Signal Planting Complete
The install of the 46 signals is now complete with the last units being installed in Port Henry and Plattsburgh. The next step is to complete more testing. I think I have ironed out most issues, but with trains on the layout and "real world" testing, I may find a few things I have missed. I know the dwarfs in Port Henry and Plattsburgh not exactly work the way I had planned but will now test and see.
After installing the signals I set up a newly acquired cheap camera to do a trip around the layout on a flat car. I am having a few teething issues with the camera as it stops recording after about 2 minutes so will do more testing. The instructions for the camera while in english are very poor as the interpreter they employed in China at the manufacture was not very good at English. What can I expect for $20 for a ebay special 1080p camera that measures 2.5cm square.
During the camera run I discovered that the signals in Whtehall were not working. After some investigation I found that the TC64 was not receiving the messages from the loconet. I reached out to Dick at RR-Cirkits for some support. Even though the TC64 is about 13 years old, the support from Dick is great. Currently working through the issue. As postage back to the US is expensive and takes a very long time, Dick has offered to guide me through the repair that I will undertake to complete myself. As all the components on the board are surface mount, things will get interesting, however, Im confident I can complete the repair.
More to come...
Great progress Brendan. Did the D&H have the same relay sheds as I used on the SFRSD. I noticed a few in your images.
ReplyDeleteBattery boxes are also a great scenic addition when the time comes.
Looking great.
Rod, the relay sheds are from Vic. So they will be the same. I figured they look good so why not. The D&H has similar so are a good stand in.
DeleteAnd all done in record time again, well done Brendan. Curious to hear about your HD camera, I have a few ideas for using them for ops too.
ReplyDeleteJason, the small HD camera is a bit of a flop. The aim was to put it on a flat car and record the train going around. Had issues as was cheap and nasty. Have ordered a different one off ebay. Will see how that goes. Not intended for Ops. As is not a live camera.
Delete46 signals! I thought you were still working lol, where do you find the time to do all that?
ReplyDeleteApart from about 15 dwarfs, all the other signals were made from the old layout. Just had to install them. With lockdown, cant go anywhere but the RR Room.. lol
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