27. Point motor control

[@edwardbarnes2702]

Hi Paul, good to hear that you opted for this system as previously said I recently purchased it, like you with the cost implications this is definitely the way forward, I purchased the two different type of servos direct from Hobbyking on line and direct from Hong Kong, even allowing for the carriage flown out from there plus tracked by DHL was only an additional few pounds! No brainer,. another good update hence why your subscribers are rocketing. Ed🤓

[@Sandlingjunction]

Edward Barnes many thanks Ed, it’s a great system for sure and as I get my head around it , even easier to use. As you say a no brainer. Regards Paul

[@warnz9701]

I do like the expandability and plug and play aspects of this system, and the cheap servo operation makes it for me. Thanks for a great video 👍

[@Sandlingjunction]

I hope it has helped, regards Paul

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Great progress and considering the complexity of this subject, they look quite easy to use. i have myself thought of using some later in my build but mainly for opening and closing doors and gates etc. Great update, cheers, Chris

[@Sandlingjunction]

Wheezy Palace N gauge Many thanks Chris, once you get your head around the concept, it seems that the sky’s the limit, regards Paul.

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Well done on the mile stone glad you went for mega points Dave Fenton is an absolute legend and when I can afford too I will buy the system myself, I’ve spoken to Dave myself and he is so passionate about his product it makes you want to put your hand in your pocket lol great video really enjoyed watching it mate 👍

[@Sandlingjunction]

Finnerton central model railway cheers, and yes Dave has put up with so many questions from me, each time it’s like the first . Cheers Paul

[@Tonyd5996]

Hi. I was just thinking yesterday that it was quite a while since I last saw a video of yours and then a notification popped up on my screen a short while ago. Well, what can I say other than “Well done”. It looks to me like you have made a really good decision. Great not to have a load of soldering to do as well. And to see points moving that smoothly with hardly any sound is excellent. Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing your layout progressing. Best wishes!

[@Sandlingjunction]

Anthony Dowden Many thanks Anthony , great comment . Yes the right decision for sure . Regards Paul

[@marksamways6363]

Mega points. Looking forward to seeing the motors operating the points. 👍😀

[@Sandlingjunction]

Mark Samways hi Mark so ami chum... will get there eventually regards Paul

[@marksamways6363]

@@Sandlingjunction I'm happy to watch learn and in your time frames. Thank you. 👍

[@peterwrigglesworth7302]

Congratulations on the 1k subs i have seen a few layouts using the Mega point system I must say it seems like a great system and we easy to set up plus a whole lot cheaper then the likes of dcc concepts from i have heard Dave from mega points is a top bloke who goes out of his way to be helpful It's nice to see such good costumer service i think you made the right choice i wish i had gone with them when i started out. i look forward to seeing your layout develops thanks for sharing cheers .. pete

[@Sandlingjunction]

peter wrigglesworth Hi Pete, thank you for the comment, I agree with all you have to say. Save is certainly a top chap, regards Paul

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Oh my goodness, can your site get any better and more informative. I've been reading up on building a layout for the past 30 years or more. I have changed from OO to N gauge. I have gone from DC to finally DCC with my new layout which I am still planning and changing on a weekly basis. Then to top it all you show me MegaPoints. Where on earth did you hear about them Paul. Having watched this brilliant video I have viewed their site and watched a number of their videos and I am totally blown away. All I have to do now is work out which DCC system of control I wish to use. Keep the videos coming Paul, they are great. Chris

[@Sandlingjunction]

ChrisWC342 Well Chris, I am blown away by your kind comments, thank you. Megapoints was suggested to me by a good friend. Then further investigation revealed they are not only easy to use and cheaper overall, but the owner and developer Dave Fenton is a real top guy and supports you way beyond purchasing. So I have no hesitation in recommending him and the system. Regards Paul

[@WestBlythMPD]

Super video, looking forward to seeing more. Michael

[@Sandlingjunction]

WestBlythMPD Thank you Michael , I am enjoying the process , regards Paul

[@kevintregunna]

Interesting video look forward to seeing more

[@Sandlingjunction]

kevintregunna Thanks Kevin , always enjoy yours chum, regards Paul

[@kite7214]

Hi Paul. Good description of the Megapoints kit. Thanks. I'll take a look. Keith

[@DungeWoodRailway]

Hi Paul Very interesting video, like yourself I considered Cobalts and Mega points but bottled it and stuck with the Cobalts I'd bought. Certainly looks impressive working. Cheers Paul

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

Absolutely brilliant. 👍👍👍 definitely some intricate work, but you've pulled it off swimmingly.

