Aristo Class 66 (on the rollers)

[main131]

The '66' has is well documented and has been out long enough now to be a regular peformer at both Gscale meets and also at some G1 get- togethers.
Most of the G1 layouts are primarly for live steam running of course. so most of alternative power comes from installing batteries either in the loco or supporting vehicle.
The introduction by Aristocraft with their new Revolution wireless style control has given owners an added flexibility where it is possible to 'talk' to their engines following installaton of the system.
The advantage of the class 66 is that the Revolution developement paralled the release of the 66 allowing, what Aristo refer to, as a 'plug in' system.
It made sense therefore to take my Freightliner the next step forward by installing the new system and take advantage of not only the battery power but 'plug in' Phoenix sound at the same time.
The sound can be downloaded directly from the Phoenix website and once installed can be controlled from the hand held by a series of 'F' numbers including smoke.
If you play the youtube video here you will appreciate the horn sound, double and single blast, and the engine sound variations from switch on to power increase/decrease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDa66UnIhWY

For those interested the battery power was made up as follows
12 " C cells"; NIMH 4500mAH, giving a nominal total of 14.4Volts,

 

[Elmtree Line]

Sounds Great!

 

[Doug]

I was waiting for the sound of Trevor's smoke detector to go off, then the smoke ran out at 2 minutes. Does the smoke generator only last that long with one filling?

 

[wpandyr]

Trevor,
A friend of ours is working on installing a full diesel electric power unit in his Aristo class 66, there is then no need for a sound unit, just ear defenders

 

[Dave Hub]

That is a very interesting post, A couple of questions if I may?

1) how difficult would this conversion be for some one with no experience of installing batteries etc?

2) How tight is the fit for all those batteries, and do you have to take loco apart to recharge each time. If not what do you use to charge batteries?

3) Could you please list pieces of kit needed and a rough price, e.g chip batteries controller, and any thing else needed.

4) Lastly is the chip hard to connect to batteries after inserting it into loco?

Sorry for all questions its a new system and I am looking at different power methods for next year. wondered how viable an option this could be.

Many thanks

 

[main131]

Doug - 25/11/2009 4:18 PM

I was waiting for the sound of Trevor's smoke detector to go off, then the smoke ran out at 2 minutes. Does the smoke generator only last that long with one filling?

Doug,
One filling would normally last ten mins before toping up. don't jump to conclusions.
It would also depend on when you last charged the batteries. The smoke output is the first sign of a decrease in power as you can imagine.
Trevor

 

[Neil Robinson]

Dave Hub - 25/11/2009 5:48 PM

That is a very interesting post, A couple of questions if I may?

1) how difficult would this conversion be for some one with no experience of installing batteries etc?

2) How tight is the fit for all those batteries, and do you have to take loco apart to recharge each time. If not what do you use to charge batteries?

3) Could you please list pieces of kit needed and a rough price, e.g chip batteries controller, and any thing else needed.

4) Lastly is the chip hard to connect to batteries after inserting it into loco?

Sorry for all questions its a new system and I am looking at different power methods for next year. wondered how viable an option this could be.

Many thanks

Back in August, on the old GSM forum, Trevor started a topic on this conversion, which was a joint effort between Trevor and myself.
Trevor has requested that I respond to your questions.
1) Very simple as the loco, in common with almost if not all of Aristo's current models, is designed for and ready wired for battery operation.
2) The batteries are a reasonably tight as they are fitted to standard battery holders which take up a little extra space but other smaller batteries, for example sub C packs, may be used. A charging socket is fitted alongside the smoke unit under a clip on section of the roof. Trevor uses a battery charger that was supplied with another custom made battery powered model, I'm confident similar ones would be available from model aircraft and boat shops.
3) The Aristo T.E. Revolution starter set retails in the U.K. for around £220. Battery prices and charger prices can vary a fair bit, and the choice may depend on, amongst other variables, wether you wished to use the smoke unit and a relatively high powered sound unit. I suggest you budget between £50 and £100. The sound system is a Phoenix P5 with a P5T auxiliary board. The RRP of the pair in the USA without tax and shipping is US$ 225.
4) It couldn't be simpler, the revolution chip plugs directly into the loco's circuit board, the battery pack connects to the wires provided and use the track/battery switch as a battery on/off switch.
A fair bit of time was spent learning how to fit the Phoenix sound system, optimising its settings and operating the sounds from the Revolution transmitter. It's not difficult though and once done the next time would be much quicker. It does involve the loan (or purchase) of a Phoenix interface system.

 

[Tony Walsham]

Unlike the Bachmann K-27 and Mallet socket wiring where Track - Battery is an either or situation, the track battery switch on AC made locos only isolates the track pick ups when switched to Battery.
I have always understood that when switched to track, the batteries will then be connected to the rails. Unless of course the loco wiring has been modified.

Is the Class 66 different?
Perhaps someone would be kind enough to correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Doug]

main131 - 25/11/2009 10:12 PM

Doug - 25/11/2009 4:18 PM

I was waiting for the sound of Trevor's smoke detector to go off, then the smoke ran out at 2 minutes. Does the smoke generator only last that long with one filling?

Doug,
One filling would normally last ten mins before toping up. don't jump to conclusions.
It would also depend on when you last charged the batteries. The smoke output is the first sign of a decrease in power as you can imagine.
Trevor

Was originally thinking of fitting one in my boxcab. There just isn't room!

 

[Dave Hub]

Many thanks for the thourough answers, its certainly seems like a good option for lay outs without power.

I'll have to price up all different power options see which suits me and my budget best.

I do like the idea of plug and play