The Electronics can be miniaturized a bit more. The RailSounds just underwent a revision, and I think it could have been smaller if we had moved to smaller parts such as 0402 resistors and leadless (QFN) chips. We need to get buy in from the PCB subcontractor for such a change to our designs. The motor driver can be smaller in some cases, depends on current requirements. The TMCC Radio, is about as small as it gets; the 455khz filter parts are fairly large.
My goal is to have a smaller electronics package sometime next year, so that in 2014 we could realize smaller loco support. We may have limit the driven wheels to only one truck in locos like the GP7/9 body style (1/2 of a China drive!, heh)
I have a question for the folks here on this thread... I am toying with a DCC decoder (derived from a design I created 8 years ago!) as a swap for our TMCC radio board. If successful, a one board swap out without any wiring changes would allow DCC support with our current motor, smoke, and light controller; and also link to the RailSounds system. Would folks be willing to purchase the "DCC adapter" to plug and play upgrade locos such as the SD-70, Y3, U33? Figure costs at $50/board for evaluation of the concept. No promises, just exploratory feedback - as I may run into some technical issues in the current board set that prevent this concept from working out...
Thanks for asking, Jon. Hope your successful in minimizing the electronics further.
Speaking for myself, I wouldn't mind a "plug n' play" DCC compatibility plug factory installed future products.
I'd be less interested in retrofitting already existing products. I deal with production electronics repairs (some using the dreaded 0402 sized components) all day at work and tearing into something and wiring a plug and harness assembly is not so attractive to me anymore.
As I said, I'm speaking only for myself.
Rusty
