Another Sound Install: Atlas RS-11

[nstars]

The older RS-3 I haven't looked at.  Again, I have three of them, but I'm waiting for the new run, which includes two in NKP paint.   The main problem I see with the RS3 is that the low hood limits options for a speaker - but it may be possible to put the speaker in the cab.  There's a really tiny cell-phone speaker sold as a "sugar cube" that is 8mm wide X 12mm long.  It comes with its own enclosure that is 6mm deep, but you wouldn't have to use that enclosure - you could build your own to make it smaller to fit the available space.  The 8mm X 12mm sugar cube sounds pretty good - not as good as the Knowles Fox, but decent enough for a space-challenged installation.

The biggest issue with the RS3 is probably fitting in the decoder. Chances are you have to remove one worm (=power to one truck) to fit in the decoder. For an easier install you probably need an engine with a lower mount of motor and worm (like f.i. is done in the BLI loco's)

Marc

[garethashenden]

I don't actually think that an RS-3 installation would be that hard. There is a lot of space for the light boards as it is. Cut away the nubs at the end and a little bit more of the frame and you're all set. Decoder in the sort hood, speaker under the radiator fan. I don't actually think you'll have to take much off the nibs either to get the decoder in. Another option is to put the decoder in the fuel tank. There is plenty of room there but you'll loose a lot of weight and could cause problems if you get too close to the pickups. There is a good picture half way down Spookshow's review. http://www.spookshow.net/loco/kators3.html

[jdcolombo]

I don't actually think that an RS-3 installation would be that hard. There is a lot of space for the light boards as it is. Cut away the nubs at the end and a little bit more of the frame and you're all set. Decoder in the sort hood, speaker under the radiator fan. I don't actually think you'll have to take much off the nibs either to get the decoder in. Another option is to put the decoder in the fuel tank. There is plenty of room there but you'll loose a lot of weight and could cause problems if you get too close to the pickups. There is a good picture half way down Spookshow's review. http://www.spookshow.net/loco/kators3.html

Yep - you're right.  Shouldn't be any harder than the RS-11 or GP7.  Meanwhile, I got a notice today from DigiKey that Knowles is discontinuing the Fox speaker as of Jan. 1, 2014.  I've got a dozen of them on hand, but if any of you were inclined, better get them while they are still available.  Meanwhile, I ordered ten 8mm x 12mm speakers made by Star Micronics:

http://datasheet.octopart.com/SCP-08B-Star-Micronics-datasheet-8467341.pdf

When I get them, I'll build one of my usual enclosures around one and do a comparison between it and the Fox.  If it's anywhere near as good, it actually would be an easier install, because it saves 1mm of width and 3mm of length over the Fox. 

John C.

[seusscaboose]

John,

That is really impressive.

I often tell people that, in many ways, on-board sound is more "to scale" in N. Most people scoff. I noticed it with my BLI E8s when they get down the line from you and, at 10 feet, actually sound like they are fading or reappearing. the same can be done in HO but even with the sound volume down in N it just doesn't seem to have the same effect.

That ESU sound is amazing (and augmented by your speaker work). I have contemplated Surroundtraxx since it was first announced many moons ago but have never pulled the trigger on it.

I grew up 200 ft from the NKP mainline in East Cleveland so seeing familiar names on your layout like Rocky River and Lorain brought back some memories.

Thanks for sharing your work.

Bill McBride

Born in Lorain
Dad grew up in Rocky River near the depot on the other side of the bridge on Ednola

currently trying to model the depot

[seusscaboose]

That other sound? Seusscaboose's K4...

lol

[BCR 570]

Yep - you're right.  Shouldn't be any harder than the RS-11 or GP7.  Meanwhile, I got a notice today from DigiKey that Knowles is discontinuing the Fox speaker as of Jan. 1, 2014.  I've got a dozen of them on hand, but if any of you were inclined, better get them while they are still available.  Meanwhile, I ordered ten 8mm x 12mm speakers made by Star Micronics:

http://datasheet.octopart.com/SCP-08B-Star-Micronics-datasheet-8467341.pdf

When I get them, I'll build one of my usual enclosures around one and do a comparison between it and the Fox.  If it's anywhere near as good, it actually would be an easier install, because it saves 1mm of width and 3mm of length over the Fox. 

John C.

Yes, please let us know about the new speaker's performance, particularly if the other one is going to disappear.

Tim

[BCR 570]

P.S. 9mm is a very tight fit inside the later Century hood units (ie. C-420, C-630) which would preclude a full styrene enclosure.  I will be therefore interested to hear how the 8mm x 12mm speaker compares.

Tim