Measuring Track Power at Chadwick Model Railway | 101.

Measuring Track Power on a DCC layout or DC layout at Chadwick Model Railway
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[@vincentweatherly9991]

Hey moderator Charlie, I think that you need to tell recorded Charlie that editing Charlie is calling him names

[@LHoriginal]

Haha

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re a funny guy ......

[@lgrfbs]

(Time stamp 28 Minutes) Hi Charlie, that was an interesting way to tag-text cables. Me and my friends also put tag text on our cables but at a fraction of what your marking machine costs, how do we do it? Well, we do the following: A; Buys transparent/clear shrink hose. B; Prints the text that the cable will have with a standard printer with office paper. C; Cuts the text from the paper. D; Puts the rest of the paper back in the printer. E; Cuts the transparent/clear shrink hose to cover the paper strip. F; Lay the paper along the cable and pull over the transparent/clear shrink hose over the paper with the text. H; Heat up a little and we're done with the markings. Cost to mark a cable in 4 places will be ~0.17GBP

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I never knew about clear heat-shrink until I put out this video. Where on earth have I been!

[@gary4309]

Sorry Charlie, but you are correct.....yes, that is a very bad hat I’m afraid. Entertaining video as always though.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The replacement hat is on its way.

[@hughjardon5101]

Hi Charlie, re: the heat shrink labels... I just print onto plain paper, cut to appropriate size, pop the label onto the wire and use clear heat shrink to hold in place. Very simple, everyone with a computer and printer can do it and normal heat shrink tubing is so much cheaper than that stuff needed for your Brother label printer.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great point Ian, I never knew you could buy clear Heat-Shrink.

[@hughjardon5101]

@@ChadwickModelRailway It's good that an ex-fish head can be taught something new by an ex-crab :-)

[@07Ridgeback]

@@hughjardon5101 , Doesn't often happen that a Crab can teach a Fish-head (particularly a WAFU) anything, so it's always welcome! ;-)

[@auxie22]

Hi Ian, Agreed, Definitely a much cheaper and still reasonably easy method. I use the same method in Data Cabling

[@dkaustin98]

A lot of great info in this video Charlie. Besides aging eyesight one of the other reasons for getting out of N scale was the fishplates jamming into my big fingers more often than not. Just got to be too painful. One could drill out a wood dowel and glue the longer end of your fishplate tool into it. Paint it a bright color and it will never get lost on the railroad. I am looking into the Alpha meter too. I probably will want to connect it with my programming track as well. I have some locos I have stored away. I have the Nano lubricants to tune those up with. I can see testing the amperage draw before tuning the loco and then testing afterwards with the Nano lubricants applied. I wonder if it will show a drop in the amperage draw? I will have to order the Alpha Meter from the UK. I have not found a dealer here in the U.S. for it. I also took a look at the Brother label makers for electric cable labeling. There are a few newer models that are smaller than yours that are for electric cable labeling. Models E105 and E110. I know I have the office version of one around the house somewhere. I read the comments by your followers about using the clear heat shrink. Now i wonder where that label maker got to.....

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. I’m sorry that the things I reviewed weren’t available in the US. Stay safe, regards Charlie

[@stevemanklow5128]

The home-made fish-plate tool, one of those 'light-bulb' moments :-)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The trouble is Steve, it’s never one of my lightbulb moments

[@Sam-gm1ro]

Tip for those label-makers: because they purposefully “waste” tape, so you have to buy more of their overpriced products, print out all you labels in one go. For example, instead of printing out four separate labels for the alpha meter, print out one long one, that says “ power in power in power out power out.” Then, cut it to length with a pair of scissors. You’ll be surprised at how much tape you save.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Grat tip Sam.

[@roywhitgrove8058]

The amount of time you put into this Charlie I’m amazed you’ve still got a wife. 😂 Good stuff though 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very nice of you to say so Roy. Regards Charlie.

[@davidluck4608]

That’s a Nice old British made controller (Hammant and Morgan) and I have a fixed output model which powered my AIRFIX scale model slot car racing……. When we used to make things here in England😇

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, David, happier times. Regards, Charlie.

