Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: DickyD on April 15, 2012, 07:01:58 pm

Title: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: DickyD on April 15, 2012, 07:01:58 pm

A new sound system that runs on 6 volts, designed by Alan Bond of Solent Radio Controlled Model Boat Club and produced by Technobots.

http://www.technobotsonline.com/programmable-engine-sound-system.html
 
 

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: Bob K on April 15, 2012, 08:38:01 pm

Looks a good unit.  One question on engine sound systems through, they all appear to offer either deisel engines or reciprocating stem engines.  So far I've yet to find an authentic sound for Parsons Steam Turbines.  I would have thought there would be sufficient demand from modellers building warships?

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: boatmadman on April 15, 2012, 08:49:57 pm

Another sound effect I have yet to find is that of medium speed diesels driving generators for electric propulsion.
These are constant speed engines but vary in pitch as the generator loads up.

Ian

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: DickyD on April 15, 2012, 09:09:25 pm

Quote from: Bob K on April 15, 2012, 08:38:01 pm

Looks a good unit.  One question on engine sound systems through, they all appear to offer either deisel engines or reciprocating stem engines.  So far I've yet to find an authentic sound for Parsons Steam Turbines.  I would have thought there would be sufficient demand from modellers building warships?

Surely, from the outside of the ship all you would hear would be the fans (http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/DickyD_photos/Smileys/thinking1.gif)

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: Colin Bishop on April 15, 2012, 09:33:05 pm

Yes, turbines are very quiet, it's unlikely they would be heard outside of the ship, just boiler room fan noise as Richard says.

Colin

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: derekwarner on April 16, 2012, 07:43:22 am

Guys.... steam turbines themselves are relatively quiet but the associated gearbox & drive 'noise' is clearly audible

On our American built HMAS DDG's [Charles F Adams class destroyers] the sound of the drive train certainly let it's presence known........both deck side or on the quay side....

The CPO's mess was directly above No1 engine room & conversation was difficult at times due to the high speed drive train noise

I for one would find a 'gearbox & drive 'noise' totally realistic in a model......O0 ..............Derek

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: Shipmate60 on April 16, 2012, 07:47:22 am

You dont need a sound system to replicate the turbine gearbox whine.
If you use Deccaperm Motors these can give off their own gearbox whine which is not far from the original sound.

Bob

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: Bob K on April 16, 2012, 08:12:23 am

Interesting.  Thank you.  I have two pre-WW1 warships, one had TE steam engines for which similar sounds are available, but the other had the 'new fangled' Parsons turbines.  Must have sounded very unusual at the time.  It would be nice to get the model to replicate this.

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: ACTion on April 16, 2012, 08:34:20 am

http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/P100.pdf (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/P100.pdf)
See list of Sound Sets on Page 2. This unit is also "programmable" in the truest sense of the word i.e. you can install your own sounds, not simply adjustable - where you tinker with the ones already on there.
DM

Title: Re: Programmable Engine Sound System
Post by: Bob K on April 16, 2012, 09:42:57 am

Thanks DM.  I see there is a modern destroyer turbine sound on your link, which may be adaptable.  Plus a CD available.

PS:  Just commissioned my second P94 this weekend.  Nice unit.