Anything else that will do what the DRC300 promised....?

beavercreek said:
Hi Jon
Yes that range is good. They don't do the little jobbie that I use as it is only available in the US but one of the 12v 2.2AH or even the 2.9AH, if they fit, would keep the twin bogie LGB locos going for a good time at the moderate speed (but nicely prototypical) that a12v pack would deliver.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike.
I'm thinking of perhaps 2 x 12v batteries connected in series (in a suitably big loco with plenty of space for them), to deliver a full 24v to run one of the DRS hi-power receivers and the DCC decoder without having to worry about voltage step-up devices.... I'm figuring that way there is plenty of voltage safety margin even if the batteries start to get low, without worrying about it dropping below the voltage threshold needed for everything to work.

Or I suppose even three x 6v batteries (to give a total of 18v), distributed fore-middle-aft along a big diesel body...? Chucking out the lead weights and replacing them with the batteries would keep the loco weight similar to standard while also making physical room for the batteries.

Jon.
 
Apologies, hh yes, I was thinking of putting them in serial and then I gave a parallel voltage whoops DOHHH!.
What I really meant to say was that two of the 2.9AH 12v jobbies in series would be able to keep everything (train with load) humming nicely for a good long time at a speed setting that would be equivalent to about 12v usage if you get my drift.
Of course they would also be able to give a pretty good time at higher speeds.

It would be interesting how long they would last on my line................
 
Two of the Tam Valley Hi Power receivers arrived over the Christmas period.

131 (Small).JPG

Also a Stanton S-CAB special order 869MHz version.

139 (Small).JPG

I set everything up and can report that the Hi Power receiver works as expected. ;D

126 (Small).JPG

The Tam Valley receivers can be controlled via the Stanton CAB.

The Stanton CAB is OK after getting used to it. The benefit is that it turns off when it is not transmitting DCC messages so in theory more than one can be used at the same time on the same frequency. Since I only got one I can`t confirm that.

There are a couple of restriction on the cab, it only works with 28 speed steps, and only supports 12 functions. I`m not bothered by the speed steps since 28 is what I always use. 12 functions is a bit of a restriction for sound decoders so I`ve suggested to them that they increase to 28.

For taking a loco to other tracks the cab does the job.

 
Cool, it looks like I have now got options again for receivers to use with my Airwire system. :)
 
Cliff,
To understand this set up.

Presumably the Blue Box is some kind of Battery?

The Tam Valley board being the smaller part?

So is this Controlling a Sound Chip in the Locomotive and do all the Sound Functions work OK?

Is it all legal in UK?

Presumably you did not get a Tam Valley Cab?

Apart from the obvious benefits that you mention I wonder why?

Finally where did you order it from and the cost please?

Sorry if this sounds like the Spanish Inquisition, but I am quite keen to get something that will do what the DRC was supposed to do!
JonD
 
dunnyrail said:
Finally where did you order it from and the cost please?
Click to expand...

Jon,

I am awaiting stock of the Tam Valley "Dead Rail" Transmitters and Hi Power Receiver unit. Prices will be determined upon arrival.
 
Thanks Mums, that sounds like a good solution to me. Once I am clear that they will do what I want, I will order via you.
JonD
 
Jon,

[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
Presumably the Blue Box is some kind of Battery?
[/quote]

Yes I used what I had, LiPos intended for model aircraft, boats use etc. They are easy to find and cost effective (Hobbyking), but don`t come with any protection circuitry to prevent over charging or over discharging both of which are fatal for LiPos.

These need to be removed for recharging. To prevent overcharging I use a professional LiPo charger. To prevent over discharge I use the voltage monitors available for model aircraft that attach to the balance leads, they make a loud noise when the voltage drops to a defined level, at which time it is time to stop and swap the battery.

These batteries can source far more current than our trains will ever use, but that really doesn`t matter. Hobbyking have a new kind of LiPo designed for multi-rotors that have higher mHa for longer run times, but smaller max discharge rate. These would be a good bet for trains.

I would not use LiPos if they couldn`t be easily removed for recharging. I`ve used a trailing wagon just to try the Tam Valley system. I expect I will fit receivers directly into locos in the future so will use a different type of battery technology.