[@Sandlingjunction]

Anthony Dodge The Model Train Outsider cheers Anthony , sooooo much wire. Regards Paul

[@leilacentral1883]

Awesome. Some smooth and quiet point action. The control panel looks the goods as well even tho it is temporary. I shudder at the wiring tho! Solid video, Clint

[@Sandlingjunction]

Leila Central Hi Clint, cheers chum, glad I’m using them, cheers Paul

[@jamessullivan5168]

I'll also give you a "Well Done" on the video. Being in the US I don't recall hearing of Mega Points but it looks like a system that could work for a electrical seat of the pants guy like myself. I'll have to contact them and see if they are available for shipping to the states. I'll soon be commencing on the first section for my Framlingham Branch (yes, a Yank building a British railway) and will need a goodly number of electrics for that, along with signals and the possibility of giving them the required bounce is intriguing. I look forward to seeing more of your videos on the evolution and building of Sandling Junction.

[@Sandlingjunction]

Hi James, thank you for your kind comments. I really rate this system and Dave Fenton will help you all he can. He owns the company, created the product and is a really nice chap to deal with. I hope your build goes well. Regards Paul

[@wendys3482]

Wow, 1029 subscribers! Congratulations Paul! X

[@Sandlingjunction]

Wendy S cheers Hun, onwards and upwards ..... x

[@jeffrigden4790]

Paul,do you know how to wire 2 point motors together so it can be operated with one switch such as in a passing loop?

[@johncarvil498]

Excellent video Paul, Mega point servos Great, if you have as many points as you have...................John.

[@Sandlingjunction]

John Carvil Hi Jon, economics alone made the decision simple. The rest is a bonus. Regards Paul

[@collinsngauge5493]

Hi Paul I use megapointts and it's brilliant and I'm making my own board. Colin

[@Sandlingjunction]

Collins N Gauge Hi Colin , I am convinced it’s a great system , so long as I keep ahead of understanding it all , regards Paul

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Hi Paul, I'm still dithering about what controller to use. If I am not mistaken you are using a NCE controller. If so what made you choose that one, what do you like about it and if you could do a video demonstration of it so I can get a good idea it would be a great help, ta. The other controller I am looking at is very similar to the NCE made by Gaugemaster. They seem very alike but I think your NCE is the main contender unless there are others out there that you have your eye on as its an ever changing arena. Chris

[@Sandlingjunction]

ChrisWC342 Hi Chris , like you I was undecided at first as there are many offerings out there. The Nce powercab was chosen as it is a firm favourite overall and a one hand operation when varying speed . Hope this helps. Regards Paul

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

@@Sandlingjunction Thanks Paul, I am definitely going for the Nce powercab, but what decoders do you use in you locomotives, appreciate mine will be N gauge. Chris

[@martinpattison5110]

I also considered using MegaPoints and I have watched some of their videos. I think their system is great, but for me, it is too expensive. I am still going to us servos (32) controlled by an Arduino with 2 Uno boards. I have been buying my electronic components from China. A friend of mine here in Thailand has invested in a 3D printer and he has made me the carriers for the servo units and there is a platform on the side where I have mounted a small micro switch and that will operate the Light signal. I would have liked to have semaphores instead of lights, but as the layout is modelled towards the end of steam and the start of diesels and LEDs are really cheap, I just need Andy to come up with a 3D signal unit. He is Ex Royal Engineers and loves a challenge. All the best and happy modelling. Martin (Thailand)

[@maxheadroom7687]

Excellent video, love your choice of control system, had seen them used on another layout and the whole thing looked very interesting from an installation and fault finding point of view. Apparently as you have found the support from the company is fantastic. I noticed that the wire to the piano point raises up when it’s operated, and then reduces in height once the point is thrown, is that normal?Good luck with the installation!😎🇦🇺👍

[@Sandlingjunction]

Stephen Wratten Hi Stephen , thank you for your kind comments, I think they do rise up and back down as the Horn of the servo rotates. Regards Paul

[@westwonic]

Thanks for sharing. I'm about to start a new shed layout, and have been looking at MegaPoints system. I have already purchased the first dozen servos from Hobbyking, and will soon purchase a control board. Are you using electrofrog points? I note they have a 4 way board for frog power switching, so I assume I need 3 boards.

