all. No shame in that :)
Listen, don't get me wrong, I love Kato products, I have a huge collection of your N-scale locomotives, they are hands down the best. But this thing seems to be less than what it should be for Kato. I understand that it was designed for the Japanese market, but if your gonna sell it here in the US, then make it for the US. Lose the odd connectors, give it it's own power supply, and loose the silly cards, the sounds can and should already be in the machine, or make them downloadable if you must sell the add ons. Just my 2 cents! :)
I think this is a good choice for folks that have a smaller layout and do not want to get into DCC. I don't think some things could have been changed. IMO the speaker should have a small grill to prevent damage like punctures. The way the sound card mounts is kind of odd. I could see the sound card could get bent down by accident and then the PC board could break from the card. I understand why the sound boxes piggy back off the power pack and the kato connectors arnt that much of an issue since you can always cut the ends off if need be. Overall seems like a great solution for many folks
Definitely. It would be nice to have, but ~350 bucks for the box itself + the two sound cards I'd need? Damn thing almost costs as much as my entire layout so far, rolling stock included!
It's an analog system only, I'm afraid. For DCC users there are systems like SurroundTraxx or in-train decoders. This system is inherently simpler while still having some of the more complex features of DCC systems like momentum and back-EMF reading.
![[Kato USA Tech Corner] New Platform DX Unboxing, assembly overview, and how to power](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6nY7I7BnAnU/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the best for those who can’t get DCC sound! A good sound system for DC/Analog users!
Oh hi!
This looks really cool, especially hooking it up to a good audio system. I've always wondered why nobody did this. I don't have a big DCC layout and don't have time to modify stuff anyway, so this is good for people like me.
Thank you for the video. I recently purchased the soundbox , the video gave me a preview and setup was a a breeze. The soundbox adds a new dimension to my to my platform and as with any Kato product it is top quality. Thanks again.
Wow..Thanks for this, I've been waiting. For those of us that model in the Steam Era (not so DCC friendly or can afford the expense of chips) this adds an extra dimension to our hobby. Thank you Kato !
I mean the N Scale Steam Era....
Hi, this is exactly the kind of analog sound I am looking for - thank you for posting. My set up is analog DC and I will look forward to adding this.
Yes it is not DCC, got that, but, to be able to add some sweet, full range speakers with enough power behind them to make the sounds right, is the key. The required small speakers in an N scale locomotive just don't cut it for me. Looking forward to the additional cards, the low rumble of the G.E. FDL/FDM series. EMD 645/710 supercharger/turbocharger gear train whine maybe even an Alco 251?
There's going to be a sound card with steam engine sounds perfect for the GS-4 and the FEF-3. Do a review on that soon when it comes out.
I hope an early Alco sound card is coming out. That is a very large portion of diesel history and market.
Very interesting product. I'm surprised that the sounds are classic Soundtraxx. Pretty neat.
Great idea, I think. I begin a T-Trak layout and I plan to buy a sound next year, if I can.
Kato's Sound Box, which finally arrived, turns Kato's linear direct speed controller into a semi-momentum speed controller. The engine revs-up as you turn the throttle up before the train moves, and then accelerates to cruising speed with appropriate engine notch and loading sounds. Then there's stopping- by trial and error- you learn to hit the # 6 button at the right moment which idles the engine, but also turns the controller into a more, but not totally, linear and direct control mode for stopping the train. The software reverts to full momentum control with appropriate engine sounds upon restarting from the last stop. Different engines run at different speeds but there is are no reference positions or indications on the two dials that control starting point and speed synchronization. For each locomotive, I record and references the positions off the two dials by sighting time-of-day setting (noon, 3 o'clock, etc.) As soon as you connect a $ 20 or $ 30 computer speaker system to the Sound Box, the sound, and especially the horns, improves 100%.
