Another Remote Control Sound Car Upgrade

Hello John,

If I understood your write up you took a continuously running sound car and converted it to run via remote control.   A very interesting project.  Is this something that the average Joe could build using components from a parts list or additional technical know how and training?

That's really cool. How did you figure out the need to add the inrush limiter to the power switching? is that something us mere mortals would be able to figure out prior to frying something, or something that can be explained easily enough to look out for when undertaking projects like this?

I had to read it twice to realize you added a remote control. Pretty good idea! I think the idea of the sound car is a good one. Just has to be executed correctly.

@Allegheny posted:

If I understood your write up you took a continuously running sound car and converted it to run via remote control.   A very interesting project.  Is this something that the average Joe could build using components from a parts list or additional technical know how and training?

You understand right.  As long as you don't mind basic wiring and can follow a simple schematic, it's a project that most anyone could do.  The wiring/soldering is pretty basic, no fancy PCB work here, that's all done.

The remote control board system is described in detail here: The Universal Wireless Remote Control Topic

@Tuscan Jim posted:

That's really cool. How did you figure out the need to add the inrush limiter to the power switching? is that something us mere mortals would be able to figure out prior to frying something, or something that can be explained easily enough to look out for when undertaking projects like this?

The inrush limiter was scoped out on my previous build of doing a remote on a different car:  Remote Control for Lionel Sound Boxcars

.  I realized it was required when it welded the relay contacts.

@BillYo414 posted:

I had to read it twice to realize you added a remote control. Pretty good idea! I think the idea of the sound car is a good one. Just has to be executed correctly.

Yep, I loved the command controlled sound cars that Lionel did, but then they "cheaped out" and started doing these without any remote control capability.  Naturally, they didn't charge any less for them, just reduced the functionality!

"I realized it was required when it welded the relay contacts. "

Well, that sounds pretty much like the way I learn anything--the hard way (otherwise, after breaking something)!

It was only one relay, so I just popped a new one in and upgraded my installation technique.  I did do a measurement of the peak current with a current probe on my 'scope, it was over three amps.  Small wonder it cooked my 1/2 amp contacts.

Initially charging the power supply caps on the board gets a big surge.  I had to deal with this for my YLB, I had the same issue charging the 1.5F supercap.  I just limited the current to half an amp for that product.

Now John, you know you killed the warranty on the car.

@John Pignatelli JR. posted:

Now John, you know you killed the warranty on the car.

Bummer, what will I ever do?

John nice work !

Alex

John, that's really cool!  Two questions, (1) I lash up the sound cars with the loco. Does this interfere with that function in anyway?  (2) Do you sell these?  I looked on Henning's website and couldn't find the wireless remote or the relay board.

Thanks.

The remote control of the sound car is independent of any engine control system functions, it's a direct link from the keyfob remote.

I actually haven't gotten volume production on these, the component shortage kinda' threw a monkey wrench into the parts situation.  Drop me an email if you're interested in giving this a try, I have a few hand assembled receivers.

John, email sent.