Re-configuring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

[GAP]

While recovering from my heart surgery I created a small project that I feel will be of help when I get back to running trains.
To run my locos I have to drag out stick transmitters and even though they have been modified to allow 2 locos at a time to be controlled if I need to run a 3rd loco I now have 2 transmitters to deal with.
I invariably walk off with one transmitter leaving the other behind so then have to walk back and forth to retrieve the one left behind.
With this box I can have 4 locos out on the layout and no matter where I walk off to I have the transmitter for all the locos.
I updated my blog to add a page detailing the history behind the re-config/packaging and where I am at with the project.
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... 24ghz.html
I have also added a page detailing the Radio Control methods I use.
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... ed-on.html
The repackaged transmitter will only work with the Pololu and Viper ESC's as they are centre stop controllers.

 

[ge_rik]

Interesting that the Mtroniks ESC stipulates that it's not "Lipo safe". Presumably it's because it doesn't include Low Voltage detection and so could drain a lipo to unsafe levels.

Rik

 

[PhilP]

Interesting that the Mtroniks ESC stipulates that it's not "Lipo safe". Presumably it's because it doesn't include Low Voltage detection and so could drain a lipo to unsafe levels.

Rik

That is as I understand the statement..

Many manufacturers, are adding similar wording, to cover themselves for claims for replacement batteries.

PhilP

 

[Ralphmp]

Interesting that the Mtroniks ESC stipulates that it's not "Lipo safe". Presumably it's because it doesn't include Low Voltage detection and so could drain a lipo to unsafe levels.

Rik

As a novice, have I misunderstood that draining this type of battery makes it unsafe to use? Sorry if it’s todays dumbest question

 

[JimmyB]

Interesting that the Mtroniks ESC stipulates that it's not "Lipo safe". Presumably it's because it doesn't include Low Voltage detection and so could drain a lipo to unsafe levels.

Rik

Only the "Viper Loco 10A HV ESC" is advised for Lithium battery use

 

[PhilP]

As a novice, have I misunderstood that draining this type of battery makes it unsafe to use? Sorry if it’s todays dumbest question

Not a dumb question at all..

Lithium-based batteries are difficult (sometimes impossible) to recover, if they are over-discharged.
Therefore 'something' has to be intelligent enough to prevent this.

This intelligence, can be in the speed controller, or even better, built into the battery pack.
This will 'switch-off' the battery, if the cell(s) go below a set voltage.

PhilP

 

[Ralphmp]

Aah - I see. I had misunderstood. Thanks for explaining.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

many rechargable battery chemistries can actually experience cell reversal if discharged to "zero"

then when charging is attempted, you have a short effectively... and a lot of current and heat will result.

cell reversal is common even in nicads.... you can find many ways to damage a battery by poor usage.

most modern lithium packs will just shut off (circuit packaged with battery pack) if over-discharged, and it can be difficult to recover this situation..

Greg

 

[GAP]

Only the "Viper Loco 10A HV ESC" is advised for Lithium battery use

Thanks Jimmy it will now be added to my wish list


Edit
Hmm purchase may have to be delayed due to cost, $49 for Viper Loco 10 and $95 for HV version.
I can buy a lot of NiMh batteries with the difference

 

[dunnyrail]

Not a dumb question at all..

Lithium-based batteries are difficult (sometimes impossible) to recover, if they are over-discharged.
Therefore 'something' has to be intelligent enough to prevent this.

This intelligence, can be in the speed controller, or even better, built into the battery pack.
This will 'switch-off' the battery, if the cell(s) go below a set voltage.

PhilP

This as I understand it is also an issue for the big boys with busses, trams and likely cars as well. I believe the tech is set to ensure that the batteries are not run below a certain level or indeed above to elongate battery life. When things go wrong the battery fires from thermal runaways are presumably the end result as seen on some of the bus fire YouTube vids I have posted on the busses thread or elsewhere in this forum.

 

[GAP]

Not a dumb question at all..

Lithium-based batteries are difficult (sometimes impossible) to recover, if they are over-discharged.
Therefore 'something' has to be intelligent enough to prevent this.

This intelligence, can be in the speed controller, or even better, built into the battery pack.
This will 'switch-off' the battery, if the cell(s) go below a set voltage.

PhilP

Old belt an braces me has both; a protection board in the pack and a setting in the ESC.

 

[JimmyB]

Thanks Jimmy it will now be added to my wish list


Edit
Hmm purchase may have to be delayed due to cost, $49 for Viper Loco 10 and $95 for HV version.
I can buy a lot of NiMh batteries with the difference

Yes, in the UK £29.99 and £39.99 respectively.

 

[GAP]

The repackaging has been completed and I now have one transmitter controlling four locos.
It was actually an easy build once I had the pot values from Trev's blog and forum posts.
This only works for my FWD/REV/Centre Off Esc's, the ones that use servos for direction control would not benefit from this.

Blog updated
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... 24ghz.html

Before


After


Front Panel


Size Comparison

 

[ge_rik]

Fascinating. I'm trying to get my head around what you've done. The board which is in your Tx looks different to the board inside the original Tx. Is there more than one board in your Tx (ie one mounted on top of another)?

I'm assuming that the Rxs respond to different channels. Does that leave any other channels over for controlling things like sound card whistles?

Any chance of a video of it in action, Graeme?

Rik

 

[dunnyrail]

The repackaging has been completed and I now have one transmitter controlling four locos.
It was actually an easy build once I had the pot values from Trev's blog and forum posts.
This only works for my FWD/REV/Centre Off Esc's, the ones that use servos for direction control would not benefit from this.

Blog updated
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... 24ghz.html

Before
View attachment 303041

After
View attachment 303040

Front Panel
View attachment 303043

Size Comparison

View attachment 303042

That looks interesting, my Funkey has one of those horrible stick things. A planet T5 that does the following.
Left Stick:-
Up/Down forwards speed control
Left Horn
Right Uncouple via Servos
Right Stick:-
Reverce 2 pushes down
Forwards 2 pushes up

Tried to get my Funkey working on a Spoerer Omni Tx-3.0, no such luck. Think I managed Speed Control but not Horn or Couplings. May one day just trash the existing setup and swop for much simpler Fosworks and MLS, ditching the uncoupling function. I have already replaced the batteries so may just as well turn it into a really useful engine. No use at all with the stick rc, a simplifier and uncoupling stick for intermediate wagons when operating.

 

[GAP]

Fascinating. I'm trying to get my head around what you've done. The board which is in your Tx looks different to the board inside the original Tx. Is there more than one board in your Tx (ie one mounted on top of another)?

I'm assuming that the Rxs respond to different channels. Does that leave any other channels over for controlling things like sound card whistles?

Any chance of a video of it in action, Graeme?

Rik

The board is mounted with component side up as opposed to component side down in the original.
All the Rx's are on different channels (1 to 4).
As it was a 4 Channel transmitter there are no spare channels but a 6 channel may have 2 spares for whistles but I cannot speak to that as I only have 4 channel transmitters.
It may be possible to use a channel for whistles but that would mean losing a loco in this case (I do not use whistles)

Videos of my railway will have to come in the future once I get my head around producing them (another project to add to the list).