Is there a way to adjust sound level on early LionChief Locomotives?

Providing a model number may help with a more definitive answer.  I can tell you that I also have a pre-Bluetooth Lion Chief locomotive and according to its manual there is no control for the volume, only the on/off switch.

On later models with Bluetooth, it is possible to control the volume either from the remote or the app.

The only ways I'm aware to lower the volume on the early models is either by adding restive circuitry between the sound board and speaker or by some physical means of muffling the sound coming from the speaker.

Steve, Thanks.  I didn't have the unit at hand when I penned my request.  I'm pretty certain that you are correct.  So much for being an early adopter.  Thought it was worth a post to see if any innovative answers had been discovered.

Thank you for your response.

What i did was to put a piece or two of electrical tape over some of the holes on the bottom of the tender.  Worked for me, you can’t see it.  Play with the tape until you get the sound level you want.

How simple  but effective.  I will definitely try that before resorting to shutting sound down totally.  Thank You!

Ron

Don't know if this will work for your engine, but have you tried holding down the shift key on the remote while simultaneously rotating the throttle wheel?

Barry

My early Lion Chief 1.0 (without Bluetooth) 6-30207 does not have this capability.  The announcement button does not serve as the Shift button like on later models.

When the Universal Remote (Orange) is paired with this locomotive, the volume control function is not supported either.

I unplugged the speaker

Thanks, everyone, sadly, SteveH and I are stuck together on this with LionChief 1.0; no sound level adjustment possible.  The tape sounds like a good option for me.  I might end up using gaffers tape if my 10 grandkids keep running Mickey in our family room...or, maybe, Mickey will go back on the layout and a more quiet alternative will grace the space under the tree.  :-)

@FrankfordJunction  Ron L,

I'm glad you started this topic.  I've been meaning to work on mine to make it sound better, but haven't made it a priority, until today when I placed a parts order.

I've been leaving the sound switched off, because I don't like the slightly distorted (overdriven) sound it has or its loud volume.  But I would like to have it make the sounds it supposed to have if they were tamed a bit.

So, I just ordered a 1K ohm logarithmic taper potentiometer (variable resistor) that I plan to wire into the speaker circuit on mine. I'm planning to have the adjustment shaft end accessible from underneath, just flush with the bottom of the frame so you don't see it.

By limiting the output current from the audio amplifier, it may sound better.  It will definitely be quieter and I will finally be able to adjust the volume and hopefully enjoy the locomotive's "operational" sounds.

SteveH, Sounds great.  If possible, can you please provide component details and some photos of your install?  That would help me and pretty sure it would be useful for others who jumped in on V1.0.

I'm having knee replacement surgery in January, so will be laid up for a while, except for in-house rehab.  I might get a chance to work on something like this.

Cheers.

@FrankfordJunction Yes, I was thinking I'd post the details once it's done.  I opted for slow cheap shipping, so it will be a while before it arrives and I have time to mess around with it.  Good luck with your surgery!

@SteveH posted:

So, I just ordered a 1K ohm logarithmic taper potentiometer (variable resistor) that I plan to wire into the speaker circuit on mine. I'm planning to have the adjustment shaft end accessible from underneath, just flush with the bottom of the frame so you don't see it.

By limiting the output current from the audio amplifier, it may sound better.  It will definitely be quieter and I will finally be able to adjust the volume and hopefully enjoy the locomotive's "operational" sounds.

I'd change that to something lower in value, a 1K is going to pretty much kill the sound.  Consider a 200 ohm pot max for the task.

Steve - Did your fix work?