#25 Control Panels LEDs and Signals

[@richardholmwood1468]

Very interesting, will give this a try, just what i've been looking for.

[@JumbleLane]

There have been changes since this build and the second one has now been modified using two-colour leds and a cleaner and tidier look to the plan making it easier to operate and understand.

[@roystrains]

Well explained, just the info I was looking for.

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks, in fact there is a version two and by the time I get around to doing the one side I have not updated there will be further refinements. The one side now has two colour Leds and the layout simplified to make it easier to understand. The led glows red if the line is closed and green if it’s open. I am incorporating servo control now to operate the level crossing when I get more time and will do more videos on the build.

[@pengambridgemodelrailwayoo515]

Great video Geoff ,well shown, interesting ,thanks for sharing cheers Paul at Splottlands.

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks Paul, check out Q&A and prize draw 21/3/19

[@collinsngauge5493]

Hi Geoff Very interesting allways good to see some bodys way of doing a control board. Colin

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks Colin. Like I have always said "Its not so much how its done, its how I did it", there is many ways to achieve the same result, its how it works best for you. Regards, Geoff

[@BarnabasJunction]

Brilliant Geoff 👍

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks Jason, will be doing a follow up soon, regards, Geoff

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

wow thats very interesting. youre defiantly a smart person

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks Joe, blush blush....To be honest, DCC concepts give you all the information you need, i just implemented it in my own way with the PCB

[@huntsheathmodelrailway9309]

Brill Geoff, just got to rewire all my points then I'll be fitting mine. 3 done 13 to go.

[@JumbleLane]

Yes Chris, soon have all the signals up and running, regards, Geoff

[@davidtraintime]

great video mate

[@JumbleLane]

Thanks Dave, Now you know how yours will be done.

[@davidtraintime]

@@JumbleLane yes mate going to get my bit very soon cant wait to get it done

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Geoff. On your full control panel, you showed you had both self-centring and non-self-centring switches; why did you use self-centring switches for the points?

[@JumbleLane]

The reason for self centring switches is that you only require a momentary switch action to throw the points and in this case to get the point motors to operate. The point motors I use are DCC Concepts Cobalt digital iP and they have three terminals, a common and a throw right and a throw left, you just connect your switch to these.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

@@JumbleLane Hi Geoff. Yes, I have DCC Concepts Cobalt digital iP motors too. Many thanks.

[@ef7480]

Hi Geoff . This stuff is brilliant. However, are you showing the LEDs on your animation in an incorrect polarity?

[@JumbleLane]

Hi PJ, no, the polarity I drew on the animation is correct. The diodes block current one way and this is the principle behind the board. Regards, Geoff

[@ef7480]

Hi Geoff I'll take your word for it. It just appears that if the current is flowing through the led in the direction of the arrow it can't pass through the diode that is in series with it. Or, if the current is flowing from the bus and through the diode, the led is blocking it ...? Am I missing something?

[@JumbleLane]

To be honest PJ, it is confusing, sometimes I have to experiment with items like this at the expense of a few components but the idea for this was an expansion of a diagram by DCC Concepts showing how to connect led’s to their point motors, in fact they had two LEDs facing either way connected in parallel and they were supposed to light up depending on which way the frog was. What I do know is that this board works but if the resistors are too low in value there will be a small amount of light from the led which should be off. All in all it serves its purpose. Regards, Geoff

[@tomt9543]

@@ef7480 I’m no electronics whizz, but I noticed the same thing! An excellent video though! It sure appears that the current couldn’t move either way with the led passing current in the direction of the arrow (I googled it to be sure I was right!), but being stopped dead in its tracks at the dead end of the diode! Or vice versa! I really like the device though!

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Does this work with insufrog point with solenoids Geoff ? Solenoids are peco and gm pm2s

[@JumbleLane]

If you are using PM2's then you can use the switch terminals to send the signal to the board. I am doing a Q&A soon and competition but I can send you circuit diagrams.

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Yes ok geoff I’ve got it then for future reference