Proto Sound Boards as Static Sound Source

Interesting idea. Probably easy enough to do. Just supply an AC voltage source.

It does sound interesting, I'm thinking yes it can be done, but you'll have to incorporate a whistle, direction and bell control of some kind to trigger the events just as you would controlling a running conventional PS1 loco. So if you run conventional or if you have DCS and run in variable mode, why just not use that variable loop to track power the device? This would also save a port on the AIU to use for another option. I'd also be a little worried about what kind of power would go through the AIU if you went that way.

That is a great idea.  And surely it will work. 

I find it ironic, too, as I think of doing it:  I have several clanky PS1 board sets that basically do that now: trains they are in no longer move but sit static and make their sounds.  All I'd have to do is remove the boards and mount them in a building, like you say - one advantage is that in a building I could use a bigger speaker. 

And it would not hurt the loco, compared to what it does now.  For example, my MTH Coal Turbine would still look just as good on the shelf as it does now, without the sound board inside it!  

You need to provide a variable power source because some of the effects are triggered/controlled by voltage swings as well as DC offsets.

For $10/ea you can buy a recordable sound module that will play up to three different sounds from a button press (or any switch closure like a relay).  I'm not sure I'd try to get that working, seems like a lot of trouble.  Sell the PS/1 electronics and buy something that fits the job.

@Gunrunnerjohn...  I understand that, but the PFA sounds from the Yellowstone are specific to it and an ore dock.  I like them.

@GGG...  I would use a whistle/bell transformer (Vintage Lionel) and wire directly.  Can you tell me, as I don't remember after pulling it out of the loco, which wires are power?

Thanks for the interest/pointers!

OK...  Pictures...

Here ya go!

Red=center rail AC.  Black= Outside rail AC.

White and Yellow are motors.

Blue is fwd headlight 1.5V and Green is reverse headlight 1.5V

Have tested out the idea, successfully.  I wasn't sure but felt the battery needed to be involved.  Also added back a volume pot.  As I use TIU variable ports and power blocks, it might work to just wire from a block to the board and then use the remote to call up the sounds.  Could also make that a seperated track, I have 3 TIU's so plenty of ports available.  Hmmmmmmmm. 

I did run across and example somewhere, can't remember at the moment, of using an AIU to control track power.  It might have been a video I've watched lately.  Will have to ponder that some more.

In any case, I have repurposed the old Yellowstone board, and I'm happy