As I said I had these batteries to hand which is why I used them, however ANY battery technology can be used.

023 (Small).JPG

[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
The Tam Valley board being the smaller part?
[/quote]

This is the Tam Valley Hi Power receiver. Only two pairs of connections, battery power in and DCC out. The DCC out goes directly into the decoder.

006 (Small).JPG

[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
So is this Controlling a Sound Chip in the Locomotive and do all the Sound Functions work OK?
[/quote]

Yes.

[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
Is it all legal in UK?
[/quote]

Yes.


[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
Presumably you did not get a Tam Valley Cab?

Apart from the obvious benefits that you mention I wonder why?
[/quote]

They don`t make one.

They make this transmitter: Only one pair of connections the track output of your DCC system.

015 (Small).JPG

You continue to use the existing hand controllers from your existing DCC system.

You could put a receiver and battery into a Harzkamel, disconnecting the track power pickups. Then you would use your existing Navigator in exactly the same way you always have to run your engine.

Where it is not desirable to use an existing DCC system, maybe when visiting other tracks, the Stanton CAB, or converted NCE PowerCab could be used.

[quote author=dunnyrail link=topic=299347.msg338279#msg338279 date=1420188382]
Finally where did you order it from and the cost please?
[/quote]

The receivers are available directly from Tam Valley for $120.00. As Mark says he is going to stock them.
 
Hi Cliff
Nice exposition there!

As regards the Stanton cab scenario.
At present I have the Massoth1200z so, if going down the RC DCC road I would need the hi power receiver, the Tam Valley transmitter to hook onto the back of the 1200z before/instead of the feed to the track.
But if taking a loco to another track, (that didn't have DCC etc) am I correct in saying that the Stanton cab controller acts as a central station and sends the DCC commands to the Tam Valley receiver an so to the decoder?
If this is the case, then obviously it would only follow the usual 'normal' DCC commands and perhaps not the individual different decoder manufacturers' 'special' command/functions modes like some sounds, lights etc
Or am I totally wrong on this.....very possible knowing me
 
Hi Cliff, great write-up and pics on the new Hi-power receiver! As you're still using the same LiPo blue battery packs, I'm assuming that the new receiver now incorporates whatever voltage step-up circuitry that is required to effectively run a large-scale decoder? What is the minimum battery pack voltage that is required to make everything operate happily?

Jon.
 
beavercreek said:
.... if going down the RC DCC road I would need the hi power receiver, the Tam Valley transmitter to hook onto the back of the 1200z before/instead of the feed to the track.
Click to expand...

Yes.

beavercreek said:
But if taking a loco to another track, (that didn't have DCC etc) am I correct in saying that the Stanton cab controller acts as a central station and sends the DCC commands to the Tam Valley receiver an so to the decoder?
Click to expand...

Yes.

beavercreek said:
If this is the case, then obviously it would only follow the usual 'normal' DCC commands and perhaps not the individual different decoder manufacturers' 'special' command/functions modes like some sounds, lights etc
Click to expand...

Not sure what you are getting at here. You can do anything that can be done via the standard DCC commands, provided the cab supports it. Basically that is only adjusting the speed and direction (Stanton Cab only supports engines configured with 28 speed steps) and activating/deactivation functions (Stanton Cab only supports the first 12 functions). I'm not sure you would want to alter CV values using RC DCC but even than should work if POM programming is used.

What individual different decoder manufacturers' 'special' command/functions modes are you thinking of Mike?

If you are worried about the restrictions with the Stanton Cab, a modified NCE PowerCab has no restrictions I know of.
 
Zerogee said:
Hi Cliff, great write-up and pics on the new Hi-power receiver! As you're still using the same LiPo blue battery packs, I'm assuming that the new receiver now incorporates whatever voltage step-up circuitry that is required to effectively run a large-scale decoder? What is the minimum battery pack voltage that is required to make everything operate happily?

Jon.
Click to expand...

Yes and no.

Yes in the sense that only one DC battery input is required. The original receiver only needed about 12 volts, but then the booster needed another say about 20V supply, reflecting what DCC voltage was needed.