[@jaypanditharatne9198]

Hi Charlie, excellent presentation/s! I am looking at installing a DCC Concepts display units that you recently mentioned, did you use this unit on a Digitrax DCS52? As I keen to install one mine. (That is after ‘blowing’ three zimo decoders!) Any advice/recommendations will be greatly appreciated, Cheers Jay (Melbourne, Down Under)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jay, no, I initially used it on my DCS 100 and now on my DCS 240. Regards, Charlie

[@aiphaitohzaiw7664]

IMHO you can measure more complex wave forms, such as square wave, voltage and current, but the meter has to be "True RMS" type, which will cost more than the basic multi-meter. Also you can measure current. without connecting the meter in the circuit, with a clamp style multi-meter. One example of such meter is "UNI-T UT210E True RMS AC/DC Current Mini Clamp Meters w/ Capacitance Tester ", which cost about 45 GBP. FYI RMS is "root mean square", explanation can be found for example at wikipedia.org.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

... and there I was trying to make things simpler! Thanks AT.

[@ingor.522]

Hello Charlie, excuse please my poor school english, I hope you can understand it well enough? Please have thanks very much for your great video about the rail joiner fishplate tool made from a rail, that is very helpful idea to create cheap tools for railway modelling. I allready subscribed to your channel. I am based at Luebeck in northern germany building my own model railway modular layout. I am new to DCC operations and used the old Roco Digital System but changed now to the z21 Start with cable wired Multimouse only. The Roco DCC system has got 3.2 Amperes by around 15 Volts to 17 Volts track power, I think. The DCC Concepts Alpha Meter will be a nice tool to have an overlook to all my future DCC chipped Locos onto my layout, to figuring out when I would be in need to use booster sections for the layout. I dislike to use a laptop in addition to control track voltage and track amperage to the system using rhe white z21 Start Command Station without the WLAN package.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It sounds like you’re off to a good start Ingo, regards Charlie

[@openeyes-411]

Hi Charlie, it's Charlie from across the pond here. Nice video, and a much nicer looking panel than the RRampMeter made here in the USA... As you were measuring the loco on straight DC, and it didn't turn on till almost 6v, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of horrible mechanism it must have - as any *_decent_* HO loco should be moving at just a couple of volts, lol. But looking closer at the RRampMeter pages I see they offer a battery connectable version for measurements below 7v - and elsewhere I see this unit is specified at 5v... So this 5v is the turn on voltage for the meter electronics, and needs to be deducted from the readings when using it on a DC layout - and your loco was actually starting at less than 2v on the track. Just thought I'd throw this out there, cause it seemed strange to me. Always enjoy your videos Charlie - have a great weekend!👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, for some interesting observations. Regards, Charlie.

[@IndigoDVW]

Hi Charlie......... Been watching your channel for some time. You do a great job. I installed a DCCconcepts Alpha Meter a few days back. My layout has 27 Cobalt Classic point motors plus their decoder boards and interestingly as they are connected into the DCC track bus and therefore always drawing current (the motors are 'stall' type), it turns out to be about 40 ma per point motor which I never exactly knew until the DCC Alpha was installed. I also have 5 & 12 DC volt power bus supplies for the signaling system and other various things like lighting & IR devices etc so maybe could do with some more metering with Alpha meters?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You must have shares in the company mate. Mind you they are pretty good.

