Advice on batteries for RC conversions

Henri

Henri

refuses to grow up
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This question must 've been asked numerous times before, but I could use some heads up.

I want to convert my engines to RC/battery controlled. I already have the TX and RX-es (just where did I store them....?)
Projects:
LGB Stainz engine (the very first version, fitted into my RTM steam tram engine)
LGB Railbus 21650
And another one to be announced.

What would be my best start buying batteries? What parameters determine them? Running time, voltage..? Is a 4 hour run possible?

And what type?
The RTM tram engine is very limited in available space for example.

Furthermore I need a charger, suggestions are very welcome.

[EDIT]
I have three MR603 receivers and the Tx22V2 transmitter purchased at Micron R/C
[/EDIT]
 
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If you are installing the battery and related R/C equipment in locos like the Stainz, all I can do is wish you luck. You're gonna need it. There are some Li-On battery packs that are small enough to fit into the cab of a loco like the Stainz. I've found them on Ebay, mostly from China. They are about the size of a Tic-Tac container. They always come with a charger.
 
Have a look at Rik's Peckforton Railway blog..

He and I have both got 3S Li-Ion packs in Stainz boilers, but it depends on what else you need to get in, and whose radio you are using..

Another way to do this is to use a smaller (lower voltage) battery pack, and a booster to increase the voltage. - Which governs your top-speed.
The run-time will be slightly reduced, as you don't get anything for nothing, in electronics.

Is your '4 hour' figure constantly on the move, or the length of time of a running session where the model may not be running all the time?

PhilP.
 
Henri said:
This question must 've been asked numerous times before, but I could use some heads up.

I want to convert my engines to RC/battery controlled. I already have the TX and RX-es (just where did I store them....?)
Projects:
LGB Stainz engine (the very first version, fitted into my RTM steam tram engine)
LGB Railbus 21650
And another one to be announced.

What would be my best start buying batteries? What parameters determine them? Running time, voltage..? Is a 4 hour run possible?

And what type?
The RTM tram engine is very limited in available space for example.

Furthermore I need a charger, suggestions are very welcome.
Click to expand...
I have a thread on the Railbus which you should find helpful, batteries in the roof.

As for Stainz this may just be the one that is better with a battery car.

Voltage wise depends on what you are using if you want sound. My Loco Sound works on 6-24 volts (please read the instructions regarding higher voltage) I find that 12 or so volts works well with enough life for say your Railcar. I used 12 AAA rechargeable NiMh batteries in mine giving 14.4v.

Have a look at Fosworks, he will supply everything you need even bespoke battery packs (I test out what fits with old batteries and send him a picture if the configuration).
 
Henri said:
Quick reply: 4 hour: indeed, length of running session, not continuous running time.
Click to expand...
My Railcar was in power for 5 hours last week, has been known to do 2x4 hour days when I forgot to recharge it after 1st day.
 
Henri - there are two directions for battery control, NiMh or Li-on. It's best to decide on one or the other and stick with it, and as others have said, for smaller locos, Li-on will be better.

Here's the link to Rik's Pecforton Railway blog.

riksrailway.blogspot.com

Getting started with battery power and radio control

Narrow gauge large scale model garden railway. Battery powered, radio controlled locomotives, some Bluetooth. Set in Cheshire UK in 1930s
riksrailway.blogspot.com riksrailway.blogspot.com

There are a couple of very important safety aspects with Li-on batteries that people like PhilP PhilP and JimmyB JimmyB will be able to help you with.
 
Henri said:
The Stainz has lost all of its parts: I've transformed it into this:

View attachment 341748
Click to expand...
Ah remember that superb conversion, you may find lots of places to hide batteries in that beneath the skirts and perhaps in the side. You do not necessarily have to have a full pack in one go, smaller packs of perhaps 2-3 batteries in differing places joined up as a single pack will work just as well.
 
Hi Henri
Here's my Stainz conversion. I actually put three 14500 li ion cells in the cab. Easily get more than four hours run time from that

riksrailway.blogspot.com

How I converted an LGB Stainz loco to battery power - Version 2

Narrow gauge large scale model garden railway. Battery powered, radio controlled locomotives, some Bluetooth. Set in Cheshire UK in 1930s
riksrailway.blogspot.com riksrailway.blogspot.com

Rik
 
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