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). 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 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 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 (from Shapeways) enclosure
A SWARM OF B's The client requested a change in the locos - wanted sound in the B units of his A-B-A MUs, with LokPilots in the A's. So, while these won't normally be running together, I present to you "A Swarm of B's" These use the LokSound 5 Micro DCC decoders, but have a 13x18mm speaker. The front porch has to be milled down to only 0.35mm of metal left over the worm gear, and the front wall has to be thinned to 0.25mm
Carl --- ummm, started them individually My test layout is Digitrax, so started the unit on the right side throttle DT402, then started the unit on the left button, MUed it, then addressed the third unit on the left, started, and MUed. In other words, don't get excited, this was just to show the sound of the three, and also demonstrate that each unit has a different pitch, even though all the same sound project.
