GRS Hunslet battery conversion

ge_rik

ge_rik

British narrow gauge (esp. Southwold and W&LLR)
Country flag
Quite by coincidence, linking to another thread on lipo/li-ion batteries, ( https://www.gscalecentral.net/index.php?topic=301586.0 )I have just finished the wiring for another conversion of my former track-powered locos to battery power - using three 18650 li-ion batteries.

OK - she`s not looking very pretty as yet. When I stripped her down to remove the lead weights from the boiler, I also decided to rub down the paintwork as it was looking a bit chipped and tired.
1-IMG_9674.JPG

Inside the saddle tank are the three 18650 li-ion batteries which deliver 11.2 volts. Doubt I could have inserted ten NiMh batteries into the same space. These Samsung batteries have solder tags but are unprotected. I could not find any protected tagged batteries.
1-IMG_9667.JPG

So, I`ve connected a battery protection board. This monitors balance charging, discharging and protects against short circuits. It also has a heat sensor to check the temperature of the batteries during charging.
1-IMG_9668.JPG

Finally, there`s the Deltang Rx65b combined receiver / ESC. This auto-senses the supply voltage and will also cut-off if the batteries fall below a safe level. The protection board and the receiver/controller slot into the lower half of the boiler beneath the saddle tank.
1-IMG_9669.JPG

The charge socket has been installed beneath the saddle tank. I know it`s a bit prominent there, but there wasn`t really anywhere discreet to put it. Space is tight on this loco. The motor block is a ToyTrain 0-4-0 (from an OHO (Otto) loco). I`ve given her some test runs and she seems to perform well. Not sure if I can also fit in a MyLocoSound soundboard - I`d like to if I can. But she definitely needs a paint-job!
1-IMG_9673.JPG

I`ll post more pics and a video once she enters service properly. Will be good to have the Hunslet back in service.

I know there are some who are deeply sceptical about using li-ion batteries in trains - but to be honest, I don`t think I would get the same level of power (11.2v 3Ah) in the same space with other battery technologies.

Rik
EDIT: I have a more detailed account of a similar conversion on my blog - http://riksrailway.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-i-converted-track-powered-loco-to.html

Which includes this circuit diagram for the battery protection board
wiring%2Bdiagram.jpg



 
Great conversion :D Is there any blanking plugs that you could use to hide the charging socket? Like this, with the strap cut off http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-1MM-X-5-5MM-PANEL-MOUNT-DC-SOCKET-CHARGER-POWER-JACK-DUST-WATERPROOF-COVER-/321553675476?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item4ade17b4d4
 
Good to see another loco joining the battery fleet. Great neat work.
I wonder if all the lead was removed, could you fit in a sound card? Maybe the lead could go elsewhere like the cab floor, if it's really necessary?




PS Thank you for making your pictures a viewable width. Makes reading your posts so much more enjoyable.
 
Rik,
Regarding your concerns about the Charging Socket's visibility. Could you not make a removable Tool Box to disguise it when not in use. A Box, parhaps Plasticard or even Wood with a Couple of bits of Wire on the bottom that fit into place with Small Holes on the footplate should work nicely.
JonD
 
Or just an 'L' shaped piece of plasticard to sit over it, painted black of course??
 
gregh said:
I wonder if all the lead was removed, could you fit in a sound card? Maybe the lead could go elsewhere like the cab floor, if it's really necessary?
Click to expand...
Good idea Greg. I'd have to find somewhere else for the lead, but maybe I won't need as much as I did when she was track powered.

Rik
 
dunnyrail said:
Rik,
Regarding your concerns about the Charging Socket's visibility. Could you not make a removable Tool Box to disguise it when not in use. A Box, parhaps Plasticard or even Wood with a Couple of bits of Wire on the bottom that fit into place with Small Holes on the footplate should work nicely.
JonD
Click to expand...
PhilP said:
Or just an 'L' shaped piece of plasticard to sit over it, painted black of course??
Click to expand...
Or maybe a combination of the two ideas. Thanks chaps, can always rely on forumites for some clever lateral thinking.

Rik
 
ge_rik said:
Quite by coincidence, linking to another thread on lipo/li-ion batteries, ( https://www.gscalecentral.net/index.php?topic=301586.0 )I have just finished the wiring for another conversion of my former track-powered locos to battery power - using three 18650 li-ion batteries.

OK - she's not looking very pretty as yet. When I stripped her down to remove the lead weights from the boiler, I also decided to rub down the paintwork as it was looking a bit chipped and tired.
[attachment=0][/attachment]

Inside the saddle tank are the three 18650 li-ion batteries which deliver 11.2 volts. Doubt I could have inserted ten NiMh batteries into the same space. These Samsung batteries have solder tags but are unprotected. I could not find any protected tagged batteries.
[attachment=2][/attachment]

So, I've connected a battery protection board. This monitors balance charging, discharging and protects against short circuits. It also has a heat sensor to check the temperature of the batteries during charging.
[attachment=3][/attachment]

Finally, there's the Deltang Rx65b combined receiver / ESC. This auto-senses the supply voltage and will also cut-off if the batteries fall below a safe level. The protection board and the receiver/controller slot into the lower half of the boiler beneath the saddle tank.
[attachment=4][/attachment]

The charge socket has been installed beneath the saddle tank. I know it's a bit prominent there, but there wasn't really anywhere discreet to put it. Space is tight on this loco. The motor block is a ToyTrain 0-4-0 (from an OHO (Otto) loco). I've given her some test runs and she seems to perform well. Not sure if I can also fit in a MyLocoSound soundboard - I'd like to if I can. But she definitely needs a paint-job!
[attachment=1][/attachment]

I'll post more pics and a video once she enters service properly. Will be good to have the Hunslet back in service.

I know there are some who are deeply sceptical about using li-ion batteries in trains - but to be honest, I don't think I would get the same level of power (11.2v 3Ah) in the same space with other battery technologies.

Rik
Click to expand...

Rik

Personally I wouldn't repaint it I would just give it a coat of satin clear and leave it as a weathered hard working tank engine.

The electronics install looks good as well, you must use the same method as me, just stuff it in where it fits. ;) ;)
 
GAP said:
Rik
Personally I wouldn't repaint it I would just give it a coat of satin clear and leave it as a weathered hard working tank engine.
The electronics install looks good as well, you must use the same method as me, just stuff it in where it fits. ;) ;)
Click to expand...
Good idea. I don't tend to heavily weather steam locos while I weather diesels without even thinking.

What do you mean? I plan where the electronics goes down to the last half millimetre .... (not)

Rik
 
ge_rik said:
Good idea. I don't tend to heavily weather steam locos while I weather diesels without even thinking.

What do you mean? I plan where the electronics goes down to the last half millimetre .... (not)

Rik
Click to expand...
I thought installation was another use for 'Mr Lumphammer'! ??
;) :D ;D ;D
 
AKA ..




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The Hammer Fairy!!!!!!! ARGGGH!! THAT image again!!
;) :D :o :o
 
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