She has proved a very reliable and capable, if somewhat slow, loco, and happily runs for hours on 3v from a AA twin pack. Seeing ge_rik's efforts with radio convinced me that I could also fit rc in this little workhorse.
The big problem with this locomotive was where to put everything. The Receiver I have chosen requires a minimum working voltage of 3.0v. Mochyn, as factory fitted has a AA battery box, providing either 3.0v with new alkalines, or 2.8v with rechargeables. There just isn't room to squeeze another AA battery in there, let alone the extra items I intend to fit.
Fortunately I had a cunning plan. Given her very general duties, including pway work, it made sense that she should have her own tool wagon for those running repairs often required on the line. If that should just happen to be big enough to house an 18650 li-ion cell or two, our power problems will disappear!
Did I mention the sound card too?
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The unit as supplied has on board batteries, LED, a record switch, a play switch, a microphone and a speaker. Now I've got the sound file I'm happy with on there, I have removed all the components other than the speaker and on/off switch - the power supply is from the drive battery, and although the sound file is only 10 seconds long, a wire loop from the microphone to the on/off switch makes it loop endlessly, until you switch it off.
Having sought advice from Rik, the RC I have chosen is Deltang. I've also been fortunate enough to be allowed to play with a couple of locos equipped with this system recently. I really like the hand controller, as opposed to a great clunking R/C TX in the style of aero models, and the Deltang TX22 can run up to 12 models. It also has the advantage of coming in the form of a self assembly kit, which makes it a very affordable Tx at £28. The other advantage is that the Rx's are minute - on it's own, that would not pose a problem fitting into such a small engine - the requirement for a minimum 3v is, as I have said, the issue.
I've fitted a power supply lead which runs out to the rear of the loco, and done away with the on board power supply. I could conceivably have squeezed a sub AA lithium camera battery in, but I think duration would have become an issue, as well as cost of replacement! Note the tiny plug on the end - from a dolls house supplier intended for doll's house lighting. The single 18650 cell (3.7v) provides sufficient juice for 3 or so hours running, and when the voltage drops to 3.0v, the Rx cuts the power - not only saving the Rx, but also the voltage below which you shouldn't discharge these cells!
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