RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion
Need Help with First Installation
MtRR75:
Most of my locos are older, second-hand steamers. (No diesels – I model the 1920s.)
I got into model railroading after retirement, and I had no experience repairing/modifying locos. Also, I know of no other model railroaders in my small town/county. The nearest club is an hour and a half away – and they model the diesel era.
Until now, I have sent my locos out to get fitted with RailPro. Gradually, I have learned how to open locos, fix minor problems, and put them back together. Now I am ready to try a RailPro installation.
I picked what seems to me as an easy install – an old Mantua 2-8-2. It has a large tender – lots of room to work. The decoder is an LM-3S.
Now, my first batch of questions:
(1) I recall reading somewhere that I should use 30 gauge braided wire. Is this correct? I get all of my wire from DigiKey.
(2) What kind and power of a “keep-alive” should I buy? And where do I get one? DigiKey?
(3) Speaker(s)? What type and size? And is one enough? Where do I find them?
(4) What type of adhesive should I use to attach the speakers to the floor of the tender?
(5) How should I attach the decoder to the inside of the tender?
I know that I will have other questions, but this will get me started
Doug[/size]
CPRail:
I mostly do diesels, but what I do should work for you. I'll answer what I can:
1. I use the wires that come in the Digitrax Decoder wire set whenever I need to wire something up. This also keeps the wires coloured as per the NMRA standards. https://www.digitrax.com/products/accessories/decoderwire/
2. I use TCS KA-4 KeepAlives, but RailPro makes their own official one. I believe our Site Owner/Moderator Bill sells both on his site:www.pdc.ca. TCS has multiple sizes for various applications https://tcsdcc.com/keepalive
3. I use Scale Sound Systems speakers exclusively, but a lot of guys like the iPhone speakers (I know Bill sells these). SSS has an selection of Steam speakers both for the tender and in the boiler area. https://www.scalesoundsystems.com/steam
4. I use 3M double sided tape (it's foam with adhesive on each side). This isn't the exact product I bought, but something along this line will do: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/3m-auto-molding-tape-1-2-in-x-15-ft-0475901p.html
5. See #4
Also, use Kapton tape to affix speakers, modules, KeepAlives, wire, etc. to your model. Again, I think Bill sells this as well.
Hope that helps!
William Brillinger:
--- Quote ---lot of guys like the iPhone speakers (I know Bill sells these).
--- End quote ---
Note: I have not stocked iphone speakers for well over a year now.
faithie999:
iPhone 4 speakers are available on ebay.
attached is a picture of one. if it is too long, you can cut most of the plastic body off--it is a resonator chamber but in my experience you don't lose much volume by cutting it off.
make the cut just to the right of the two connection "fingers". then you will solder the speaker leads from the LM to those connections.
KPack:
I'll chime in here too. Ian and I are very similar with how we approach installs.
1.) Definitely easiest to use the wire that comes with the Digitrax 9-pin harness. There is more than enough wire on there. If you get your own wire, stranded is key.
2.) I have all sizes of TCS KeepAlives in my models. The KA-3 and KA-4 last longer because they are bigger. However, if you have the space I would recommend using Railpro's PBM-2 module instead of the TCS KA. The Railpro PBM module outputs a steady voltage when power is lost, which keeps the locomotive moving at a constant speed rather than slowing down when power is lost.
3.) Scale Sound Systems speakers are the best bang for your buck. Far superior to Iphone speakers. If you are installing in a tender and have the space, maybe consider a sound module from TB Speakers. They have a passive radiator, which makes them quieter than a normal speaker, but far more bass than anything else out there.
4.) Double sided tape or Kapton tape. No electrical tape. I've also used clear acrylic caulking to mount speakers.
5.) Double sided tape or Kapton tape
-Kevin
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