Track and electrical/DCC
Running engines over insulated rail joiner
I'm running DC on my layout. I have some old Mantua and Tyco steam engines. I have 4 throttles. As long as these engines are running off the same throttle, no problem going over insulated rail joiners. Going over an insulated rail joiner with a different throttle on either side, the engine stops - has to be pushed over to keep running. Tech 4 throttles on both sides of the insulated rail joiners. Polarity is the same on both sides. My newer engines run fine over these joints. What is my problem and how do i solve it?
3way turnout switch control - new way to control
Hi, New to this site. I have two 3 way turnouts and have looked into switching them with a selector switch. I have seen them designed with diodes. I set out to see if I could do one without diodes. I found a 3 position 4 pole compact switch on eBay for $4.00 ea. Here is the diagram for it.
CurrentKeepers vs Frog Juicers
I have been considering this topic for a while and figured to see what others think. Here is the situation: I have been using Digitrax DCC for the past 15 years. My layout is HO scale and using a mismash of turnouts from Shinohara and Atlas. All have metal frogs. The problem is some of the sound equipped locos, the Athearn Genesis GP40-2 in particular, run horribly. Stalling on the frogs of the #8 turnouts, I suffer from sound shut down and restart.
Servo start-up jiggle with Arduino control
I'm working on motorized doors for the Walther's Modern Diesel House using the Arduino and some Hi-Tech HS-81 servos. Everything is going well and the performance of the bread boarded system is smooth and consistent. It has not yet been installed under the structure, but only mocked up on a test bench.
connecting same LED to 2 different light functions
I've a TCS T1 DCC module installed in an FD7A with a headlight and MARS light.
I plan on using another of the same modules in an F3, with only a headlight.......nothing new about that, BUT here come the question/idea:
I'd like the single headlight to function as a headlight or a MARS light on command, so I can use it like a ditch light sort-of.....so when the loco is running down the track, it'd just be a headlight, but when I press a function key (which one is TBD), it will act as a MARS light. No decoder that I know of offers this ability.
LED Dimmer Overheat
Just finished installing LEDs on my layout and noticed the dimmer I used was heating up so much that it was melting the hot glue I used to attach it to the back of the valence with. I unplugged the whole assembly and started trouble shooting.
I think I found the answer but want a second opinion and some advice.
Here's the details
Power Supply is 12V 12.5A Output
The Dimmer is 12V 6A
Arduino-based DC Detection
Does anyone know how to use an Arduino to make a DC detector. I went to the idafruits and talked to a tech there. They offered me no help at all. I went to the forums and I got a ton of responses, unfortunately most were all in technoese and I never learned that language. The rest wanted to show me how to build a mountain when all I need is a mole hill. There was one guy who offered to help me so I sent him diagrams and specs but I never heard from him again. I can buy detection circuits but I can't afford to pay $42.00 each for them.
manual switch throws
..Joe Fugate wanted ideas on manual switch control..here is what I use ..cheap and effective after you get the hang of it
AC/DC and Tortoise Switch Machines
Hi everyone,
I miswired some of my layout to use 12 VDC for Tortoises and now need to use 16VAC to power them instead. I know Circutron makes a PS-1 and PS-2 converters but they are a bit on the pricey side and I would need two at least. I only have 4 Tortoises to rewire, "3 on one module and 1 on anther module" and was looking for any alternatives to convert them on the cheap. Is regulated necessary or can it be unregulated? Minimal size and weight are a priority.
Thanks ahead of your response.
It was exciting... for a while
Oh I was excited to install my first ESU LokSound decoder. After much research and deliberation (and the fact it was in stock) I bought the Rapido version of the LokSound Select decoder with FP7 sounds. A friend is just starting out in DCC and I assured him I could install sound in his old Atlas/Roco FP7.
Now I have done my own installs so far, both sound (steam) and just motor control and I pride myself on my soldering and electronic skills. (I used to do that sort of thing for a living) I started off with enthusiasm and confidence.
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