the MRH Forum

Removable (block) signals Track and electrical/DCC
Reply
New member 1 post Michael Ridout New member 1 post
Michael Ridout

I am attempting to install signals on a Free-mo module.  To spare the inevitable damage, I'd prefer them to be easily removable for the transport of the module.  I've seen one method with a mini stereo plug, but unfortunately it can only handle 3 wires.  I require 4 (common + 3 LEDS).  I'm using the BMLA signal heads mounted on brass poles.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in Advance

Michael

Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Reply 0
Paul Rankin paul_r Active Member 96 posts
Paul Rankin paul_r

Removable signals

A friend of mine uses DIP sockets and plugs for his Oregon Rail Supply signals.  The base of the signal is wired to and mounted on the plug, and the socket is wired and mounted within the scenery.  It's only visible when the signal is removed.  The friction of the pins in the sockets keeps the signal upright and connected, and the wiring is simplified because the plug can be wired at the workbench.  It works well on his layout.

    Paul
Reply 0
kcsphil1 Prolific poster 1,233 posts
kcsphil1

I've seen it done with blank IC sockets

that look like this one.

Should work in HO fairly well - the mast base is big enough to conceal this sort of thing (and if this particular one doesn't work dimensionally, Mouser has about 9,000 different IC sockets online).

Philip H. Chief Everything Officer Baton Rouge Southern Railroad, Mount Rainier Div.

"You can't just "Field of Dreams" it... not matter how James Earl Jones your voice is..." ~ my wife

My Blog Index
Reply 0
MarcFo45
MarcFo45

+ +

You can get these in wire wrap type, if they were not so expensive. They have thicker legs less prone to bending under pressure.  Then you have the dual inline Berg type conectors you could also look at. The legs on IC sockets are rather tender and easy to bend badly.

Marc Fournier, Quebec

 
Reply 0
Rio Grande Dan Prolific poster 2,305 posts
Rio Grande Dan

How are your De-soldering

How are your De-soldering skills?

Most all older Computers have at least 3 or 4 of the stronger heavy duty IC sockets on their mother Boards that you can salvage for use by De-Soldering them from discarded Mother Boards.

If you go to the neighborhood Computer store and I'm talking about the ones that upgrade computers and build computers for you not the neighbor hood "Best Buy" or "Circuit City".

All the Private computer stores replace burned out or out dated Mother Boards. Then discard or recycle the old Boards. Most of the time they remove the Bad mother boards and toss them in the dumpster or throw them in a pile until the recycle guy comes around.

So go into the store and ask them if they have any old worthless mother boards they can give you so you can practice your De-soldering skills.

The other way to get them is Dumpster diving behind these same stores  as long as they are accessible without breaking into a compound.

Most private computer stores will give you two or more of the junk boards and 90% of the time their happy to get rid of them.

Dan

Rio Grande Dan
Reply 0
Reply