Chadwood - Modern 00 loft layout

[dan8400]

Looking good Dave.

Would love to know how you are going to wire it all up. I've got all my point motors working on control panel 1 so far but would love to add lights to it eventually. Any diagrams/explanations on how to go about it? I am using push to make buttons, looks like you're using sprung 'centre off' switches.

Anyway, keep up the good work

Thanks
Dan

[Rammy]

Hi Dan
thanks for ther comments. Here are a few2 more photos from yesterday to show progress and method yesterday. As this is my first ever electronic project I am winging it a little and learning as I go along! My soldering is not very good but I did notice it getting better as the day went along.
If the panel works when I get it finished I may add a topic to show a step by step guide (fingers crossed!)

Firstly I wired all of the common terminal of the centre sprung switches together. One of these will be linked to the output from the CDU:


The I wired each of the switched terminals in sepereate colours to make identification easier:



My original plan was then to solder all of these into 25 way D connectors to enable me to easily unplug the control panel if I want to make any changes later. Unfortunately I found that soldering into D connectors is very fiddly and way beyond my capabilities, so I now need a plan B. Any ideas anyone? I did think about using terminal blocks but I would need a lot of connections and its not so easy to unplug later.

Today I plan to start wiring the LEDs in, so I will hopefully post another update later tonight.

Dave

[dan8400]

You can get terminal blocks that unplug from each other. So like the D socket you wanted to use with the ease of fitment of terminal blocks


Dan

[Rammy]

Solved the problem of connecting the panel to the boards today, thanks to a few salvaged McMurdo plugs & sockets from work.



Each one is 32 pin so should be plenty for now. I was a bit worried that they may have been too heavy duty and reduced the current in some way, but I did a test run tonight with one switch and LEDS connected on the workbench and all appeared to run ok.




Hopefully I'll get chance to finish off the wiring this week and get delivery of the missing switches, so maybe installation in the loft this weekend if all goes well.

Dave

[Bufferstop]

Don't worry 'bout your plugs and sockets Dave, it works the other way round, "heavy duty=less likely to cause a problem". Your wiring behind the panel looks neat, like a real wiring job in the days before PCBs and ribbon cables.
John W
Bufferstop.

[terminalblocks]

You can get terminal blocks that unplug from each other. So like the D socket you wanted to use with the ease of fitment of terminal blocks


Dan

Yup, these are called plug-in terminal blocks. They don't require a screw and are easy to connect and dismember. PM me if you have any questions!

[jamest]

Hi Rammy,

That looks pretty impressive - I thought one of the LED's would light according to the direction - but they alternate red and green, awesome!

I don't suppose you could explain how the LED's integrate with the switches and point motors? I get the wiring for for the power and switch side of things but I'm stuggling to imagine how to incorporate the LED's. Does it matter which sort of point motor you use? I know the seep ones have the capacity to switch polarity for electrofrog points - but I'll be careful as I am exceeding my knowledge a little (not difficult).

When you have time of course!

Cheers,
James

[Rammy]

James

I use the Seep PM1 point motors that, as you said, have the auxiliary switch built in. I use this switch to control the LEDs on the panel.



I will run a 12V common feed around the board linked to terminal F which feeds the LEDs on the panel that are connected to terminals D and E. The LED cathodes are linked together and this wire is then fed back to the 12V supply to complete the circuit.

[Rammy]

I have spent the last few days completing the wiring on my control panel. As my first electrical project I have been really pleased how it has come together. I would encorage any of you who are nervous about building a control panel to just give it a go. It's quite easy to pick up the basic on the forums and put it into practice.
I managed to buy some black pinstripe tape on ebay for £2.04 inc postage - a bargain compared to Halfords, especially when Halfords staff said they didn't stock it despite the website saying they did! Now I am sure that I should have done the tape before fixing the switches and LEDs but you live and learn.
The panel has now been attached to the layout in the loft ready for wiring into the point motors.
Tonight I have soldered wires to the first 5 points ready for installation later this week.

The finished panel:


The completed wiring - not the neatest ever but good enough for now:


The panel installed on the layout:


The spaces on the left & right of the panel are for future expansion. The left side will be the storage sidings and the large space on the right is for a possible fiddle yard which can be accessed from the upper layer of the layout.

Dave

[jamest]

Hi Rammy,

I reckon its impossible to get that many wires any neater - great job - and thanks for the explanation on the LED switching.

I reckon the health and safety people might draw attention to the sharp edges of the sheet metal. How many times will you snag it before you radius them off?

Cheers,
James

[taytrain]

nice an tidy wiring there, well done

[Bufferstop]

I reckon the health and safety people might draw attention to the sharp edges of the sheet metal. How many times will you snag it before you radius them off?
Cheers,
James

Agreed, reversing into it could prove painful. A generous radius on the corners, and if you can find some a rubber split-piping fitted down the sides and across the bottom in one piece would finish the job in proper style.

[Kentman98]

Actually I think it is ok

Looking at where it is positioned you will be pre-warned of imminent danger when you clout your head on the loft truss, believe me I should know

[Rammy]

Don't panic guys. I had already thought about the sharp corners and plan to install some panel edging strip

[Infrontcat]

Hi Rammy

Flippin 'eck, that's a splendid job on the control panel! Let's face it, a decent control panel always makes things easier to operate and the wiring is a piece of art mate!

Cheers

Tim