LGB CONVERTING TO R/C BATTERY

[OLD FELLA]

Hello there one and all,
My first post!
I have an extensive LGB layout round the garden, and like so many as we get older I am finding the irritation of hiccuping locos; corroded connections (in the track as well as in my body), electrical failures which come and go (and of course I have (not) got beautiful wiring diagrams to trace the wretches). So I want to go to Battery/RC. Very impressed with all I've seen on Video -- but getting the parts !! What a nightmare! I am very keen on the DELTANG system -- but the Receivers seem to be gold dust. What alternative systems -- on the same operating principle -- i.e. using one Transmitter for a number of locos.

 

[Madman]

My product of choice is the Railboss system from G Scale Graphics. Their website explains the process of converting to battery power. Take a look here;

G-Scale Graphics

Custom Vinyl Lettering and Electronics for Garden Railroading

www.gscalegraphics.net

By the way, welcome to the forum.

 

[dunnyrail]

Hello there one and all,
My first post!
I have an extensive LGB layout round the garden, and like so many as we get older I am finding the irritation of hiccuping locos; corroded connections (in the track as well as in my body), electrical failures which come and go (and of course I have (not) got beautiful wiring diagrams to trace the wretches). So I want to go to Battery/RC. Very impressed with all I've seen on Video -- but getting the parts !! What a nightmare! I am very keen on the DELTANG system -- but the Receivers seem to be gold dust. What alternative systems -- on the same operating principle -- i.e. using one Transmitter for a number of locos.

There is also Fosworks, I tend to use their system mostly although I have a few Deltang. But the programming with Deltang is a bit of a learning curve, with Fosworks you only need to link the Tx and Rx, possibly change the odd button to a latching function if you need one for sound and you are done. Also does a wiring loom that makes installation nearly all plug and play if you get batteries from Fosworks as well. Also does a Battery DCC setup.

Look at some of my posts in the Forum under Power and Sound Battery Power.

Fosworks

Garden Railway Radio Control and Sound Radio DCC for Gauge 0 to Gauge 3 Analogue DC and live steam systems too

fosworks.co.uk

welcome to a better world!

 

[Tony Walsham]

Hello Old Fella.
As you live in the UK why not give Andy Rutter at Micron R/C a call.
As well as his own brand of R/C equipment, Andy also sells Deltang.

 

[musket the dog]

Welcome to the forum!

I had also been looking to convert my stock over to Deltang, it was mainly the 'Selecta' feature that swayed me over the other available RC suppliers. I've also been struggling to find stock despite having searching since early on this year. From what I understand from another thread in this forum, it is becoming hard to source the individual chips for the receivers.

I had my suspicions that it might be hard to get hold of the gear for a while so I have been investigating other sources. The one I think most suits what I want now is Loco Remote. In this system the receiver is controlled via WiFi and a web page, so you can use anything with an internet browser as your transmitter; Smart phones, tablets, a laptop... It's not quite as deep in terms of what can be available within the programming of Deltang yet I think, but that might not be a concern. The benefit I see is that I still only need one transmitter, and I already own it, so I can spend the transmitter money on another receiver

Loco Remote

 

[Rhinochugger]

There is also Fosworks, I tend to use their system mostly although I have a few Deltang. But the programming with Deltang is a bit of a learning curve, with Fosworks you only need to link the Tx and Rx, possibly change the odd button to a latching function if you need one for sound and you are done. Also does a wiring loom that makes installation nearly all plug and play if you get batteries from Fosworks as well. Also does a Battery DCC setup.

Look at some of my posts in the Forum under Power and Sound Battery Power.

Fosworks

Garden Railway Radio Control and Sound Radio DCC for Gauge 0 to Gauge 3 Analogue DC and live steam systems too

fosworks.co.uk

welcome to a better world!

I don't understand the 'programming' issue with Deltang.

I have four locos on Deltang and I haven't programmed a thing

 

[dunnyrail]

Welcome to the forum!

I had also been looking to convert my stock over to Deltang, it was mainly the 'Selecta' feature that swayed me over the other available RC suppliers. I've also been struggling to find stock despite having searching since early on this year. From what I understand from another thread in this forum, it is becoming hard to source the individual chips for the receivers.

