 Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,997
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Originally Posted by: Minok  They have magnetically bound current conducting couplers as well, but as you said, its not free at $15 a coupling if its an EU export.
Getting them direct from the China factory is probably cheaper. For what they are I'd think they could be sold direct from China for $5.
yes $5 for a pair would start to get interesting for NEM couplers.... |
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Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,997
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Originally Posted by: 5HorizonsRR
Hi Dale! Well done! This is exactly the sort of solution I've been dreaming of. I seemed to have gotten the concept 75% right on my own, but botched a few ideas along the way.
A few small questions for you if you don't mind, regarding the DC-DC converter method:
1- Do I read correctly that they can be turned on or off? (usage case: I normally run digital, but one day want to run the consist on analogue and not have the lighting go crazy or burn out. Simply turn the lights off via the converter and I'm good?)
2- you mention the converter having a pot for dimming. In a usage case with a 5 car consist, if I added or deleted a car or two, I could simply adjust the pot, correct? As opposed to the resistor method where consist length cannot be altered?
If both those scenarios work out, these are worth the extra money to go that route on my end. I'm excited to give it a go this winter, possibly even converting the whole fleet!
Hi John, 1. Yes, there is a 'signal' pad that I have not yet tried at all. I suspect that when grounded it will switch the output off. A bet a simple mechanical switch would do it. So that is the output, not the input. So yes, setting that off will protect the LEDs, but the input side of the circuit will still get the analog power including the reverse impulse - and that can be a killer. - I suspect the only vulnerable item is the capacitor - so if you use a 35V cap you may be safe on analog. It is worth trying one and seeing if it can handle it. You can always add a small switch that isolates the whole circuit for when on analog.... or switches an extra resistor in.... 2. Yes exactly! I see a fun winter approaching.....! |
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Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,977 Location: CA, USA
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Some followup for everyone: components are ordered, and I should have a workbench test as soon as Tuesday/Wednesday. Dale has done the hard work (thanks Dale!  ) so I suspect assembly will go fast. I am trying to sort fitment without butchering any coaches, and have spent a few extra pennies (literally) for things like capacitors with same ratings but smaller dimensions. My test mule will be a standard Marklin 27cm coach, if anything because that is the most common model in my fleet. More on this as materials arrive. While I wait today, I'm trying to sort the implementation in coaches. Did any of you come up with a better cheap solution than the 1.25jst connectors? My issue with them is they all seem to come in white, and red wire. I want these, but not at $2/coach and an endless wait for shipping. (although that is reasonable, I'm just cheap.) https://www.ebay.com/itm...ad579:g:unQAAOSwHuVfh2T0 These look like a great option, assuming I can break them/cut them in pairs. I don't mind soldering wire. Thoughts? (minus the need to watch polarity when plugging in of course!) https://www.amazon.com/D...d=1605988669&sr=8-26 If this works well, I have a good 200 passenger cars to fit! |
SBB Era 2-5 |
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Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,997
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the header pins from amazon look good. Even if you loose every other pair when you cut them down... |
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