How I installed an NCE USB Adaptor to my fascia

My goal was to mount the little NCE USB adaptor out of harms way under the layout.  To accomplish this I ordered a Neutrick reversible USB mounting socket and a 3 foot 'A' to 'B' USB cord from Parts Express.  The order, with shipping, was about $13.00.

Reversible USB mounting socket

3 foot 'A' to 'B' USB cord

In photos 1 & 2 you can see the 1" hole I drilled and where it is in relation to the NCE panel.  The 1" hole is nearest the edge of the layout closest to my desktop PC.

On top of the table is the uninstalled reversible USB mounting socket, 3 foot 'A' to 'B' USB cable and the coil cord that came with my NCE Powercab system.

(1)

(2)

In photos 3 & 4 you can see the reversible USB mounting socket installed, with the 'B' side facing outward.

(3)

(4)

In photo 5 you can see the back of the NCE panel to the left, as well as the back of the reversible USB mounting socket, with the 'A' side facing inward.

(5)

In photos 6 and 7 you can see the USB adapter mounted in a safe place under the layout and the wiring going to it.

(6)

(7)

Enjoy!

Nice install

Thank you

Now That's a Thing of Beauty!

Okay, maybe I'm a bit weird, but I love the look of well-planned and executed wiring. The adapter looks like it was always there, and everything underneath is clean, tidy, and easy to follow (should the need arise). Excellent craftsmanship!

-= Craig =-

"should the need arise"

First I love the installation but I just had to comment on the statement "should the need arise".  We had PLANNED where the wires SHOULD go and had many of them installed.  Then we made a SLIGHT change to the track plan and that moved ONE of the tortoise switch machines.  GUESS where the machine would hang down!  YEP  So I just had to comment on the "should the need arise"! 

I really like these installation articles that you folks post.  It really gets the juices flowing and opens up all kinds of additional ideas.  Thank You!  Russ

really nice work

Well done... I will do the same thing (someday) thanks for the inspiration!

. .

nit picking.

The NCE USB Interface (as most PC to CS Interfaces) has leds that indicate a state and are good tools for trouble shooting. The leds here involve the USB connection and the CAB BUS connection.

NCE Manual

1 - the LEDS only come on when transmitting data, if one or both are on that is an indication of a problem
2 - The LEDs on both ends of the interface do not stay on all the time, only when data is being transferred.

Seeing the leds would be helpful.

On a similar note; Soundtraxx PTB-100. Mine is mounted out of sight, like you.

I used clear plastic sprue to direct the led light outputs to the table top so I see clearly what is going on.  The three light pipes are off to left. Switch is a centre off DP/DT to select between OPS or Program track programming. Not pretty but works,  Clear plastic the switch is mounted on was a separator for a storage bin as I recall.

Marc