Great Article

I also made a 120v Static Grass Applicator based on Joe's original ZTrains article, I wired mine slightly differently but it works pretty much the same.  Had to use the 120v version because at the time you could not get the 12v version from the supplier.  It's great to spend a little time making something useful and saving almost $100 in the process over the out-of-the-box retail tool.  Thanks for the information Joe!

 Craig Bisgeier

http://www.Housatonicrr.com

Grass Applicators

I actually like my 120V Grass Applicator.  Similarly, I was unable, at the time when I built it to source a 12V ION generator.

That is still a chore actually because the 12V unit seems to be only available from Australia.

Craig, did you wire yours using the common AC wire to provide the scenic grounding?

Grass Applicators

 Kevin,

Great article, well thought out and loaded with very well detailed info. I was in the process of building an applicator and your article has motivated me to get to it. Not that I don't have other stuff to do!!! Thanks for your contribution.

Aw shucks...

Craig & Les:

Thanks so much for the kind words.  I enjoyed doing the article and learned a lot in the process so any future efforts should hopefully be better as a result.

Thanks again.

12V Ion generators

I thought i saw it in another thread that Oately had opened an ebay store so you copuld get their 12V generators more expeditiously if you were in the states.  Maybe Imissed something.  I'd be interested in a 12v generator - I had planned to order one from Joe if he was able to source them.

And I'm still waiting some technical ideas for battery power . . . .

ION Generators

Phillip,

Yes, Oatley has an eBay presence now so that it is easier to get the 12V generator.  I have to get one to build an applicator for a member of the forums and was hoping to find a few guys who are interested in getting one as well to make it slightly more cost effective for all.

As for battery power.  In another thread Marc was trying rechargeable batteries but I never heard if he was successful or not.  Battery power is something I am looking at as well.

You are correct!

Yes that part number is wrong and it is an error on my part, not on MRH's, I checked!  I actually think the correct part number is 163-4302-E

Part Number 163-5006-E is a rectangular moulded chassis mount jack.  While it will work it might be more of a chore to mount than a through-hole panel type.

Here's a link to the datasheet.

DC Power Jack 163-4302-E Datasheet

I hope this error does not cause anyone grief, sorry guys!

Well being That I bought my

Well being That I bought my Noch over a year ago I don't need another but, if I did I think I'd build the Flyswatter being the cheapest and looked to do as good a job as all the rest.

I'd really like to see a Demo with the X-long grass next to the short grass I'm talking about the mixed 6-8mm grass as I like that wild grass mix the best.

Blue you Did an excellent job with your Video and the demos as well as the construction of the BK (Blue Keven) grass masters. A first timer or not, Silent Movies are fun too bad you couldn't have found the music from the great train wreck and the old tinny player piano playing in the back ground. That would have been perfect  Not that your work was a train wreck just the old music was great for silent movies.

Next Magazine how about the little flashing light on the last car as a demo and construction article along with it. Keep up the good work Blue you may have a new calling.

Dan

I agree

I agree, Kevin did a great job on this article. I know how much work it is to keep interrupting your project to stop and take photos along the way. The fact that Kevin did it for 3, count them, THREE different versions is nothing short of amazing.

If all the submissions we get were done as thoroughly as Kevin's, our job would be easy indeed.

High praise...

Thanks fellows.  I learned a lot doing the article and still have much to learn.

Dan, everybody, I immediately regretted not doing ANY audio for the videos.  I won't make that mistake again.  Sorry all!

Joe makes it sound like I had all my T's crossed and I's dotted but in reality Patty and others at MRH made the article what it is.  I just supplied the material, they built the mansion!

Not just praise - inspiration

Kevin,
Between you and Marc, I'm now firmly convinced that I can build on of these, and add whole new scenic dimensions.  So far I've managed to acquire the screen - a flashlight body ala Marc, and I already have wire, toggle switches, and yogurt and sour cream cups for dispensers.  So I'm nearly built.

Thanks!

Go for it!

You bet you can Phillip! 

Marc did some really neat things with his.  I'd like to see him lay some grass down with the cordless unit he built.  He should have got in on the article and shared in the rewards, which were not insubstantial!

So Kevin What new project is

So Kevin What new project is your railroad in store for with your not insubstantial rewards?

Dan

Identify this Ion Generator

So I thought with so many people checking this article out someone might be able to help me.  I have negative ion generator that I bought at least a year ago from Electronic Goldmine. Apparently this version is no longer stocked by them or at least I can't find it on their site. Can anyway tell me if this is a 12volt or a 120 volt version.

It is completely black with the following information printed on it in even darker black letters:

DC-12V 0813A (it would appear to be a 12v version from that but I want to be sure). It is also still in the ziplock from Electronic Goldmine with their stock # 69695 on it.

Thanks for any insights you may have on this. I'm ready to get this project started.

Ion Generator

That is the 12 volt version.  I think it should have a red,black, and white wire on it?

What new project...

One of the things I'm going to do is start building some turnouts.  I placed an order with Fast Tracks to get me started on that.  I've got a couple of other MRH sponsors who I've been meaning to support so I'm not done shopping just yet.  It sure was nice to get a good shot of MRR budget money.  I hope I can put together something else for publication.  It was a very rewarding experience!

Building Grass Applicators

Have misread the article/instructions. A previous post of mine was completely irrelevant.

When you get old (70+), your mind as well as eyesight GO!

Pipes and Parts

Richard,

It's never too late to ask questions.

It sounds like you have missed article pages 105 and 110 where I list the materials needed for the 12V and 120V applicators respectively.

Check these pages when you make your shopping list.  You will see that I used 1-1/2 inch ABS pipe along with one 1-1/2 inch  ABS coupler and one 1-1/2 inch ABS test cap.  Similar items in PVC could be used too.

The selection of a flock container is fairly arbitrary.  Use a clean, sturdy, plastic container that suits your taste.  An empty sour cream container for instance.  If you use a sturdy container and follow the instructions in the article you will have a solid chassis for your applicator.

EDIT:  Here is another thread that features a different approach to the applicator chassis.  You might find it useful.

Static Grass in a Flash

I seriously doubt that will be the case with this project.  The item that is most difficult to get is the ION generator itself.  However it is still available.  Check the part and tool sources list on page 94 of issue 6 for ION generator suppliers.  The 12V ION generator is also available on eBay.

12V ION Generator From Oatley Electronics

Oops I Goofed!

Be advised fellows that there is an error in the parts list that Phil pointed out to me.  See the thread above or read below;

Static Grass Applicator Article bump up

Just bumping this post to the top of the list to correspond with the JMRI website posting (4-17-10) directing people to the MRH website to learn about static grass applicators. 

Hopefully starting mine soon

The shortage of jacks is now overcome - Mouser notified me by email yesterday that they are shipping my full order.  So, I'll try my hand at following Kevin's article - but using Marc's flashlight body idea - and post results here soon.

Department Of Corrections Notice!

A subscriber has alerted me to an omission in the text of the article.  In the wiring for the 12 volt applicator I failed to describe connecting the negative (cathode) side of the LED to the negative half of the applicator circuit.

Follow the 12 volt wiring diagram on page 105 and/or refer to the diagram below for clarification.

I apologize for any problems this may have caused anyone!

Flock Jar

I have bought the ion generator, so I'm ready to build the 12 volt applicator.

One quick question --- what did you use for the flock jar? I think the Noch Grassmaster has a flock jar that is fairly thick, but I don't know where I might buy something similar to this (and with a diameter that isn't too large).

Thanks

Don Tanner --- Oakville, Ontario

Just plain every day plastic containers

Don, you can use a sour cream or cottage cheese container, or something similar.