Sound card for 6 volt supply

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BryanW
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Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by BryanW » Fri May 22, 2026 8:04 am

Hello,

I am considering adding a sound card to my one and only battery loco. However I cannot find one that has a working voltage as low as the 6 volts available from the battery that is in the loco. The one I am looking at is the Micron Mini Sound Module (MSND01) but the bumf makes it clear that 7volts is the absolute minimum voltage. I have read about but have no knowledge of "voltage upscalers" or whatever they are called but havent a clue what to look for or where to buy. As usual there isnt a lot of space to add the sound module, the "upscaler" and the speaker.
Can anyone help please. It doesnt have to be the Micron - anything that will work with this voltage will be considered.

Thank you in anticipation.

BryanW

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ge_rik
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Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by ge_rik » Fri May 22, 2026 3:49 pm

BryanW wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 8:04 am Hello,

I am considering adding a sound card to my one and only battery loco. However I cannot find one that has a working voltage as low as the 6 volts available from the battery that is in the loco. The one I am looking at is the Micron Mini Sound Module (MSND01) but the bumf makes it clear that 7volts is the absolute minimum voltage. I have read about but have no knowledge of "voltage upscalers" or whatever they are called but havent a clue what to look for or where to buy. As usual there isnt a lot of space to add the sound module, the "upscaler" and the speaker.
Can anyone help please. It doesnt have to be the Micron - anything that will work with this voltage will be considered.

Thank you in anticipation.

BryanW
Hi Bryan
If you search for step up converter on eBay you het dozens eg - https://ebay.us/m/GnGAYF
This is adjustable so you'd need a multimeter to set it to the value you want.

If you want a basic diesel sound, you can get them more cheaply. This runs on 3.6v - 8v - https://ebay.us/m/wytQ2r

The MTroniks card is very good. Not sure if it works on 6v it just says 12v max - https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/ac ... 5MSMT.html

Edit: Just found the more recent version of this module on the MTroniks website and it does operate from 6 to 12v - https://www.mtroniks.net/prod/Sound-Sys ... escription

Rik
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ge_rik
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Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by ge_rik » Fri May 22, 2026 4:03 pm

Another possibility is a Train Tech module. Completely self contained and very small. However, not really a narrow gauge steam or diesel sound - eg https://www.petersspares.com/p/train-te ... nd-capsule

Rik
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BryanW
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Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by BryanW » Fri May 22, 2026 10:12 pm

Thank you Rik.

I should have made it clear that this is a steam outline loco, not a diesel so that rules out the tug boat sounds.

Bryan

Phil.P
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Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by Phil.P » Wed May 27, 2026 6:15 pm

Be aware the Mtroniks soundcards are no longer the little square ones..
The new ones are H-U-G-E!

If you are running from 6V then then MR601 is a combined receiver and speed controller, which will slip in almost anywhere.

Phil.P

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Palmerston
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Re: Sound card for 6 volt supply

Post by Palmerston » Wed May 27, 2026 7:23 pm

Phil.P wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 6:15 pm Be aware the Mtroniks soundcards are no longer the little square ones..
The new ones are H-U-G-E!
Phil.P
Indeed, i asked Mtroniks if they could supply the older model 5 with Small Diesel sound as this still was in stock at their factory but with the wrong sound. Nope, not possible to reprogram the sound. The newer larger model doesnt fit in my Little John. I also asked why their new module/card is so BIG. No reply, made clear this size is not suitable for model trains. They must be aware of this as they supply these modules to Roundhouse for Harlech/ Criccieth castle.
Live steam on 45 & 184mm, battery 45mm only.

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