Adding a Keep Alive to the Bowser RS3
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- Опубліковано 24 сер 2024
- Oh boy, a 30+ minute video on adding a Keep Alive? This is more of a Vlog than an update video. I decided to add a TCS KA4 Keep Alive device to my two new Bowser Pennsy RS3's. So I grabbed the cell phone and recorded the shenanigans. At least some of them.
The new Bowser RS3's are very nice- I especially appreciate the intelligent engineering in the design. The body shell is easily removed, all wires to the lights are contained on the chassis and one does not have to struggle with wires up to the body. It is easy to disassemble, which I did all the way down to the truck side frames being removed for weathering. It also is equipped with a Lok Sound 5 decoder- not a hobbled OEM design version.
I added a TCS KA4 to the units. In reading and seeing other videos on this, it can be done- carefully. I did follow advice I saw and utilized a "disconnectable" harness with JST connectors. This is for use if I ever need to go back to the LokProgrammer- I can remove the shell and disconnect the Keep Alive. Most simple CV changes can be made with POM. (Operations Programming).
For the JST harness, I made it from a "kit" I found on Amazon. It consists of 2-10 space male and female connectors, 10 colors of pre-crimped wires, and heat shrink tubing. They are 1.5mm pitch connectors. Assembly is simply a matter of inserting the wires into the shells. And the wire colors cover most of the NMRA DCC standard colors! Here is the link to the kit:
www.amazon.com...
The Keep Alive is a TCS KA4, SKU #1668. The wires from the KA4 were soldered to one side of the JST harness. The other side of the harness was soldered to the LokSound 5 decoder.
Everything seems to be working as expected. Now the units are ready for local switching duties!
New Hobby, book tapes, you could read the whole book without stopping. Haha
LOL!! "Yeah right, we're play'in with trains get over it" One of the reasons I love your channel, moments pure unadulterated truth spoken from time to time!! Yes, I watched the whole thing down to the very end. I always do, thanks for sharing Rob!! ~Dennis
Paying you by the word was definitely a mistake on our part :-P Looking and sounding great
I heard somewhere that model railroading was a good hobby to get into. There is something for everyone, wiring, scenery, and construction.
nice work on the stay alives Rob, as for a new hobby ---- skateboard & wingsuit off mountain tops as then your hobby time will fly-by 😁 😁
If your ready to take a break from
trains Rob, build a 1/48 scale Space
1999 Eagle 1 with lights and sound!!
LOL!!! That was a great video, and no
your babbling is why I watch your
videos!!!!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
i have a bouser c628 non sound.That thing is sooo nice.No issues when I unpacked it,nothing missing/broken,unlike all the other manufacturers.Bowser ...... 10/10.Wished I had more.
Great tutorial, Rob! Yeah, over 30 minutes! So, I get to spend half an hour with your incredible layout? What agony!! Can't wait for your next long video. Glad to see you're still doing well with the recovery!
Thanks Rob! Another great video; and also thanks for the Amazon link. I needed those, and purchased right away. Your great videos have given me some much useful info, and as a 85 year old DCC beginner is sure helps! Thank you so much and stay well!
Just back from my first model rail show in two years, thanks to you know what, and this pops up! My day is complete
Thank you for another great (and entertaining) video! Even though I model the mid 60's to early 70's DC, with a handful of sound equipped locomotives for ambient noise, I find your videos informative, inspirational, and fun! Thanks, stay safe, and keep the videos coming please!
As always Great 👍🏻 🎩 🎩 off to ya! Keep the Videos, coming!
omg.that weathering done soooo sweet.The layout that we can see so far, is just gorgeous.Well done Stephen
Great topic, Rob. I am in the process of using the LokProgrammer to install sound files for the first time, so relatable...and sure I watched to the end.
Whoo updates and 30 minutes of them
I did watch all the way through cause I enjoy the videos, don’t ever change Rob!
Please do a weathering clinic. Your locomotives look fantastic!
Thanks Rob for the information best layout on UA-cam !
Thanks for the video ... good to hear from you again !!!
Looks great! What's a Keep Alive? Cam you play the road runner horn? Beep-beep!
Yeah, it’s long but I love your videos!!! I’ve been watch you for years. So don’t stop. I have learned a lot from you. Thank you!
Another great video.
Good job Rob.
Another very informative episode Rob! I've wondered about the "keep-alives" or any of those types of capacitors. Thanks for sharing!
-Will
I love the weathering on that!!!!
It was very helpful. Thank you for uploading the video. Please introduce the Reading C-630 that was reflected a little in the video someday.
LOL thanks for sharing.
Yep the whole lot! 👍🏼
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Nice weathering. Thanks for sharing a source for the connectors. Been looking for small connectors for this type of keep alive addition. Especially for us bad people who won’t buy the more expensive ESU Power Paks. I use the Auto Tune on all ESU locomotives. Why not it takes 30 seconds to do it. I have actually seen it clean up poor performance.
Bad BAD people! LOL. I almost did try the ESU PP's, but besides the cost they likely would have been too big for this application. We won't tell ESU what we do....
Yes, I watched the whole thing. I don't model diesels or use your brand of decoders but still since I feel uncomfortable working with decoders still your detailed account of your methods is very helpful. And most of your babble isn't aimless 🙂 How's the head?
Bob
Thanks Bob! The old noggin is fine, have a cool scar now. Chicks dig it.
It’s getting to the point of one needing an educational degree just to play with trains these days🤔😆👍
CV 124 set it to 0 or 16. It will get rid of the delay when you start to move.
Just pick the loco up. If the Keep Alive works it will continue to run
You don’t have to disconnect the power pack with the ESU powerpacks
Hi Rob, you know you could take up working on transformers, just a thought. 😁 thanks for another good video.
Hi Rob. I am curious. Maybe you said this and I missed it, but why did you use the TCS Keep-Alive instead of the ESU PowerPack?
I did two with theESU power packs it was easy
Ok Rob where did you acquire your RS-3's a friend of mine is still waiting on his SP&S units.
Nick- I preordered one from Hog Trains, and bought a second one from Lombard Hobbies. I haven't checked, but these were selling very fast. To my knowledge, this shipment only included the Pennsy and WM units- others will follow later this year. Checking the Bowser site, it looks like the SP&S, D&H, and B&M units are due to arrive in March.
@@robbennett1965 thanks for the response.
👍🏻you may want to get into miniature trains I hear there vary interesting
What is the Amazon item number for the connector kit you use? I have been solderin these from pieces since 1997. I like your method much better!! Erie, Pa
I know you- Hi Don! The Amazon number is (ASIN?) B09F3TQS9V.
Good job you babble on so much Rob, or I'd have had nothing to do for thirty minutes.