[@Sandlingjunction]

Yes you will, the system is a good one, I am in my early days with it, but have high hopes, regards Paul

[@johne5854]

Great video.

[@Sandlingjunction]

John E Many thanks to you John, regards Paul

[@andrewellaway9086]

Looks like a simple system. How long are the link cables to reach around the layout?? Cheers Andrew

[@Sandlingjunction]

There is no limit Andrew you can link cables . There is a video on Megapoints you tube channel that tests that for you , great system , regards Paul

[@andrewellaway9086]

Sandling Junction Hi Paul I’ve watched a couple of videos over the weekend and had a look at the webpage. If I ever get to a full layout again I would have the system as it appears so much more simpler to install than some of the others I’ve looked at. Cheers Andrew

[@tonyslight826]

Hi Paul can i use peco dc point motors with Megapoint controllers. great video mate that wet me appetite .

[@Sandlingjunction]

I believe so Megapoints do a DCC connection somehow, worth investigating. Talk to Dave at Megapoints

[@larryduncan6756]

Hello Paul,where do I get all this point control from please,as am about to build part of SR BR line on South Coast with Electric and steam traction also a sizable area of a wharf...maybe some out there can guess where? Keep up the work,thanks very much!

[@andyg1645]

I will stick with my Cobalt digital point motors and the Roco Z21, a bus wire and just three wires into the Cobalt with the option to add a mimic board, switches and or signals at a later date directly from the Cobalts. As an Electrician with 40 years experience I like to keep my wiring to a minimum and neat which is one reason why I went for the Cobalts and the Z21. I do like your mimic board but, if something ever goes wrong in there it could be a serious task sorting it even if you have everything marked. I doubt if I would ever bother with one, I actually prefer having everything on my iPad.

[@Sandlingjunction]

Andy Gibson , Hi Andy, I get you , as I said it’s an individual choice, and certainly not for all. My initial decision was a financial one based upon 76 points plus being needed. Regards Paul

[@huntsheathmodelrailway9309]

Went for the Mega points system myself. Find it simple to install and use very happy with it.

[@Sandlingjunction]

It really is as good as it boasts to be, regards Paul

[@SFRATON]

Is that a hydraulic ram that was above your head in this video?

[@Sandlingjunction]

SF-RATON-NZ No it’s a homemade filming gantry for video of my painting on my painting channel. Regards Paul

[@argh02]

Sandling for servos, wohooooo! :-)

[@Sandlingjunction]

aaaarghh02 Absolutely , regards Paul

[@argh02]

@@Sandlingjunction I am surprised that the UK's model railway scene is - given my limited exposure to it - so stuck with Cobalt and/or Tortoise systems on one end, and Peco/other magnetic switching on the other end of the spectrum. Yes, servos need a slightly different approach (which is why a servo driver board is necessary), but both price and versatility of the solution is IMHO absolutely unbeatable. Cheers, Michel

[@argh02]

@@Sandlingjunction Speaking of which, I sort of would be interested to see your solution in action in person. However I do appreciate that to you I am a stranger (and I am not really deeply connected to the UK railway model scene). How could we resolve that? Cheers, Michel

[@SFRATON]

Sorry for questions but is your profession a sign writer?

[@Sandlingjunction]

SF-RATON-NZ No worries. My profession is a professional fine artist., landscape and wildlife , tutor and framer. Website is www.paulappsfineart.com Regards Paul

[@SFRATON]

Cool and thanks as the items like the extra holding stick for accurate painting triggered my curiosity. Kevin

[@charleswalsh9895]

Can be expensive. Or cheap

[@robertgraffham6440]

In fact! Having speed viewed your clip. I believe you could have stated what you have in just 3 or 4 minutes? Come on people? It's Not about YOU YOU YOU at all.