Radio control

Leflick

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I would like to convert my LGB and PIKO locos to battery powered radio control. Is there anyone who provides a conversion service? Or do I have to do it myself.
 
I would like to convert my LGB and PIKO locos to battery powered radio control. Is there anyone who provides a conversion service? Or do I have to do it myself.

I don't know of anyone here in the UK who actually offers a commercial installation/conversion service for track-powered locos to battery RC - though it might be worth asking GRS (Garden Railway Specialists) if they could get it done for you (it wouldn't be cheap...)?

Mostly, it's a do-it-yourself job - Jimmy's links above are all good options for sourcing the necessary equipment.

Are your locos - the ones you want to convert - currently Analogue DC or DCC? Battery/RC conversion options are available for both, but they have different requirements.

Jon.
 
I don't know of anyone here in the UK who actually offers a commercial installation/conversion service for track-powered locos to battery RC - though it might be worth asking GRS (Garden Railway Specialists) if they could get it done for you (it wouldn't be cheap...)?

Mostly, it's a do-it-yourself job - Jimmy's links above are all good options for sourcing the necessary equipment.

Are your locos - the ones you want to convert - currently Analogue DC or DCC? Battery/RC conversion options are available for both, but they have different requirements.

Jon.
Jon, for certain, nos 1 & 3 on the list will also do the installation.

Not sure about Micron
 
Chose an equipment supplier, e.g. R C Trains, Micron, Fosworks, etc' and they will usually be able to put you in contact with a local installer/agent who can do the work at an agreed cost, if not directly themselves. The 3 mentioned do but pressure of work may mean they need to sub out. Most of the established retailers will offer this service for obvious reasons. Suppliers and their agents will have the expertise to carry out any modification to stock required and configure a system to meet your needs. Some specialise in certain types of equipment or stock type.

I do mix of self installation, with the aid of the fantastic knowledgebase here and done to order by a Fosworks agents local to me. Agents have the added benefit of making a cut on the equipment sold to you that may be used to partly cross fund the installation costs. Take a look at the supplier listings on the G Scale Society Trade Links - The G Scale Society and the 16 MM Association of Narrow Gauge Modellers Useful Links - Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers websites, they are usually listed there. Max
 
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Jon, for certain, nos 1 & 3 on the list will also do the installation.

Not sure about Micron


OK, that's good to know. I didn't spot any mention of installation services on their websites, maybe I didn't dig deeply enough?

Jon.
 
In the interests of fair-play, and completeness, Andy (Micron), also does installation..

PhilP
 
OK, that's good to know. I didn't spot any mention of installation services on their websites, maybe I didn't dig deeply enough?

Jon.
Neither did I Jon but I follow that old maxim - Don't ask, don't get. I'm ex' Xerox (& Canon) sales personnel, its ingrained in me :D. Max.
 
OK, that's good to know. I didn't spot any mention of installation services on their websites, maybe I didn't dig deeply enough?

Jon.
No, it seems to be a certain trait with these suppliers that they don't advertise their installation services - potential overload possibly?

It's a bit ironic that even though the market is comparatively small, there is the potential for overwhelming a single supplier / installer. Possibly each of them is on the knife edge - tricky one.
 
I would like to convert my LGB and PIKO locos to battery powered radio control. Is there anyone who provides a conversion service? Or do I have to do it myself.
From my experience usin mostly Fosworks most Piko bigger locs are a breeze using FOSWORKS and their wiring loom. Certainly the 25 tonner is a challenge but I have recently done an 0-6-0 diesel shutter and apart from having to cut down the weight to get everything in it was simple. Other than joining 2 battery pack no soldering was required and those joins could have been done with a 2 wire choc block.
 
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I don't know of anyone here in the UK who actually offers a commercial installation/conversion service for track-powered locos to battery RC - though it might be worth asking GRS (Garden Railway Specialists) if they could get it done for you (it wouldn't be cheap...)?

Mostly, it's a do-it-yourself job - Jimmy's links above are all good options for sourcing the necessary equipment.

Are your locos - the ones you want to convert - currently Analogue DC or DCC? Battery/RC conversion options are available for both, but they have different requirements.

Jon.
I’ll have a go myself, never done it befor obviously, but I suppose I’ve got start somewhere!
 
From my experience usin mostly Fosworks most Piko bigger locs are a breeze using FOSWORKS and their wiring loom. Certainly the 25 tonner is a challenge but I have recently done an 0-6-0 diesel shutter and apart from having to cut down the weight to get everything in it was simple. Other than joining 2 battery pack no soldering was required and those joins could have been done with a 2 wire chic block.
Not heard of Fossworks, I’ll look into that one.
 
I've done a few conversions over the years and blogger how I did them ....


Rik
 
Not heard of Fossworks, I’ll look into that one.
Link for you, talk to Steve he will happily advise you on the bits you need but some of my posts in the battery forum show or list most of the bits I have used.

 
Not heard of Fossworks, I’ll look into that one.
I use one of Steve's agents near me. Not any use as a bit far from you. If you do not want to do the work, or lack confidence to do so, and Steve does not have the capacity he will probably be able to point you in the direction of one of his agents. I do some installations myself (in the process of converting 14 locos to battery/rc/sound), and this forum is a very good resource to provide reassurance and advise. I find the problems start for me when I am dealing with a proprietary product with a lot of PCB's and additional features between my RC/sound kit and the motor I want it to actually control. Fosworks' PnP setups, as delivered, do simplify things somewhat so even an idiot like me can cope :D

As I mentioned in a previous post it is in a retailer's or agent's interest to make it as attractive as possible for you to buy. If your issue is one of concerns about your own competence to install then ask the question, "If I were to buy from you would you do the installation for free (or at a reduced rate) ?". They can only say no, they still want to shift the kit and make the profit ;) Max
 
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I have over the last year or so converted 9 of my LGB trains to Battery/R/C using Fosworks. I can only say how helpful Steve Foster is, and never fails to come up with the answers! Also, he does not treat us as idiots for attempting the impossible -- but rather gives a few well-thought out suggestions to ease the journey!!!
Other than a truly satisfied customer, I have no commercial links with Fosworks -- just lots of thanks!
Olver
 
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