quote:
Originally posted by Norton:
Thanks for posting this Jerry. I know most modular clubs will benefit from this info. The real test will come with the next show assuming the track plan is different.
Pete
Hi Pete:
One of the things that we are now going to do "different" is we are going to stick with a "standard" configuration for the layout. Our next show is "Trainfest" in Milwaukee, which has historically been our worst show to do, but also had us setting up or largest layouts.
If the layout deploys successfully there, we will be freezing the configuration for at least the next year. That will not mean that we won't be upgrading / replacing individual modules, but they will fit into the same layout dimensions until we have the confidence that we can grow a design without resulting problems.
Bill wrote:
quote:
Jerry,
I follow.
How did you distribute power to the TIUs?
Any worries about a cold or broken solder joint to a center rail? With all then centers isolated....
How long was a typical block in feet?
Super mode???
Yes, we had the TIUs in Super mode.
For the main lines, distribution went from the three Z4000s (one for each main) to a "distribution box" that was made by Sasquatch, which splits power for all theee main lines into three cables that could be inserted into the layout at three points. In the DCS setup, what we did was wye one of the cables to two of the TIUs.
I didn't mention this before, but all of the TIUs were as close as possible to the insertion point into the railroad. Dave's goal was to give the signal the shortest path into the track, and to the locomotive as possible. The long cables out to the TIUs were only carrying AC power.
One area that we haven't had a lot of problem with over the years has been cold solder joints. Since we are running Gargraves track / Ross switches on the railroad, we jam a spade lug into the track, and then solder it (with Wellman's huge soldering unit that could probably double as a welder
;)
). On the center rail, we make sure we clean off the chemical blackening to ensure a good joint (a round head bit in the Dremel does quite nicely)
When we set up our layouts, if we have a problem with continuity when we set up, it is either quickly fixes (a wire resoldered to the outside if a joint actually does fail), or if it is a rush job, then we will split the module and insert a pin.
Regards,
Jerry