@Craftech posted:Update:
Here's where I am with this experiment.
1. Definitely louder sounds with either the HiLetgo or Adafruit mini amps with a 4Ω speaker (tried two different ones) powered by an AC/DC Buck converter. Seems to work the best without any attenuation on the Lionel amplifier speaker outputs. Input level can be controlled with the Lionel remote. Both mini amps also have trim pots.
The problem with it is that there is an interruption in the sound when it goes across the insulated sections of the FasTrack switches (see below)
Those are necessary to prevent shorts with certain wheels (Example: Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief RTR set).
The only way to combat the interruptions would be for me to install a second pickup on the other truck which I really don't want to do. Maybe someone else someday may want to try that. Frankly I have had it with messing with mini amps inside this thing.
I removed all of it.
2. So then, despite the warnings about overloading the Lionel amp I tried two different 4Ω 3W speakers in place of the stock 8Ω speaker and guess what? It made no difference in the loudness at all. Neither 4Ω speaker was any louder than the original 8Ω speaker.
So I back went the original setup with the pill bottle baffle for placebo effect.
I may try an 8Ω 0.5W speaker for the heck of it. The aforementioned SF RTR set has one of those and sounds great.
Thank you everyone for all the help with this project.
John
UPDATE: Tried an 8Ω 0.5W speaker (with the baffle). Again, no difference in loudness, just a slight reduction in base response.
Will try the amp with the current keeper capacitor next.
John