[@davespratt9533]

Charlie, I have an N Gauge project (new to N gauge as I had previously modelled in OO/HO) in progress and use an NCE PowerCab control system. I have followed your recommendations on bus wiring and wiring droppers so thanks for those videos. Could you tell us where you got your "sexy pocket" device from as it looks like it could be suitable for my controller. Thanks in advance. Great video again. 👏

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Dave, please try DCC train automation. Regards Charlie

[@dave3301]

Once again Charlie I would like to thank you for sharing the hobby, more great ideals.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Dave, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@clemdye2996]

Whilst I appreciate that DCC Concepts is focussed primarily on DCC, excluding DC modellers such as myself, does the company a disservice, I think. Which DC modeller would really want to buy a meter that only works in one direction of loco. travel? As a DC modeller, I use bi-directional analogue voltage and ammeters, but am pretty certain that they are not as accurate as something in the digital domain. I’d certainly welcome something with greater accuracy. The review was very interesting, and had the meters worked in DC in both directions I would have flexed the plastic straightaway. DCC is something that I plan to visit in the future, as I’m sure that other DC users are considering too, and having a piece of kit, such as the DCC Concepts meter, if it worked on both DC and DCC, would aid that transition. As it is, no sale DCC Concepts. Pity.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You make an interesting point, Clem, and perhaps well worth an email to the company. Regards, Charlie

[@austfox2170]

Damn! I saw one of those Brother printers (used) on Gumtree about 6 months ago for AUD$20 (about £11). It was complete in carry case with battery and tapes. I was toying with the idea of getting it, but didn’t. Had no idea they could print on heatshrink tubing. Kicking myself now!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It's a gem but an expensive one!

[@CAPNMAC82]

The low amps are part of the "miracle" of using electricity to create horsepower on rails. That same economy of A/V is what makes (p-word) diesel locomotives so economical. There's a club in southern California with some absurd amount of HO track (like 300m worth) exactly modeling parts of the Union Pacific that runs (p-word) waybills between the 100+ "industries" upon that road. They pull something like 5 amps total running the thing (the laptops and such running the signals and the simulated dispatch orders pull more than the locos do). Once you get the rotor spinning in relation to the stator in an electric motore, Newton's 2nd kicks in and your A = W/V equation settles right down.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think most people are taken aback by the low power draw. Regards Charlie

[@Wineypyney]

Hi Charlie.. regarding cable marking you might want to check out RS 119-514. At just over thirty quid it might be a more reasonable cost. If you would like a more detailed description I could email you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Too late now Tony, I’ve parted with my cash.

[@TaterRaider]

I'm late to the party but I feel the need to correct you, respectfully, on something. AC stands for alternating current, which DCC is (above and below 0v means current flows both ways). It is a square wave, but waveform has no effect on if something is AC or DC, only which way the current is flowing. Think back to your brake van. If DCC were DC rather than AC and you were on an isolated track, say a programming track, the brake van would not need a bridge rectifier as one wheel would always be positive and the other always negative but as it's AC you have to have the rectifier to change the current from AC on the rails to DC to the lights, complete with correct polarity on the LEDs. Other than this one thing, you're bang on with how you are describing things and please keep up the excellent work. You've taught me much and are my favorite model railroad KZbinr out there. Second favorite once I post my own video but I wouldn't expect different from you were things reversed. :-D Even so, I doubt I'll stop looking up to you. Source: Former electronics tech.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment although I will disagree. Getting technical DCC is square wave DC gong from 0v to 15v. It doesn’t alternate from -15v to +15v. Regards Charlie

[@danbyers3647]

Hi Charlie You Brits have a habit of changing words. fish plate to me is a track connector. a fish plate would be fish and chips LOL Do enjoy your work

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry Dan, but we had railways first so we got to chose all the stupid names!

[@martinpattison4018]

I have seen this device used before and I think it is a "must-have" for anyone with or making a DCC layout. I have looked through DCC Concepts Website and they do also cater for those, like me with DC layouts or the building of one. I have just read the comment below mine. There are now 11 Thumbs Down, but they never leave a comment to say why? Please do not think it is you, Charlie, I have seen the same on other Model railway KZbinrs. Martin. (Thailand)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes it is rather sad that people do this Martin but hey I’ll get over it. Regards Charlie

[@CAPNMAC82]

Brother makes a number of specialty printers, several of which can be attached to one's desktop or laptop (better spellcheck). Beware: All things expendable under the Brother banner are spendy. Self-adhesive labels, shrink tubes, lapel pin wraps, the works. (Much like ink for inkjet printers, really.)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I agree it was a bit of a shocking price. Regards Charlie

[@stuhall2689]

I have the DCCconcepts Alpha Panel with my NCE PowerCab and have been thinking of getting the Alpha Meter, so thank you for your thoughts and showing us the meter working.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I found it very useful and it does look good. Regards Charlie

[@paulhowes8756]

Hi Charlie, Tools station are currently selling the Brother printer at £49.50 reduced from £99. I hope its the same one PTE300VP

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info but sadly too late for me Paul!

