Heat sink for a Tsunami in a steam tender

[da1]

I am undertaking installation of sound in a Bachmann 2-10-2.  My plan is to use a Soundtraxx Tsunami together with a speaker under the coal pile.  I was advised that the Tsunami decoders dispate a lot of heat and to allow for cooling.  My questions to this forum are:

1.  Is overheating a problem with Tsunami decoders?

2.  What cooling, ventilating or sinking methods are effective and visually non-obtrusive?

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Dwayne A

[DigitalGriffin]

1.  The Tsunami decoders do get warm.  However they have a heat sink built in.  It's held to the electronics with the shrink wrap.  DO NOT REMOVE THE SHRINKWRAP.

 

2.  To improve heat transfer you have a couple options

Option A:

Use bathroom caulk and caulk it to a metal frame (if available), or the boiler (if metal not available).  Use thin a layer as possible.

Option B:

Find a way to clamp the decoder to metal on the ends.  (Possibly caulk again).  Then use a product called, "Artic Silver" thermal greese in the middle.  This is one of the best interface materials used between computer CPU's and their coolers to conduct heat away from the CPU.  Again, use as thin a layer as possible!  This is most likely overkill.  But if you have heat problems, this will definitely cure it.  Be careful, Artic Silver greese is mildly conductive.  So keep it away from circuit traces.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

[da1]

Thanks for the great info, Don.

Happy New Year!

D