Noisy Cat Whiskers - LokSound 5 Micro DCC into IM F7 A-B-A

[RBrodzinsky]

Just finished an install of ESU LokSound 5 Micro DCCs into n-scale IM F7s (A-units ATSF #206 & ATSF #218; B-unit ATSF #218A - with cat whiskers).  Very similar to my prior install into F7 SF#312, but without the fancier lighting (these are freight units with single headlamps).

The obligatory video:

Nothing really special on this install, but I did mill the entire deck (behind the motor opening) down 1mm, rather than just milling space for the speaker.  This was my "lesson" from the prior install, one does need a bit more head room with these thicker decoders (yep, I still haven't tried to cram one of these into a narrow body).

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For the B-unit, no need to mill a speaker space, as there is plenty of room in the front, where the cab would be.  Just had to sand down about half of the frame spacer/light holder (no light, either). I used the front and rear screw posts for track power connection

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The A-units require more extensive milling, wiping out the rear screw hole.  Since I couldn't find my M2 tap, I used 00-90 brass screws, trimmed to length, for the left (black wire) pickup

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All three locos have 2 330μF Poly-Ta capacitors with 100μH inductor (the little kapton wrapped item attached to the purple wires). Since doing "simple" headlamp, I used a standard warm white LED in each of the A units.  Speakers are Soberton 1208, with the Keystone Details (@lemonsteam) enclosure

[Cajonpassfan]

Hmm, they sound great!
I sure wish I could get my hands on those...they’d be right at home on my circa ‘49 Cajon layout
Otto K.

[RBrodzinsky]

    

[jdcolombo]

Nice work, Rick.

I'll add it to the master list.

John

[Steveruger45]

 Very nice install Rick. I can see you used a milling machine.  Is this doable without one?

[RBrodzinsky]

Very nice install Rick. I can see you used a milling machine.  Is this doable without one?

Steve, I doubt one could do it without a mill in the manner I did, but if the speaker area was cut out completely (from side to side) rather than a pocket, sure. Then just file down the deck over the motor.

[RBrodzinsky]

Nice work, Rick.

I'll add it to the master list.

John

Thanks, John

[RBrodzinsky]

In an effort to achieve more sound in the B units, and put LokPilots into the As (to save costs, since there are actually 3 A-B-B-A sets, one B will be a dummy in each set), major surgery was performed on the chassis of the Bs.  The area over the motor has been milled down to about 0.3mm in thickness.  The cab area has been milled down to 0.35mm of metal over the worm gear, and the front wall has been thinned to 0.25mm.  A 13x18mm speaker, supplied by the client, is used.

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Here's the video

[Steveruger45]

Very cool Rick.  😃. Brilliant.  Where are my ear defenders?😆