[@anthonytidey2005]

Hello Charlie I presume DCC using a chopped +/- 12 V powering signal to the track will be a bit like AC thus reducing current losses Will look into what frequency it is chopped at Also like your wiring ideas If the wiring is neat it makes fault finding easier A very interesting video Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Anthony Tidey I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@terrycharleslewis7565]

A great product there Charlie but as I run D.C. (that make me a dipstick?) I don't think I'll get one. Dcc concepts do make some very innovative products don't they? Take care, great vid, regards Terry.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Terry. Stay safe, regards Charlie

[@gibsonethirty2836]

G'Day Charlie Matey thanks so much for the á meter review. This has been an item on my to do list that I just haven't gotten around to yet and I wasn't a 100% sure if I'd want one..........do now :D The only small wee lil bug bear I have is I wish they made a flat black faced panel version as well. It would make the screen really pop out at you. Well I can always paint it I suppose.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Gibs Onethirty I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@CAPNMAC82]

"Sell" a loco? What is this strange thing you speak of? Old locos just wind up on storage tracks by the Maintenance Shop :-) Just like in real life. And then cluttering up a track in the fiddle yard(s). Flogging them off for scrap sounds bit like the sort of thing a pointy-headed chartered accountant would do in an all to (p-word) sort of way :-)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sell a loco, I’m sure I never said that.

[@hughieandrolf]

Hi Charlie, I've been watching your channel for ages, but I only realised today that I hadn't subscribed. This is now rectified. The Alpha seems to be able to to measure in one polarity only, so presumably it can only see or measure half of the DCC waveform. In which case it would be fair to say the Alpha may indeed be correct and reliable, but only under 'no-fault' conditions. If one of the diodes in a decoder or track fed accessory was to fail, or even the master was to lose half the H bridge or a mosfet, and this fault was in the 'blind' side of the Alpha, it would appear that it could not detect this. The voltage would display as ok even though the system would not be working. It somewhat defeats the point of having one - at least having one you have to pay for. Of course, if a fault occurred only in the side it could see, it would go blank, giving the false impression the track was dead. Oops. I think I'd rather have a couple of coaches any day! especially as current metering is free with JMRI and DCC++. Keep shunting!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting point. However, I must confess your electronics knowledge way outperforms mine. Charlie

[@davidcurrie8429]

Hi Charlie, A Cool little tool for fitting fish plates,😊 I would fold a loop on the end you hold to stop potential stab injury. The DCC concepts Alpha meter looks a great product for monitoring the voltage and current drawn on a layout. I have a Lenz system and monitor my voltage and current at the transformer before it enters the DCC unit, this monitors all current drawn. Keep up the superb videos. Regards, David.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it David. Stay safe. Regards Charlie

[@paredding]

Very interesting data on the current load and I started to see the benefit...so I am thinking in my head has to be around £27-30; then when you mentioned £60 at the end I nearly fell off the chair...as we used to say downunder, for some products, DCCC do like to charge like a wounded bull...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Everything is always double what you'd expect!

[@jeremywhite3051]

Hi Charlie, with regard to your hillside, I found quite a nice product at Homebase called Jablite (www.diy.com/departments/jablite-premium-polystyrene-insulation-board-l-1-2m-w-0-45m-t-25mm-pack-of-8/26830_BQ.prd) doesn't have the foil lining, and doesn't generate as much mess as the stuff you used, I cut mine up with a hacksaw blade.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the tip Jeremy.

