The first trial instalations are now done and the locos are running on Holme Lacy. First up the geneous space within the 37.
This loco started with two Buehler motors and an Locsound XL. I simplified it by removing one of the motor/gearbox. The big Visaton speaker has also gone (too big) and is replaced by the large cube from YooChoos. The isolator switch sits in the space used for the sound to get out, it now comes out through the unused motor hole. On the left the XL sits in the plastic mount with the terminals I'm interested in easily accessable from above (I don't do lights). On the shelf above is the Mk 4 receiver (solid state aerial) with the voltage regulator. Power comes from a 4 pack of rechargable AAA batteries (4400mAh). This loco trundles around the trainset in a most satisfactory way and confirms that I want sound. This means that I won't follow the Protocab path any further.
Next is the installation in a 42XX.
The receiver (Mk3 with wire aerial) sits in the bunker and the wires come through the bunker and under the cab floor to connect with the rest of the kit on the chassis.
A NS sheet cage goes over the motor and the batteries sit on top. A plate on the side mounts the ADAPLU5 and MX645P and the speaker sits on a convenient but unused crossmember.
The isolator switch fits into a new plate in the chassis and the voltage regulator is on another new vertical crossmember. This all works well but the penny has dropped that I can mount all the gear in the hollowed out body and then only have the motor lead to connect onto the chassis. At the moment I am scoping this mod out.
I have yet to see how long a set of fully charged batteries last; they take about 12 hours to charge. The only slight wrinkle is that when slowing to a stop the loco creeps at a minute speed (as in 0.000oo001mph) for about ten seconds before the brakes go on. This may have something with me changing CV29 to allow speed control by the CVs in the 60s, so I need to set it back to the older speed curves.
I have to say that I am very encouraged by this experience. I intend to see how well a set up using two and one AAA battery work in the confined space of a Pannier tank (Solid tanks in the MOK and NLTRT offerings). I will also look at AA batteries for this instalation, they should hold a greater charge. Later on I will take a look at Lithiums but have no appetite for the high power R/C aircraft ones.
Simon
PS Has anyone got any feedback on the YooChoos Zimo programming App?