I remember seeing a first look video of this by you guys a while back. I remember the product actually looking better, and the sound chips were designed to look like shipping containers. Overall I remember it looking much better than this. So what ever happened to that? Maybe I'm just imagining it, but I would love to know.
what if my layout has several blocks, anyway to get the soundbox to work with several power packs?
What if I am running 2 DC locos at the same time, like in a consist? will the control stop working? I know the sound will be only as one engine running, but as there are 2 different DC locos running on the same DC power and perhaps different currents flowing thru them, what will happen to the sound box?
Thanks I love this idea, congratulations!!! AH!!! will you sell the sound cards separatedly too?
Carlos Chaveznava I have run it with one and two loco's, and you can't tell the difference.
Thanks for making this video!
Thanks for the great video, man this is so fricking KOOL :-Q
Would be nice if you had a selection of types of 1st. generation horns like Nathan P3, or Leslie RS3L or Leslie S5T.
now will more sound cards be released in the future? such as modern GE diesels... also can i hook this up to a speaker system i have in the walls around the room in order to have this sound broadcast around the layout?
That's what I'm wondering! Did you ever find out?
Prefer running the old tyme analog dc "control board" system Question Are units available for multiple sound cards that you can individualy operate? What about locating various speakers on a layout near their appropriate settings? How is this achieved?
Thank you!
So if I program a horn sound, and then swap sound cards, ( like a steam card) will the reprogrammed card remember my preferred horn sound, or will it go back to factory default every time I swap it?
It resets to default.
Would the KATO Soundbox work with "dual mode" DCC decoders in analog mode? Or is this just asking for trouble :-0 Thanks.
Hi, is this compatible with the kato hyper dx powerpack? Thanks
Can you do a Metra F40PH or a Gevo sound please?
The F40PH sound would be our "2nd generation diesel with Turbo charger" sound card, item # 22-203-2
For the GEVO you would use the GE 3rd Generation diesel, item # 22-202-3
What’s the mic for? On the sound box
Thanks. Does the +/- polarity matter when connecting both cables from Brand-X Power Supply to Kato Soundbox? Will Kato have its own DCC controller in near future?
It doesn't matter, since on Analog changing the direction of travel also flips the +/- polarity on the cable anyway.
Are you guys gonna do another run of HO scale AC4400's?
Questions for Kato USA:
1. How much does this cost in U.S. and/or Canadian dollars (I'm from Canada)?
2. Can I program the system to have an announcer's voice (e.g.'Your attention please! The Toronto-Montreal train is now arriving on track 3; passengers should start boarding now'.) by using a microphone?
The sound box has an MSRP of $280. The sounds are specific to the sound card, but you can always hook up a microphone if you want to provide your own station announcements.
@@KatoUSAinc, thanks for the info.
Can this be hooked up to 'AUX In' jacks on a full-size stereo receiver and played through decent speakers and sound good? That's the only way I'd consider buying one! So what if the sound could be much louder than 'scale'----it would be great to be able to hear a deep, rumbling loco! You could always turn it down or off for late night operating sessions.
Yes, it can.
When will details of the other sound cards be released? how much will they be?
More info is coming soon!
Is there a way to make the train react faster to the power box speed controls? Like turning down the momentum speed “feature” and making the train more responsive but still have synced sound
most of my diesel roster are too small to have sound without a seperate sound car not ideal for the local mixed or yard switcher
Can you reduce or eliminate the momentum?
Sounds like a Tsunami 1 TSU1000 EMD567 decoder to me...
Will you be releasing a sound card with Shay/geared steam engine sounds?
Ben Brooks Shay? Hmm. It's possible. If so it would be much later down the line. We can do anything that's in the Soundtraxx sound library.
@@KatoUSAinc are these steam cards available now ?
this is out of left field i know, but if i use both the kato power pack and kato sound box, im assuming i would need to place a voltage reducer between the sound box and my track to run my z scale gp7/e8 locos in my coffee table layout.
