Hi all,
Even though I'm a newbie to G scale, I knew that I wanted to convert my recently acquired Bachmann 4-6-0 to battery operation to eliminate all of the problems associated with track power. Therefore, when I saw a post by David Vergun (FJ and G) describing the installation of ProBoats ESC in one of his O scale loco's, I was very much interested. This ESC has forward and reverse, is water proof, and, was designed for use in RC boats. If you would like to read Dave's initial post, search for " a control system that's not for everyone" in the "Toy train operating and collecting" forum.
My Bachmann loco has a factory installed smoke and sound system. While I'm sure that it is not up to par with some of the after market systems, it sounded great to me, and, I saw no good reason to replace it. What I needed was a basic speed controller, not all of the other "bells and whistles" that come along with the packages sold exclusively for trains.
One of my main concerns when I read Dave's original post, was that the ProBoat speed controller is rated for 4-10 cells (12 volts max.). However, since I had plenty of room in my G scale tender, I wanted to use a 12 cell pack (14.4 volts). Realizing that manufatures sometimes under-rate their products to minimize warranty claims, I decided to take the risk that this unit would handle 14.4 volts. Since the unit sells for only $39.99....if I blew it up...so what!!!
I ordered the unit, and, while I was waiting for it to arrive, I picked up 12 AA, 2500 mah, NiMH batteries at Wall-Mart, along with battery clips, DC connectors and a fuse holder from Radio Shack. When the unit arrived, it took me about 4 hours to install all components in the tender of the 4-6-0. For the initial test run, I installed a 3 amp fuse.... just in case the 14.4 volts was too much for the controller....I figured the fuse would blow before the controller went up in smoke!
I am happy to report that the system has been running problem free for the past 5 days on my small test oval. Even with the 14.4 battery pack, the controller runs very cool....absolutely no sign of overheating. I have the receiver antenna wrapped in a spiral loop and affixed to the top inside of the tender, and, have a range of over 70 feet. I did not find it necessary to install RF chokes or capacitors to minimize electrical noise from the motor. I assume this is because all components are installed in the tender.... well away from the motor.
Runtime with the 14.4 battery pack is over 4 hours. (Engine & tender pulling 3 cars on flat surface)
The total cost of this system, not including the TX and RX which I already owned, was approximately $80 dollars:
- Pro Boat ESC = $39.99
- 12 AA, 2500 mah, NiMH batteries @ Wal-Mart $19.00
- Miscellaneous parts @ Radio Shack = $20.00
Following is a link to the ProBoat ESC sold by Horizon Hobby.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PRB2314
Any questions, please email me at soda1@ix.netcom.com
Regards, Junnie
Junnie,
What happens if you let go of the controller?
Jack
Rastun wrote: Junnie,What happens if you let go of the controller? Jack
Hi Jack,
I have the ESC hooked up to the throttle control stick on the transmitter, so the stick stays where you last had it when you take your thumb off of it. In other words I can set the throttle where I want it, put the receiver down and walk away, and the train will continue to run at that setting.
Junnie
That's good to know Junnie. I have looked at David's previous posts for this set up and found it interesting even if only 12 v. I recently set up my Dunkirk for battery/RC trailer car operation using a RCS Basic 2 system with 14.4v in Nimh batteries. I spent about $210 for everything, $80 of which is the transmitter. The transmitter is sophisticated in being able to control 3 locos, accessories, etc. which will come in handy with expansion. A couple of questions -
Are you running the system with the smoke unit on?
and how much run time are you getting?
-Brian
altterrain wrote: That's good to know Junnie. I have looked at David's previous posts for this set up and found it interesting even if only 12 v. I recently set up my Dunkirk for battery/RC trailer car operation using a ECS Basic 2 system with 14.4v in Nimh batteries. I spent about $210 for everything, $80 of which is the transmitter. The transmitter is sophisticated in being able to control 3 locos, accessories, etc. which will come in handy with expansion. A couple of questions -Are you running the system with the smoke unit on?and how much run time are you getting? -Brian
That's good to know Junnie. I have looked at David's previous posts for this set up and found it interesting even if only 12 v. I recently set up my Dunkirk for battery/RC trailer car operation using a ECS Basic 2 system with 14.4v in Nimh batteries. I spent about $210 for everything, $80 of which is the transmitter. The transmitter is sophisticated in being able to control 3 locos, accessories, etc. which will come in handy with expansion. A couple of questions -
Hi Brian,
You must have missed it in my first posting, but, I'm running the system with 12, 2500 mah, NiMH batteries (14.4 volts.) The ProBoat ESC handles this voltage with no problem.
I haven't run yet with the smoke unit on because I haven't had a chance to purchase smoke liquid.
However, I have run it with the factory sound system on and the train was still running when I shut it off at 4 hours. This was on a flat surface pulling 3 cars.
Best wishes,Tony Walsham (Remote Control Systems) http://www.rcs-rc.comModern technology. Old fashioned reliability.
Junnie wrote: Rastun wrote: Junnie,What happens if you let go of the controller? Jack Hi Jack,I have the ESC hooked up to the throttle control stick on the transmitter, so the stick stays where you last had it when you take your thumb off of it. In other words I can set the throttle where I want it, put the receiver down and walk away, and the train will continue to run at that setting.Regards, JunnieJunnie
Do you have to leave the transmitter turned on? If so do you know what happens yet if the batteries die in the transmitter?
Right you are, Tony!
For some strange reason, I want to call the little buggers "Radio Speed Controllers" (RSC's).
I went back and edited my previous posts, so they now contain the proper terminology.
Thanks for pointing this out!
"Do you have to leave the transmitter turned on? If so do you know what happens yet if the batteries die in the transmitter?" Jack
Yes, you have to leave the transmitter on...if you turn it off, the train will stop.
I don't know what happens when the transmitter battery dies, or gets very low. I would assume that the train would eventually stop, as it does when the transmitter is turned off. Or possibly, as sometimes happens with mechanical servos when the transmitter battery is very low, it may start acting in an erratic manner....
Yesterday I had a strange experience. I turned off my transmitter and the critter (Plymouth) kept running. Apparently someone in the neighborhood was on mychannel! :-)
Dave,
Maybe that little engineer in the cab finally woke up and decided to take over!!!
I haven't had that problem yet, and probably never will....I live way out in the country on 5 acres.
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