Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => Large => Topic started by: Eugene on April 03, 2008, 09:57:56 PM

Title: side tank porter
Post by: Eugene on April 03, 2008, 09:57:56 PM
Is there enough room for 12 AA NIMH batteries, Airwire decoder and a
Phoenix sound board inside ?
Thanks for any input

Eugene
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: John B on April 04, 2008, 09:01:29 AM
should be
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Eugene on April 05, 2008, 11:47:22 AM
Is there a provision , like a grille for the speaker? And what size?
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Steve Stockham on April 05, 2008, 12:25:03 PM
I'm not sure about the NiMH batteries. When Dave Goodson did the installation of an RCS system with Sierra sound in my Climax he said that he had to use NiCad due to size restrictions. The Porter can be done without a trailing car but area is definitely a consideration!
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: altterrain on April 05, 2008, 12:37:03 PM
Why would the type of battery matter Steve? NiCad and NiMH come in the same sizes with similar capacity. If size is an issue Li-Ion packs are the way to go. I have been using these 11.1v 2.2 Ah Tenergy packs -

(http://www.all-battery.com/ProductImages/08012006/LI11.1V2200.jpg)

each 3.7v cell is about 1.5 x the length and diameter of an AA battery

-Brian
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Greg Elmassian on April 05, 2008, 04:00:06 PM
Nickle metal hydride is slightly smaller for the same capacity as nicad.

Lithium ion is WAY smaller for the same capacity as nicad.

The only thing "larger" is lead-acid technology, i.e. gel cells.

Perhaps Dave was comparing something else or was referencing a particulary TYPE of nicad.

I have to agree with Brian on this point.

Regards,  Greg
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Steve Stockham on April 05, 2008, 07:19:24 PM
Hmm...I honestly don't know! If the NiMH batteries are just as small then they definitely will fit in the Porter! (Good to know. Thanks for the clarification.!)
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Jon D. Miller on April 05, 2008, 07:41:45 PM
Eugene,

There is provision for a speaker.  I didn't measure when I had the Porter apart, but would think it takes a 2 inch speaker.

(http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/jlsrails/Steam_Locomotives/Steam_Locomotive/100_2106.jpg)

Here's a picture.  Note the grill.  However, about half the speaker will be blocked.  Look at the mounting ring and speaker retaining tabs.

JD

Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Eugene on April 05, 2008, 08:00:42 PM
Thank you all!
Jon what is that circuit board in the picture?
I have a Annie, using AW900 and Phoenix P5 board and 12 ea NIMH AA batteries , all this stuff in the tender. Connected to the engine via a 9 pin computer plug.
Using a wired dummy plug the Annie reverts to normal operation.

The battery pack is only 2Ahr , but is being charged from the track , so the batteries will last practically forever. And do not need high Amphr batteries.
track voltage charges batteries via a bridge rectifier, voltage set a 17.5V from 1A power pack, charging current goes to 10-20 mA when not running engine.
Works great

Would like to do the same with the 0-4-0. Are any dimensions available for the exploded view?
Eugene
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Tony Walsham on April 05, 2008, 08:02:52 PM
Quote from: Steve Stockham on April 05, 2008, 12:25:03 PM
I'm not sure about the NiMH batteries. When Dave Goodson did the installation of an RCS system with Sierra sound in my Climax he said that he had to use NiCad due to size restrictions. The Porter can be done without a trailing car but area is definitely a consideration!

Steve.
Dave had to use NiCd instead of NiMh in the Climax because of the battery size and shape.  There was no NiMh eqivalent size that would go in the boiler.
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Jon D. Miller on April 06, 2008, 09:15:31 AM
Eugene,

That's the main PCB. Easy to access.  Conversio to battery/RC is simple. On my Porter I wired it for eithe battery/RC or track power using a DPDT switch.

With the boiler weights removed there should be room for batteries, receiver, and sound, as others have reported.

JD
Title: Re: side tank porter
Post by: Greg Elmassian on April 06, 2008, 03:51:18 PM
Thanks Tony, that clarifies Dave's statement.

Regards, Greg