Greetings, great video & Thank You. ... I'm running HO, DC, blew my controller that had a speaker, 20 yrs old. Moving forward, would love to purchase Katos soundbox. Addl. I'd like to stay with a Kato Controller for simplicity. There are variable controllers from Kato on the Market, some without a break, etc, .. Do you recommend a Kato Controller for this soundbox???
A lot of Kato's controllers seem to have the 2 side adapters for the soundbox, from what I can tell. Correspondence from retailers are no the best with their inventory. I had to look at the #'s on your controller as you have the option to break. Kato's not offering yours right now, however, again, theres a lot of Variations with Kato controllers on the market and am apprehensive to pick one without asking.
Any help greatly appreciated. Thank You. Regards, Dan
The sound box is operated the easiest with a Kato controller. At the moment we only offer one Controller, item 22-018-1, which will work perfectly with the Sound Box.
@@KatoUSAinc Very well, Thank You. .. I did notice the 22-018 was the only available controller & that helps a great deal.
@@KatoUSAinc I ordered with Kato direct. They steered me in the direction of whats needed to run 2 leads to an atlas terminal track. .. He did say, theirs an output to plug your own or addl speakers if desired. Brilliant idea imo, many thanks again.
I just ordered this, CHICAGOLAND HOBBY will call me when it is in
MICHAEL GLASS .......do you like it?
My Lionel trains have the sounds and speakers built in.
Does Kato have an engine with built in sound?
Which one?
Just about any of our N and HO scale releases are available with DCC+Sound versions as optional upgrades. You can check with your preferred hobby shop for availability.
Very, very cool!! 😎
I really like that system but is that the only prime mover sound you have its wrong sound for the newer engines.
We will have other sound cards with more modern sounds. We've already got samples done up for modern GE and EMD diesels, it's just a matter of getting the production sorted out so we can announce a timeline of availability :)
Thanks for letting me know!
I will be using DCC with a power cab. Is there a way I can connect the Kato Soundbox in this manner. My N gauge engines DO NOT have sound.
Pedro Pons Unfortunately the Analog Sound Box is for analog setups only - it's reliant on the DC current and feeback from the motor to work properly. Soundtraxx has their Surroundtraxx system that is a similar kind of system that can work with DCC.
Thanks I appreciate your rapid response.
I have this and its awesome
Will there be an SD70ace locomotive sound card? Also Amtrak sound card
Yes, we have a long list of add-on sounds to come.
I have one on my layout and the sound is working like it should. However, there is a green light above the sync knob that starts flashing rad and then the track voltage goes to zero. Why?
Susan Johnson That should be the short circuit safety light - it goes off if it detects something amiss with the voltages on the track since it's reading back the engine load. I would suggest checking all of your wiring and making sure the track is clean and that there's nothing bridging any blocks you might have.
It will also flash and shut off the power if your loco shorts out on your turnouts. I found it to be quite sensitive, but a good "safety valve"
Additional question... It looks like it has a DC power input on the back. Do I really need to use the snap adapter if using with a "brand X" controller?
If you have an appropriate wall adapter you can use the input jack and eschew the snap adapter, yes.
Cool Thanks... Oh,,, BTW the snap adapter is just power, it won't mess with the sync?
Correct.
is there a way to add more speakers ?..
780 TANGO There's a "line out" jack. Can connect to anything that has a 3.5mm audio jack
Is this compatible with Bachmann E-Z Controller?
The EZ Controller is a DCC controller so no, this is for Analog, non DCC systems only.
How do I connect to non Kato track?
that's wack, I thought you would come up with a receiver to add to the train but sound comes from the controller. I think I will still stick with my MRC Sound master which I actually have sound coming from the loco and not to mentioned I can connect it with my computer and have a full list of sound bank.
The benefit of this system is that it can be used by anyone without the need to modify their engines - of course if you want Sound to come from inside your engine the engine you can get a full DCC setup and we sell essentially all of our locomotives now with pre-installed DCC + Sound in the locos as an option. That doesn't work for everyone, however :)
@@KatoUSAinc Is anybody there can I ask you a question
Too bad the sound is WAY out of sync with the actual movements of the throttle. I like the idea, but the sound is so delayed from the locomotive movements that are actually happening that the whole effect is ruined.
