DS64 Update

Continuing from my last post, of course the gremlins crept in...and right off the bat too!  Installing two switches and 4 LED's, the LED brightness was compromised (for some reason!), so I went to RS and bought 4 green-only LED's and installed them that way, the LED being lit for the route selected vs a bi-color LED.  I like the look better anyway!  By the time I got all that purchased, figured out and done, half the day was over!  Is it just me or is time going fast for you too?

Now that the Loop turnouts and LED's were complete it was time to turn to the two control panels at Fresno.  This went much smoother, however, due to time, I was only able to complete 1/2 of one panel.  It went quickly so I figure I can get both panels complete if I just spend 1 more whole day doing just that.  This weekend...hmmm.

DS64 installation almost complete

I've got almost all the DS64's installed and turnouts connected.  Just a few more and then complete the installation of the two panels at Fresno Yard.  As planning and reality connect, I "plan" to have all this done today.  Let's see what reality allows!  Once this project is done I can get all the crap that is normally under the layout out of the dining room (now a storage area!) out of the dining room and back in the train room.  Ideally, I'd like this done by the end of the month!  Planning vs reality again!  Fingers crossed...LOL.  Now, once the turnout control is handled we'll have a test run session to make sure everything works.

DS64's Installed on Lower Level

Yes, I haven't been blogging much.  Yes, I have been working on the RR.  Yes, I have been productive!  Friend Lloyd Lerher has given me info on fascia panel mounting of the Tortise switches.  I put his advice to use and finished all the lower level mainline tortoise control switches, recessed into the fascia.   These are connected to LED's on the fascia and to DS64's.  Yaaaa!  I need to install DS64's in the upper level and then we won't have to worry about turnout control when running a train...except in the Traffic Center, which will get done soon too.  Yeah...I know...photos...sure...soon!

BDL's Complete!

Finally!  I finished the installation of the BDL's with the completion of the Bakersfield area.  There are really two more to go but those are for the staging area and will be installed at a later date.

Still waiting for the DCS100 to be returned from Digitrax.  There is a layout test date set for July 2 but that may not happen if I don't have a DCS100.

Mark and I have changed several items on the JMRI panel and he is working on a few more changes for better operational ability.

The layout is on a local layout tour at the end of July and I plan to be on that tour, given I have the DCS100 back and operating.  If you would like to run trains for that tour, please contact me at 310-344-9145.

Recent Happenings...

OK...sorry for the lack of posts but here is an update.  The signals...with the conductive paint and LOTS of patience, I got all but 3 of the signals working again.  Saved me over $200!  Now we can continue to install them.  Mark Lestico got the panel updated to reflect signal indications and that's downloaded to the computer and tested....works great!

I've installed 2 more BDL's with 3 to go, 1 now and 2 later.  One thing that makes this process last so long for me is that I am also, to an extent, re-wiring under the layout.  I'm also cleaning up the wiring as I go.  In the end, it all looks "pretty" for those of you that look under the layout!

I got several spurs installed but not yet glued down, replaced a siding in Goshen, replaced turnouts in Goshen from regular to Y's, removed a crossover in goshen and shortened the siding there too.  We have temporarily installed the Kings River Bridge at Kingsburg.  I need to re-install the turnouts there as we pulled them to install the bridge.

Next on the list...Oh geez, don't ask how long that list is!  There's a lot to do as you can imagine when building a large layout.

I scheduled a test run session for June 4th but a couple days later had to cancel that as my DCS100 went on the blink.  It should be arriving at Digitrax early June and I hear that I may see it before August!  Well let's hope it's sooner than that!  I rescheduled the test run for July 2nd.  If you're interested in joining us, please let me know.  If the DCS is still not back, I'll reschedule it again.

I'm sure I missed a few things that have recently been accomplished but as I recall them I'll post the info.

Good news on the signal issue

Yesterday while tinkering with the signals that I put the conductive paint on, MOST of them worked.  Perhaps the paint just has to thouroughly dry before it will conduct properly.  Although, while conducting, it must have some resistance in there as the LED is not as bright as it should be.  Back to the testing room!

Update on Signal issues

Well, I purchased a conductive paint pen and applied the paint to the LED's on the signals.  Only a very few worked of the ones I tried this on.  Plan B is to contract Digitrax tomorrow to see if the LED's can be changed out by the user.  If not, Plan C is to order more signals!  Argh!