The MesquiteBelt posted a great primer video on using the SoundBytes Cicada sound module. Although specific to the Cicada module, it applies equally well to the other SoundBytes modules as well.

Burr Stewart recently installed some SoundBytes Crossing Bells on his Seattle region Burlington Northern layout. Take a look at his operations and modeling!

We’ve gotten the question a number of times about how to turn the SoundBytes modules on and off with a switch.  It’s actually really easy, but since the question gets asked, I figured I’d do a very quick write-up on it.

First of all, the module requires a clean DC power supply of between 5 and 24 volts.  (Note:  PLEASE do not use old toy train power packs for this.  They do not provide clean DC power, and it’s often far, far over the ratings of the module.  Please read this for more details.)  The positive side connects to the red wire, and negative / ground connects to the black wire.

To activate the sound player, the white wire needs to be electrically connected to the negative side of the power supply (the black wire).  You can do this in any number of ways: a single-pole switch between the white wire and the black wire (SPST or SPDT, either will work), or a push button between black and white wires, or if you want it to play continuously, just connect the black and white wires together permanently.   To stop the sound, the white wire should remain disconnected (meaning the switch is off or open).

Here’s a simple diagram showing how to wire it to a toggle switch: