Worklist:
Wire-up the control panel.
Just S&G this week as Laurence confined to home with car problems.
The main control panel was scrutinised for components and their positions and the general wiring reviewed to decide where to start on the new panel.
4 x 2BA countersunk brass bolts were fitted at 'the business end'. Wires were fitted between the power lead connector and the posts. Geoff made up and fitted a small vero board unit to mount resistors and a diode for the two power indicator LED's to be fitted on the panel lid. Stephen wired-up and fitted two voltage reducers: 1 for the section switch integral indicator LED's and 1 for the point servo controller. Both require 12v, but it was thought prudent to use separate supplies as they are so inexpensive. (The main DC power will come from a 19.5v laptop supply).
Before anything else, a check on the number of connections required for in and out wiring was made. It was decided to add four more nails on the end of the existing strip, just in case. The strip was 'zoned' for power supplies, track sections, points etc and a start made on the wiring. Stephen started on the section switches, soldering short connectors on each switch. The LED power supply will be looped around all of the switches. The feeds to the section switches will come from three rotary selection switches depending on the track zone and which controller (Main or Local) is required. All will be wired back to the connector strip.
Geoff had ordered a plug & socket (A pack of 5 unfortunately) for the new hand held controller wander lead. This was tested with the unit on the main panel and found to be a perfect fit, so the two controllers will be interchangeable. A hole was drilled in the panel end and the socket, with all tails soldered on, was fitted.
Geoff was able to find 2 bezel mounted LED's from a 40-50 year old project. They look perfect for the power indicators and, after a check, they'll be wired in to the new vero board.
A good solid days work.
