Whats the difference between a Phoenix P8 and PB11 Soundcard?
I went to phoenix website and the only difference on their chart is that the PB11 supports DC. Is this correct? I would we using this with an Airwire G3 card.
Can you program this card with JMRI or do you have to have the Phonix software? Thanks
Yes from what I understand the PB11 is for DC, their “do everything board”, while the PB8 is strictly DCC
Program how? for changing the sounds and sound settings, I believe you need the Phoenix cable and software. As for programming addresses and such on the DCC board I would think it would be like any DCC decoder. But you could shoot Phoenix an email and ask, just to be sure.
The P8 can be used where there is available constant voltage. Not just DCC. It is also used with battery R/C of pretty well any flavour. When powered by traction batteries it does not need a back up battery.
Does the P11 not have a small battery to carry the sound when a track powered locomotive is stopped? If so, it would also have a charging system on the sound board which is probably the reason for the higher price.
I talked to the guys at Phoenix and was told a update is coming soon. Updated whistles on some files and expanding the crew chatter. The crew chatter was a hit at my last open house. I had a switch break so I stopped my K-36 a few feet short and while fixing the switch the crew said “When will the tracks be clear?” It was a rather funny moment.
I ordered the P8. I am using battery power so I hope I wont need another battery just for the sound card.
Thanks for everyone’s reply
You can hook the P8 up to your main battery using a small battery connector SBC-2 from All Electronics.
(http://ovgrs.peterbramahphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Wiring16.jpg)
(http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/cache/image/d/e/f/3567.Jpg)
Thanks, I will look into that.
There is no battery connector on the P8, only on the PB11. The P8 works with either the G2 or G3 and no extra bettery. Follow the instruction in the G2/G3 instruction manual.
Dave i thank Paul meant to say P11
Richard
I have had issues with my last two pb11 boards, The charging circuit don’t seem to work. When the battery is new, it works fins, but after a few runs, It goes dead. So I get no sound when the track power is off. With the track power on, the sound works fine. I bought a new battery and had good sound with the power off. Then in a short time, nothing. Its kind of discouraging since those boards cost so much.
Paul - Have you contacted Phoenix? They are usually very quick to solve problems…
Richard Beverly said:
Dave i thank Paul meant to say P11
Richard
Nah! Paul screwed up. That’s what I get for posting after midnight. The previous picture is a Phoenix Sound 2K2.
The P8 has two green wires on a plug in connector that are used to power the board.
You can see them just to the left of the “94” in the P8’s serial number.
That looks like Doug’s K-27 tender…
I havent contacted Phoenix yet. I guess I should since it has happened twice.
Thanks
Paul,
One of my P8 sound board stopped working awhile back and I decided to send it back. They think it is repairable but they are going to go ahead and do an exchange for a new one instead. Cost to me is only $25; well worth contacting them.
Actually, on my last PB11 one of the contacts that holds the wires from the speaker was defective, I sent it back and they fixed it. So I really do need to call them
Thanks Bruce.
Paul Norton, I’m confused. That board in your post doesn’t look like any P8 I have. My P8’s don’t have any connectors that take bare wires. The connectors on my boards take a harness that Phoenix provides, and then I solder the other end of the harness to wherever that wire goes. Is that board you are showing a PB11 by any chance?? Or am I just mixed up.
Ed
Scratch my comment. I was looking at the big board with the yellow box marked on it. I now realize you are talking about the small board in the upper right corner. THAT board looks like my P8’s. Sorry 'bout that.