What does it mean when the red light above the Sync knob flashes?
It means you have a short on the track
I don't have katounitrack. Can this work
Yes, it can work. We have a downloadable sheet on our website listing for this item that shows how to connect it to non-Kato track and non-kato power.
@@KatoUSAinc where can I find that sheet because I don't see it anywhere and l may be looking forward to getting one and I want to know how to connect it to bachmann ez track
WHY DOESNT IT WORK FOR ME ITS NOT SYNCING
Edit: IT WORKS NOW :D
Or you could just cut the end off
Can Kato please supply the outside demsions of the sound box please?
Now that I have one, I can answer my own question- 9 3/4" wide, 5 1/4" front to back without connectors plugged-in, and 3 3/4" tall with a Sound Card installed.
what are the demensions of the box
素晴らしいサウンドボックスですね、一度ほしいです、お見事です。
Bro as a o gauge modeler i can't even fathom needing a whole other controller that needs little sd type card JUST FOR SOUND lol
The unit has an effect on other electrical accessories. Lighted cars perform better, no more flickering lights. However, Kato signal lights go wacky and irrational.
To further clarify, Kato signal lights perform as expected with sound box and single locomotive. Unfortunately, my layout requires two locomotives per train.With two locomotives, the signal lights go whacky.
nice
Beware, some Sound Boxes ship with steam card instead of diesel card. Good luck trying to obtain the one you want. It's a roll of the dice.
It's not a roll of the dice. Every sound box that has English packaging and that is produced for sale in the USA has a 1st Gen EMD Diesel card. Only if you buy a Japanese packaging sound box (made for Japan) do you get a (Japanese) Steam locomotive.
Thank you for clarifying. Unfortunately, most merchants fail to provide this information in their product description.
MEH cant connect to DCC, to big and cartridge come on get real. they need to have flash memory built in with USB connection upload new sound also the box seems really BIG!!! But looks OK simple DC system.
It seems to be very cheepy... scotch tape to hold it on, really? Couldn't spring for protection for the speaker? Plus you have to buy add on cards for every type of loco you have... I'll stick with Soundtraxx thank you. Kato you should be ashamed.
The tape is more of a precaution than a requirement :p. There's nothing wrong with using Soundtraxx or DCC for people who wish to use it (and our sound cards will cost a GREAT deal less than sound decoders for your engines!). This is a simpler, more affordable option, that's all. No shame in that :)
Listen, don't get me wrong, I love Kato products, I have a huge collection of your N-scale locomotives, they are hands down the best. But this thing seems to be less than what it should be for Kato. I understand that it was designed for the Japanese market, but if your gonna sell it here in the US, then make it for the US. Lose the odd connectors, give it it's own power supply, and loose the silly cards, the sounds can and should already be in the machine, or make them downloadable if you must sell the add ons. Just my 2 cents! :)
I think this is a good choice for folks that have a smaller layout and do not want to get into DCC. I don't think some things could have been changed. IMO the speaker should have a small grill to prevent damage like punctures. The way the sound card mounts is kind of odd. I could see the sound card could get bent down by accident and then the PC board could break from the card. I understand why the sound boxes piggy back off the power pack and the kato connectors arnt that much of an issue since you can always cut the ends off if need be. Overall seems like a great solution for many folks
IMHO- Way overpriced.
Definitely. It would be nice to have, but ~350 bucks for the box itself + the two sound cards I'd need? Damn thing almost costs as much as my entire layout so far, rolling stock included!
Horn is terrible
can this possibly be used with dcc?
It's an analog system only, I'm afraid. For DCC users there are systems like SurroundTraxx or in-train decoders. This system is inherently simpler while still having some of the more complex features of DCC systems like momentum and back-EMF reading.