My intention is to use Locolink, battery and possibly Phoenix sound. My plan is to put everything in the water tender accept the speaker, which I will put in the oil/coal bunker. There are 8 wires between the units. I will to use 2 wires for the head light, 2 wires for power to the trucks on the main loco, 2 for the chuff leads back to the sound unit and the last two for the speaker leads. I don’t intend to connect the smoke unit.
Did I leave anything out??? Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Nick Jr
Nick, what are the reasons you chose locolinc over the other r/c options?
Regards, Greg
Greg,
I choose Locolink as I already have three other locomotives with that system interfaced with Sierra sound systems that seem to work fine. I would be happy if anyone can help me compare features (off forum) with others as there are a couple of things I don’t exactly care for on my system and I am always open for suggestions or better ideas. Nick Jr
While I cannot compare features, I ended up with RCS. I interfaced it with the Sierra system in much the same way for my Annie.
I kept the circuit board when I did my Connie, but if I were to do it again, I’d rip out all of the existing electronics and just go for the basic wiring. My only difference is more wires: 2 for headlight, 2 for backup light, 2 for chuff, 2 for motor, 2 for speaker.
I also used an Airwire in one installation, but I prefer the RCS. I like the small size of the RCS, and I really don’t need all the buttons and CV thingies for the Airwire. In fact, I keep the Airwire manual with the locomotive, in case I need to change anything. I guess my memory is going.
I find that all I really want is speed control, change of direction, directional lighting, whistle, and bell. I like manual control of the whistle and bell. I sometimes wish I had brake squeel…
What engine are you converting?
I’m a RCS user, just got another box from WA fullastuff for an Annie Conversion…like Bruce, I am interested in Bells, Whistles, Fwd and reverse…all the other is fluff (to me)
Hard to beat the GREAT service I have received thus far too!
Happy New Year!
cale
Marc: sorry, i neglected to mention: it is the new 3 truck shay. Nick Jr
I fit an RCS elite 3 under the coal load of a two truck shay with oval speaker and sub c cells in the tender and reciever in the cab. I replace the brakemans seat with the reciever and add a backrest and paint it black. It was easy. Open the bottom of the fire box and place the sound board there, as most wires run thru there. I used a sierra board and hooked up the lighting outputs for flicker. I’m sure Dave will be doing one soon so maybe he’ll give some hints.
All: Thank you for your suggestions. I will probably start this project mid/late January after I get the sound system. Nick Jr