Special thanks to Ed for recommeding and posting photos with instructions on how to replace the Rapido installed speaker with a Scale Sounds speaker. One hour job and much improved sound level now. Its a fine running and very detailed engine, but for a $300 engine its too bad the original speaker was so sub-par compared to most other Mfgrs. Unfortunatley I will have to re-think purchasing another Rapido diesel, but i really like the company's PA's, most likely I have to replace the speaker(s) ? BT NJ
I experienced then same scenario with three new Atlas GP40's. The stock speakers just aren't up to what I think they should sound like. Very tinny. At first I thought it was the sound file of the Lok decoder, but it's the speaker (in my opinion). I ordered one SSS direct replacement speaker and there's quite a difference. I have the other two coming soon. I posted about this earlier and will respond (as Tom requested) to that post with final results and comments.
Regard, Chris
Bayway TerminalUnfortunatley I will have to re-think purchasing another Rapido diesel, but i really like the company's PA's, most likely I have to replace the speaker(s) ?
I picked up four of the Rapido PAs and, yes, you are correct, the stock 'i Phone' speakers that Rapido seems to be in love with are sorely inadequate. The PA installation goes very well and, in my case, I took the time to rearrange the headlight LED so as to eliminate the 'periscope' look of the refracted light output.
Here's a look:
Rapido_PA_parts-swap by Edmund, on Flickr
'Explosion' view! ^^^
Rapido PA-4203-shelloff by Edmund, on Flickr
The original speakers with brackets. SSS speakers in place and wired. ^^^
NYC_PA-4203-headlight-prism by Edmund, on Flickr
Headlight/number board assembly with acrylic prisms in place. ^^^
NYC_PA-4203-SMD-LED-board by Edmund, on Flickr
PC board with SMD LEDs for various lights. The NYC doesn't use the Mars light, of course and the NKP does. I leave the number board LED as is. ^^^
NYC_PA-4203-drilled-prism-LED by Edmund, on Flickr
Headlight prism removed and back wall drilled to accept LED leads ^^^
NYC_PA-4203-headlight-prism-LED by Edmund, on Flickr
Setting the replacement LED in place: ^^^
Rapido_PA_nose by Edmund, on Flickr
The NKP engine with both LEDs now in 'direct view' of the observer. A great improvement in the percieved light output IMHO. ^^^
Regardless of the cost there are rarely, if ever, a 'Goldilocks' model out there. In the case of the RS11 I'm really considering wiping out the OEM Rapido sound project as the very limited selection of bell and horn choices are awful. Can they really be saving money by limiting the user to only a hadnful of optional sounds?
JT Burke at Scale Sounds is a hero in my opinion. I just received another batch of speakers and this time I'll be tackling my Rapido RDCs!
Cheers, Ed
Good to know that two speakers can be replaced / wthout removing any engine weights like the RS11. Thanks again Ed. BT NJ