I have been asked the question, “Why did I use a Revolution Receiver (Rx) in my Bachmann Tram battery RC conversion”. To understand the answer to the question, some of my conversion history is required.
Choices
When I first considered converting my first loco to battery RC, I looked at Brian Jones, but found it expensive and thought it was limiting, and a complete Crest Revolution Train Engineer, 2.4 gHz (Revo) again was an expensive beginners system. I also looked at Locoremote, but this is only good for 12 volts, the "Loco Remote Maxi with external sound triggers & lights" for my LGB is quite a deep Rx and has a maximum of 2 amps, plus you have to disable your phones Wi-Fi and then connect to the Locoremote as a web-server (if I understand correctly), also the issues of seeing the GUI on the phone in sunshine. In the for me it came down to two choices, Omni from Fosworks, or Deltang from Micron or RC trains, and due to the single Rx/ESC I chose Deltang, and the 6x series. These did have a single drawback in that unless modified would not operate over 13 volts, but at this point was not an issue.
Deltang conversions
I converted a Stainz, two trailing wagons for an Otto and HK Porter, and a Bachmann 10-Wheeler, all powered by Lithium 3S (11.1 volts nominal). Generally, I was very please, conversions were compact and not difficult to set up for basic use including a MLS sound card.
MR001a Conversions
My next conversion was a Playmobile 4010, which eventually was powered by lithium 2S (7.2 volts nominally), the additional voltage was to ensure the MLS would operate, but due to some issues with Deltang Rx was advised by Phil at RC Trains to try the Micron MR001a, a Deltang Rx 102 replacement with a Fosworks Cobra ESC 160. A few minor hiccups but this works fine. My kit built Railbus was next, and the same formula was used, MR001a, Cobra ESC 160, MLS run on a Lithium 2S, and again this worked fine.
Bachmann 10-Wheeler
In the meantime, I considered that my Bachmann 10-Wheeler was a little short on power, and decided that I would power it with a Lithium 4S (14.4 volts nominal), which meant replacing the Deltang, and as the MR001a and Cobra had been so successful I would again use the same combination. However, I had issues with the Cobra, sent back for repair, and on receipt it would not allow the MR001a operate the MLS, and was informed by Fosworks this was due to the poor design of the MR001a and I would need additional hardware. I mover to a Mtronics Viper, and this operated well, but as advises is bulky and the fixed wiring is very heavy gauge.
Bachmann Tram
So now we are at the Tram conversion, my main decision was I wanted to power it with a Lithium 4S, Deltang Rx were out for a number of reasons, unavailability being paramount. MR001a/Cobra was an option, but I felt I had “burnt my bridges” with Fosworks, the MR001a/Viper was not an option due to the size of the unit, and limited space available.
Revolution Rx
I had recently come into possession of the Crest Revolution Train Engineer, 2.4 gHz (Revo) that I am using to control my points (switches), which had also come with an On-board Rx. Once set up this seemed to operate well, and whilst looking at the Revo website I noticed the “Revolution Micro Receiver w/Sound” operating at 7 -24 volts at 3 amps, and only 2.25"(57mmm) x 0.9"(23mm) x 0.4"(9mm) this seemed ideal to fit the tram.
| Pros | Cons |
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Operating voltage 7 – 24 volts |
Only generic steam and diesel sound |
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Power 3 amps peak at 6 amps |
Special interface required to upgrade firmware |
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Feedback to Tx from Rx |
Auxiliary outputs will only trigger sound cards, without the use of additional hardware |
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Onboard sound |
Poor documentation with products |
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Sound firmware upgradeable |
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Six auxiliary outputs |
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Forward and Reverse LED outputs |
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Size: 2.25"(57mmm) x 0.9"(23mm) x 0.4"(9mm) |
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