DCC - Electrical
Why are my Darlingtons Failing?
A friend of mine is using a Picaxe microcontroller to trigger outputs from a ULN2803 Darlington driver chip that operates 6 relays switching higher loads. As I understand it the driver chip he's using has internal clamp diodes that should protect the transistors in the chip, but it seems like they are not holding up over time through repeated cycles of the relays. Does he need clamp diodes on the relays, which are at the end of a cable run from the drivers and microcontroller? Is the long run of wire back to the driver chip from the relay coil part of the problem?
Need Wiring Troubleshooting Help
Ok, here goes:
1. I am using a Digitrak System.
2. I have power to the track (my testing lamp lights on both sides of all switches currently installed).
3. Using an H10-44 switcher (4 axle) to test trackage, the DCC engine receives its signal and starts out at 10% of power.
4. On some (but not all) switches, the engine pauses like it is thinking what to do next; does not lose power (lights and sound still present); and then either proceeds or proceeds if I increase throttle to a faster speed setting.
MRC DCC
Are there any MRC DCC Experts out there?
I have started my new layout. My old one was an around the wall N scale layout in a 10x10 room.
My current layout is in an 18x8 room and is a double deck layout.
According to XTrkCAD. it has 206 feet of track, plus 43 Atlas #6 custom turn outs.The turnouts are powered by Hoffmann Switch Machines.
My current DCC system is the MRC Prodigy Express with a 15V 4A power supply. Including two hand held units and one extension plate.
How to Choose a Sound Decoder
We have now seen the emergence of the third generation of sound decoders. We had the early soundtrax versions, the LC series, then the Tsunami came out, and that was a huge improvement, and now we have the new Tsunami2 and offerings from TCS, Loksound and others. In many ways we are spoiled for choice with high quality products available from several vendors. The problem facing us is how to choose which one to buy?
Terminal Blocks
Hi everyone,
I was looking for some product recommendations in regards to terminal blocks. This would be for 18-22 gauge solid copper wire connections (track feeders mainly). I am looking for an assortment of block sizes with two screw terminals. What do you use on your layout? I am wiring track with flexibility in the future and the ability to troubleshoot.
Thanks!
Looking for a special switch motor circuit
Hi...I'm looking for something similar to a diode matrix. The solution circuit will use 2 push buttons -- one for the entrance point to the interlocking and one for the exit point. The 2 buttons then determine the route and throw the needed switches to implement that route.
DIY Stay alive. Looking for advice. Electronics gurus please chime in.
I came across this kits at the local train show yesterday and I have questions about the polarity of the components. In the instructions, it says that the zener diode is positive on the stripe end but every reference I have seen is that the stripe end is negative. Any how, I have attached a photo of the kit with the schematic on the package.
Thanks for any
Back to HO after 20+ Years
Well I have successfully ebay'd completely all of my N-scale related stuff. All rolling stock, loco's, scenery, structures and structure flat scenes. So after deleting a sizeable layout I decided that a small (8 x 10) along the wall HO switching layout would be in order.
DigiTrax DCS 240 or DCS 210?
I'm considering either the DCS210 or DCS240. I like the built in USB port on the 240, but don't need the option of running 400 locomotives. Is it worth buying everything seperate just to get the 240? It doesn't come in a starter set. The best price I've found online is $528 for the DCS210 radio system, if I buy the DCS240, DT500D, Radio pannel and power supply it will be $675.
Would you spend the extra $147 to get the 240???
Control the World with Simple Logic Circuits
The model railroad hobby is full of gadgets that are fun to control-- motors, lights, turnout motors. It is also full of contraptions that can control them ranging from crude to sophisticated-- manual switches, detectors, computer boards. Whenever I have to connect a control contraption to a gadget, I have to pause. How do these things connect together? This is not a trivial consideration. It is often possible to damage, even destroy either or both by making the wrong choice.
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