I'm building a DCC Command Station that meets the NMRA standards. It's a compact system that includes a booster, 16x2 or 20x4 LCD, membrane keypad and a couple switches.

I making 2 models. One is based in the 16F88 microprocessor that allows control of 4 locomotives using a 16 button keypad.  Each row is speed up, speed down, direction and function 0 on/off. One of the locos can also be controlled by analog.

Hello all,

 i have been lurking around for awhile and have been thoroughly enjoying all of the posts and great sharing of knowledge, But now I am frustrated with what I am trying to accomplish. So i seek advice from the Jedi masters.

I purchased a laser cutter / engraver from eBay last week and have been enjoying learninig about it and experimenting.

So far I have been more than satisfied with my purchase. 

My primary objective was to automate the production of faceplates for various electronic devices that I build.  One such is my auto-reverse controller, the BARC.  Prior to purchasing the laser cutter I spent a good bit of time making each faceplate and labeling each control.  Now I can make them up in minutes.

Today was the first day that I used my Madras Oregon Switching Layout for a training session of New Hire Conductors. The layout is far from finished, aren't all layouts? but the track all works and I got the switch controllers operational. Other then a little dirty track, which I had forgotten to clean, and a switch that needed some adjustment, the layout ran really well.

Follow along as some Green Horns tackle a switching layout...