Large Scale Central

R/C & Sierra Sound in Bachmann Climax

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Just finished up this little project, installing Deltang R/C and Seirra sound in a ‘new’ Bachmann Climax. This is equipt with the Super Socket, which caused all sorts of issues with a non PNP receiver, a real waste of space imo. I also upgraded the speaker to a Visaton 2.3" FR 58:

To get the new speaker to fit under the Bachmann PCB, the mounting flange had to be ground off and the speaker pushed back towards the cab, I was able to take 1.5mm of the height of the mounting posts.

Wiring was directly soldered to the PCB, avoiding using a blanking plug.

The new reciever mounted on end, the PWM to linear convertor next to the speaker and the Sierra on top (powered by a 5v convertor).

Everything fits, just!

The battery was fun to come up with… I used 4x li-ion 18650 cells and a 4s Protection PCB (under tape). A small slide switch is just visable and accessable though cab doorway.

Charge socket, hidden under water fill cap:

All fits together nicely and full well.

#2

Nice install Alec. I need to tackle this project one day. My Bachmann Climax is still sitting in the box, never been opened. Thanks for sharing your install.

#3

I really hope that you didn’t just install a 4 ohm speaker. The Sierra needs to see at least 6+ ohms or will go into “motorboating” when the current runs down a bit or you crank the volume. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-yell.gif)

#4

Thank you Dan, hope you find it helpful.

Todd, the photo was a stock one I just found somewhere, I used the 8 ohm version.

#5

A note, the new Crest PWC to Linear board is NOT suitable for Sierra cards, I made my own up using optoisolators. I used this schematic:

http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/rmcintir/Sierra_Interface_Board.pdf

It works well now, idle effects & directional whistles now operate.