Cheapo diesel sound card

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-steves-
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by -steves- »

FWLR wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2024 8:39 am Thanks for your replies guys. I wasn't having ago at anyone in the thread and like I said I did find it interesting reading,
It's OK Rod, I don't think anyone thought you was "having a go" at anyone. Electrics can be baffling that is for sure, electronics even more so, even for me. I was just saying this particular sound card is the easiest, simple fit that I have seen, especially to a standard servo type receiver where it just plugs in on a Y lead.

A Y lead is just a splitter like this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geieold-Futaba ... hdGY&psc=1
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Trevor Thompson »

I have added a link to a video on the "Railway in the Valley of the Mill" thread showing the loco I have added one of these sound cards to.

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philipy
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by philipy »

FWLR wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2024 8:39 am
I am looking forward to Philip making the video for us all to see how the sound is in his loco
Your wish is my command, Rod! :lol:

The video is over on my Gmeinder loco build thread.
I did actually get it finished last weekend as I had hoped, and did a short video, but then discovered I had made a serious boo-boo! For inexplicable reasons, I made the 4 handrails 48mm long instead of 32mm long. I knew it looked wrong but it was only when I was comparing the video with the photo's that I realsied why. :oops:
So I had to remove them from the loco, try to fill the holes and remake and repaint the handrails and refit them. By which time it has started raining again! :evil:
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by FWLR »

philipy wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2024 11:57 am
FWLR wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2024 8:39 am
I am looking forward to Philip making the video for us all to see how the sound is in his loco
Your wish is my command, Rod! :lol:

The video is over on my Gmeinder loco build thread....

For inexplicable reasons, I made the 4 handrails 48mm long instead of 32mm long. I knew it looked wrong but it was only when I was comparing the video with the photo's that I realsied why. :oops:


By which time it has started raining again! :evil:
The video is over on my Gmeinder loco build thread....

Will go and have a look at it Philip... :thumbright:

For inexplicable reasons, I made the 4 handrails 48mm long instead of 32mm long. I knew it looked wrong but :oops:

Happens to me a lot Philip.... :lol :lol


By which time it has started raining again! :evil:

Will it ever stop....And we can get back to this.. :sunny:... Then again we will probably complain about it being to hot.. :lol
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Phil.P »

I have acquired a small quantity of these..

Intention is to supply a 'kit' of receiver + soundcard, ready to go (as best I can).

One of a couple of 'kits to do stuff' I am hoping to make available...

But don't hold your breath!

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by -steves- »

Phil.P wrote: Wed May 01, 2024 6:12 pm I have acquired a small quantity of these..

Intention is to supply a 'kit' of receiver + soundcard, ready to go (as best I can).

One of a couple of 'kits to do stuff' I am hoping to make available...

But don't hold your breath!

Phil.P
Very nice Phil, great idea :thumbup:
The buck stops here .......

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by simka »

Lonsdaler wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:25 am
philipy wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:00 am
-steves- wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:29 am
Can you borrow a prog 4 to programme it with, or borrow a different TX, like a TX20?
I have a Prog4 but it no longer works with the serial cables/Coolterm.. it's all obsolete. Nobody I know within half a days journey to borrow from ( I think you are about the nearest! :roll: ) unfortunately and it's not worth posting. I do have a suspicion that its the Tx at fault though, I suspect it has other issues as well. It's range is pants these days.
There is a fix to enable usb to serial cable operation. The best online explanation and links to required program can be found here https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/sup ... le/View/92
Just pick the 64 or 32 bit solution.
We had to do this to continue using radio GPS tracking, and it worked. If youโ€™re considering using a GPS tracker, it's important to know the legal restrictions in your area. Some states allow it freely, while others have more specific rules. If youโ€™re wondering where GPS tracking is legal, this resource is helpful. Take the time to review the laws before proceedingโ€”learn more about Where GPS tracking is legal.
First off, itโ€™s tough when tech just becomes obsolete like that! Iโ€™ve had similar issues with serial cables and older hardware. If your TX has started to show signs of failing, I wouldn't be surprised. Range issues are usually a big red flag.
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Phil.P »

Getting closer



Video of a quart in a pint pot.
There is 9.6V of NiMH in there, amongst other things..

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by ge_rik »

Interesting little model. I was just trying to work out its origin.

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by FWLR »

Now I do like that :thumbleft:
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Peter Butler »

ge_rik wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 7:40 am Interesting little model. I was just trying to work out its origin.

Rik
Competition entry?
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Phil.P »

Peter Butler wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:14 am
ge_rik wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 7:40 am Interesting little model. I was just trying to work out its origin.

Rik
Competition entry?
Hello Peter,

That is 'Winston' the Fat Controllers railcar. - A part of the Bachmann range.
He normally lives on the Wychbold and Stoke Prior Railway, with many of the other characters, and appears in a series of videos suitable for children of all ages.

Rashly, I had said I could get a very basic soundcard in, as well as enough batteries, to get a reasonable track-speed.
Eight AAA cells, take up most of the available space, so it was a bit of a challenge.

I had hoped he might be able to visit Stoneleigh, but he has other commitments.

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by ge_rik »

Phil.P wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:41 am Rashly, I had said I could get a very basic soundcard in, as well as enough batteries, to get a reasonable track-speed.
Eight AAA cells, take up most of the available space, so it was a bit of a challenge.
Did you consider li-ions or do you tend to avoid them?

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Phil.P »

ge_rik wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 3:21 pm
Phil.P wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:41 am Rashly, I had said I could get a very basic soundcard in, as well as enough batteries, to get a reasonable track-speed.
Eight AAA cells, take up most of the available space, so it was a bit of a challenge.
Did you consider li-ions or do you tend to avoid them?

Rik
Hi Rik,
The customer reported that at 9.6V the speed was adequate, but 8.4V was too slow, so would have needed a 3S,or 2S + booster.
Customer also already has a stable of NiMH powered models, so decided to keep with the same chemistry.

I have no problem with using Lithium-based cells, though the jury is out, on their longevity in our applications? - I am not sure how their life will be affected by shed-life, say. Very hot in the summer, and freezing in winter. Also, very long periods between charges, during the winter months.

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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by drewzero1 »

Phil.P wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:41 am
Peter Butler wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:14 am
ge_rik wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 7:40 am Interesting little model. I was just trying to work out its origin.

Rik
Competition entry?
Hello Peter,

That is 'Winston' the Fat Controllers railcar. - A part of the Bachmann range.
He normally lives on the Wychbold and Stoke Prior Railway, with many of the other characters, and appears in a series of videos suitable for children of all ages.

Rashly, I had said I could get a very basic soundcard in, as well as enough batteries, to get a reasonable track-speed.
Eight AAA cells, take up most of the available space, so it was a bit of a challenge.

I had hoped he might be able to visit Stoneleigh, but he has other commitments.

Phil.P
I thought it looked familiar, my kids have a book where he makes an appearance. Impressive feat to get all that inside!
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by Phil.P »

It is quite tight:
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Re: Cheapo diesel sound card

Post by ge_rik »

Neatly done, Phil
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