No in the sense that as the battery voltage drops the speed of the loco will also drop for the same speed step.

The instructions for the Hi Power receiver say that a battery input of 7.4 to 24V is suported. The instructions say that the DCC out is about the same voltage as the battery input. I measured it at about half a volt less. I'd recommend about 18V DCC for the input to a DCC decoder.

I have made up two versions, one using a voltage regulator to keep the voltage constant at about 19V, regardless of the state of the battery. The second connects a five cell LiPo directly to the receiver, that will give a max of about 21V when fully charged, notionally 18.5V, down to about 17V before the LiPo would be damaged to take it any lower. Can't say I have noticed much speed drop, and since this is easier to do I'd probably stick with it in the future.
 
Cliff George said:
Not sure what you are getting at here. You can do anything that can be done via the standard DCC commands, provided the cab supports it. Basically that is only adjusting the speed and direction (Stanton Cab only supports engines configured with 28 speed steps) and activating/deactivation functions (Stanton Cab only supports the first 12 functions). I'm not sure you would want to alter CV values using RC DCC but even than should work if POM programming is used.

What individual different decoder manufacturers' 'special' command/functions modes are you thinking of Mike?

If you are worried about the restrictions with the Stanton Cab, a modified NCE PowerCab has no restrictions I know of.
Click to expand...

I think that I did not explain what I was getting at very well.
I was not thinking about CV programming but about the function buttons and the different setups and number of functions that different manufacturers seem to have eg QSI and their 'extended' number of functions etc
But you have answered that with the statement that the 'standard' twelve would be available which would cover most eventualities.

How did you modify your NCE handset?
 
Cliff,
Many thanks for the super reply to my queries. Am not trying to get the single brain cell to take it all in!

Will probably fire up the real Computer and Print out what has been said, then hope I find that I should be able to understand it all better.
JonD
 
beavercreek said:
How did you modify your NCE handset?
Click to expand...

The word modify implies this is much more complicated that it actually is, perhaps I should have used the word rewire.

Break out the wires from the Cab Bus, the track output goes to the Tam Valley transmitter, the power goes to a 12v battery. Job done.

This only works with the NCE PowerCab because that is a DCC command station.
 
Thanks Cliff

Do you have a photo of your Power Cab rigged up with the TamValley TX and battery?
Is it still easy to handle?
 
[quote author=beavercreek link=topic=299347.msg338605#msg338605 date=1420488038]
Do you have a photo of your Power Cab rigged up with the TamValley TX and battery?
[/quote]

007 (Small).JPG

Modified NCE Power Cab

011 (Small).JPG

Power supply/battery fits in a pocket or clips on belt.

I am about to replace this with a smaller version. Something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Portable-DC-168-12V-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-Pack-for-CCTV-Camera-Good-/351234974340?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item51c73c6284

014 (Small).JPG

Small break out board to pick out the power in and track out connections.

020 (Small).JPG

Transmitter attached to the back of the power cab

[quote author=beavercreek link=topic=299347.msg338605#msg338605 date=1420488038]
Is it still easy to handle?
[/quote]

Yes in my opinion.
 
Hi Cliff,

I'm assuming that your Stanton Cab is a ready-to-use affair, not needing any of the external add-ons that you've used for the Powercab?
How much was the Stanton?

Thanks,

Jon.
 
Yes Jon it works straight out of the box. You have to ask for a special order 869MHz version.

Neil charged me $139.00 for the cab, which is the same as for the 916MHz version + $15.00 for postage. Very reasonable of him I thought. At the exchange rate at the time I sent him just less than £100.00. I did get stung for about an additional £20.00 for the parcel farce admin fee and VAT. It works out quite a bit less than the modified power cab, mostly because there is no need to buy a Tam Valley transmitter or battery.

The power cab is a lot more capable, but the S-CAB does the job as well. Used it yesterday at Salcott and it worked very well. I will probably be there at the next winter meet if you are interested in having a go.

Apparently more than one S-CAB can be used at the same time even though the frequency is the same because it turns off when it isn't transmitting messages.

Interestingly Neil tells me that although I was the first to ask for a 869MHz version there are now 3 users in the UK!

http://www.s-cab.com/
 
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