I had my suspicions that it might be hard to get hold of the gear for a while so I have been investigating other sources. The one I think most suits what I want now is Loco Remote. In this system the receiver is controlled via WiFi and a web page, so you can use anything with an internet browser as your transmitter; Smart phones, tablets, a laptop... It's not quite as deep in terms of what can be available within the programming of Deltang yet I think, but that might not be a concern. The benefit I see is that I still only need one transmitter, and I already own it, so I can spend the transmitter money on another receiver

Loco Remote

Have to say just had a look at the Loco Remote option and they appear to be very good, particularly impressed with the onboard sound. Only issue that I would have is using a Mobile Phone that can have issues on a bright screen outside, there are phones that cope better apparently but not sure what they are. The smaller ones would appear to have many possibilities with Micro Layouts and tiny locomotives.

 

[Rhinochugger]

OK, so let's try to actually help our friend who asked the original question.

He said he had an extensive layout, and wanted one transmitter for a number of locos. The question is - do you want to control them all at once, or one a a time? You can bind up to 7 (I think) Rxs on one Deltang Tx without going to the complexities of Selecta.

For me, the big advantage of Deltang was the cost saving of a combined ESC/Tx and on small locos, the space saving.

However, before majoring on any system it's worth considering two things.

1. The overriding consideration is what voltage of battery pack the loco requires - higher voltage will probably require a separate ESC.
2. The DSM2 (or whatever it is) protocol provides felxibility between manufacturers and hence potential longevity - so it's possible to mix and match, particularly when a separate ESC is needed.

So having thrown the separate EST into the equation, there's also the Micro Viper range - but make sure it's a loco model, not a marine version, to ensure that you have cruise control.

 

[dunnyrail]

I don't understand the 'programming' issue with Deltang.

I have four locos on Deltang and I haven't programmed a thing

Well sound may be the issue, I have 3 locomotives with deltang and sound. Getting 4 sounds does require a fair degree of programming. But with my 2 non sound Pway Units was simply solder up and play after Binding to my Selecta.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Well sound may be the issue, I have 3 locomotives with deltang and sound. Getting 4 sounds does require a fair degree of programming. But with my 2 non sound Pway Units was simply solder up and play after Binding to my Selecta.

Yep, and that's at the bells and whistles end of sound control as well - you can, f'rexample, use a Mylocosound card which is a very simple wire up, and can provide you with a separate controller for its myriad sound functions.

I was just making the point, Jon - probably a bit heavily - that when making comparisons, we compare like with like. Deltang is not entirely reliant on Selecta.

 

[dunnyrail]

Yep, and that's at the bells and whistles end of sound control as well - you can, f'rexample, use a Mylocosound card which is a very simple wire up, and can provide you with a separate controller for its myriad sound functions.

I was just making the point, Jon - probably a bit heavily - that when making comparisons, we compare like with like. Deltang is not entirely reliant on Selecta.

Understand the Selecta thing, but very useful for me. As for a plug and play I expect that Micron would put in all the wires for you and do the programming for a MLS, but would probably be at added cost. I probably would have given that spec had I known enough about Deltang. But to be fair Andy guided me through the process with of course some help as well from Rik.

 

[JimmyB]

Well sound may be the issue, I have 3 locomotives with deltang and sound. Getting 4 sounds does require a fair degree of programming. But with my 2 non sound Pway Units was simply solder up and play after Binding to my Selecta.

I have deltang 65 and 66 both connected to a MLS, no programming, four sound outlets on my Tx 22, as per the MLS instructions.

 

[OLD FELLA]

There is also Fosworks, I tend to use their system mostly although I have a few Deltang. But the programming with Deltang is a bit of a learning curve, with Fosworks you only need to link the Tx and Rx, possibly change the odd button to a latching function if you need one for sound and you are done. Also does a wiring loom that makes installation nearly all plug and play if you get batteries from Fosworks as well. Also does a Battery DCC setup.

Look at some of my posts in the Forum under Power and Sound Battery Power.

Fosworks

Garden Railway Radio Control and Sound Radio DCC for Gauge 0 to Gauge 3 Analogue DC and live steam systems too

fosworks.co.uk

welcome to a better world!

Hello Sir Dunnyrail,
At my first reading here at the Forum, I found your reply to my query and as a result contacted Fosworks. I have since been in touch with Steve Foster who was most helpful and as a result ordered a stater kit which I have now successfully installed in my LGB Schoema Diesel Loco. I carried out my first test run on the layout (in the rain!!!) with the Transmitter in a plastic bag to protect it, and the result was magic! At last the control I have been longing for -- at last sensible speed shunting -- no hiccups on the journey, even if there were wet leaves on the line!
I shall not have a look-see at other of my locos, and see which is the nest to convert!!
So many thanks for the advice!
Old fella -- somewhat rejuvenated!

