SP 3010 + SoundThrottle XL test 3-7-21

A prototype of a wireless sound and motion controller has been installed on Dave McClain's beautiful 1.6" scale SP 3010 model. It was tested at Train Mountain on 3/7/21 and during a flawless 3- hour run demonstrated smooth control over switching, an effortless start of a 7 car, 5-person train on a 3.3% grade in just the 3rd throttle notch, and an unexpected benefit of wireless control -- real-time pine cone removal. Yes, there is a "dead man" function in the radio receiver in case of a loss of radio signal. Video clips by Tom Lawler and Larry Hanlon.

SP GP-9 3010 at Train Mountain 3-7-21
Testing of the locomotive and of a prototype wireless sound, lighting, and motion control system based upon an ESU V5XL DCC decoder, a Blue Ridge Engineering wi-fi receiver, and a Protothrottle wi-fi hand-held throttle. I developed and integrated the system. The locomotive was built by Backyard Train Co. and we upgraded the power supply to 4x6V Deep Cycle batteries with a Reserve Capacity rating of about 400 minutes. The subwoofer suppled by BTC sounds great but is weak on horn and bell and we obviously need more audio power, so I'm looking at adding another speaker and a more powerful audio amp. Meanwhile, we were a bunch of happy campers seeing how well she performed :)