 

[dunnyrail]

Hello Sir Dunnyrail,
At my first reading here at the Forum, I found your reply to my query and as a result contacted Fosworks. I have since been in touch with Steve Foster who was most helpful and as a result ordered a stater kit which I have now successfully installed in my LGB Schoema Diesel Loco. I carried out my first test run on the layout (in the rain!!!) with the Transmitter in a plastic bag to protect it, and the result was magic! At last the control I have been longing for -- at last sensible speed shunting -- no hiccups on the journey, even if there were wet leaves on the line!
I shall not have a look-see at other of my locos, and see which is the nest to convert!!
So many thanks for the advice!
Old fella -- somewhat rejuvenated!

Great welcome to a new world. Your sentence commencing with “At last” sums up the joy of Battery Power so well.

 

[OLD FELLA]

Great welcome to a new world. Your sentence commencing with “At last” sums up the joy of Battery Power so well.

I am now utterly "converted" to R/C and have had the pleasure of pestering Steve Foster of Fosworks -- picking his brains -- and being so pleased with his ready and cheerful assistance. Indeed "Fosworks" needs the emphasis on "Works" as everything he has recommended or advised has worked exactly as expected.
I am now finding the joys of converting my LGB locos and the first question I( ask myself, is always "Where do I pack the Batteries in?" I love rising to the challenge, so that I am currently working on my Wismar Railcar ". Whilst I am happy to modify the hidden areas, I try to maintain the exterior as original, so some pretty cunning cable-routing between the components is the order of the day. When this project is done, I'll try and spend some time reporting on how I did it all!!!
I am so enjoying the freedom from a Central Control point, and have been able to watch my trains in different parts of the layout as they gently perambulate around the very long "dog-bone" layout without a hiccup or a splutter.
I am tickled pink with the Diesel Loco conversion with a sound card fitted. Even though this is the standard Diesel Sound Card from Fosworks -- it is excellent, adding another dimension to the realism. I have never enjoyed sounds on indoor layouts as they are too loud and 'constant' -- whereas in the great outdoors, to hear the sound vary as the train disappears behind the bushes to burst out into the open and disappear into the distance. Of course I am sure that this is the experience of all outdoor operators. So now I've got to fit sound into the Railbus!!! It looks like a small speaker is going into the "Sump" of one of the motor ends!

 

[Bill Barnwell]

I'll side with madman I also have rail boss system and love it, Del and the guys are the best

 

[Homo Habilis]

Another vote for RailBoss and Del.

 

[dunnyrail]

I am now utterly "converted" to R/C and have had the pleasure of pestering Steve Foster of Fosworks -- picking his brains -- and being so pleased with his ready and cheerful assistance. Indeed "Fosworks" needs the emphasis on "Works" as everything he has recommended or advised has worked exactly as expected.
I am now finding the joys of converting my LGB locos and the first question I( ask myself, is always "Where do I pack the Batteries in?" I love rising to the challenge, so that I am currently working on my Wismar Railcar ". Whilst I am happy to modify the hidden areas, I try to maintain the exterior as original, so some pretty cunning cable-routing between the components is the order of the day. When this project is done, I'll try and spend some time reporting on how I did it all!!!
I am so enjoying the freedom from a Central Control point, and have been able to watch my trains in different parts of the layout as they gently perambulate around the very long "dog-bone" layout without a hiccup or a splutter.
I am tickled pink with the Diesel Loco conversion with a sound card fitted. Even though this is the standard Diesel Sound Card from Fosworks -- it is excellent, adding another dimension to the realism. I have never enjoyed sounds on indoor layouts as they are too loud and 'constant' -- whereas in the great outdoors, to hear the sound vary as the train disappears behind the bushes to burst out into the open and disappear into the distance. Of course I am sure that this is the experience of all outdoor operators. So now I've got to fit sound into the Railbus!!! It looks like a small speaker is going into the "Sump" of one of the motor ends!

Glad you are enjoying it all, I converted one of the Rail Cars using AAA’s mounted in the roof just nicely invisible. This is the link to how ai did mine.

LGB 4 Wheel Railbus Batteryfication T25 (2065?)

So the latest project in my quest for a complete Battey World of Power. In truth the little LGB Railbuses are one of the best runners on Track Power due to their ability to keep all 4 Wheels on tha Track. But as I am going all Battery and had this in stock plus having a few others already up and...

www.gscalecentral.net