[@Synthematix]

Charlie ive been trying to explain this on RMWEB, but they wont listen, the thumb downs are from peoople who still think a multimeter is adequate for measuring track power on DCC, sorry it doesnt work that way, that squarewave is alien to a DMM, i can run 15 n gauge trains on my 3amp digikeijs dr5000, 5 amps is overkill unless youre running 25 trains in one go

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I totally agree, regards Charlie

[@markfisher8206]

Again Charlie very interesting.I am not shall we say electrically gifted but managed to put in a volt meter and an ammeter on each of the two cabs of my DC system.They never really worked well nor did they impart info in the manner I was hoping for.Well like a lot of people when I encountered DCC and sound I was hooked and although I can run DC I don’t.I mean why would you? my walk around NCE system is so much better.All that to say that this little product is just what I have been looking for on the dcc side.Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@davidgale2678]

Brother P-Touch PT-E300VP is available from Toolstation now at £49.50 inc of VAT and postage!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Now you tell me! Thanks David.

[@philipwest6331]

Thanks Charlie - very informative, clear and entertaining as ever. I'm between layouts at the moment, having moved from a spare bedroom (no longer 'spare' with the arrival of grandsons), to a limited space in a partitioned part of the garage, to a nice long run in the attic, which I now have difficulty accessing - so I have ordered a 12' X 10' insulated garden shed which will arrive in the new year. That will probably be 'it' - the final project that will see me off the planet. So in the meantime I am catching up on your videos to ensure that I have a running start when I start making the new layout - many thanks for your inspirational advice! A parting tip for those who don't have access to a printer - I use short sections of white electric cable sheathing with the inner wires removed to group and identify my wiring, written on with an indelible pen. Cheers!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great tip Phillip. Regards Charlie

[@tomlawton7087]

Charlie, another stunning video. I agree the meter may not be exact, but provides a representation of the current. But notice the reported current decreases after you layout powered up; 0.37A dropped to 0.20A. I wonder if the message content affects the wave cycle, and so is only a dc value of this complex signal. Similarly for the Duette; the two settings change the unsmoothed rectified output, and I suspect a true dc meter would be confused. . And you can get a similar meter from a well-known website; not as well presented, but a fraction of the cost. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-100V-DC-digital-voltage-current-amp-meter-Voltmeter-Ammeter-U-K-SELLER-/223557617337 Alpha meter for 60 gbp, compared with similar meter on eBay for around 5 gbp. I plan to test to see relative values compared with meters like this and other hand-held. Stall current is not the same as the start current; this meter would be a good to detect the stall current before fitting a decoder, which is definitely a test bench function.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it enjoyable time. It certainly opened my eyes to these current values. Regards Charlie

[@TheScotsalan]

The RMS thing is imortant tho. l would rather monitor the power between the wall plug and the controller. It would extend your fault finding to the whole system. Lot cheaper, and RMS standard instead of a DCC aproximation. 😜

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A fair point Alan, I was just trying to avoid confusion. Regards Charlie

[@steveeboy6758]

Hi Charlie Another very interesting video I love my gadgets and this alpha metre appeals to me but forgive me for being a bit tick. But could you give me more advice why it would be beneficial to know how much power my layout is using. so that I'm not just buying another gadget for the sake of it. Regards Steve

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Steve, the meter will give you an indication if a certain loco is pulling too much current. Or it will let you know if your whole layout is pulling more current than it should, because of the limitations of the controller. Regards Charlie

[@jmdean77]

Charlie - Do you have only one power district? If you have four districts, then isn’t your meter measuring amps only on one of those zones? Might explain why your amps don’t rise as you expect.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes I do have 4 Power districts. However, the meter is placed between the command station and the PM 42, which splits the feed into the four districts. I do hope that makes sense. Regards Charlie

[@unfitforpurpose6422]

Here I am thinking up other uses for the meter and am wondering about off roading and over landing 4x4 with a 12 volt system running a fridge and lights as well as other accessories..might have to look at the price of this vs the price of other products that do the same thing seeing as I’m a penny pincher...I’m trying to build a model and your distracting me Charlie..another great vid well done 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s great to have you on board mate. I’m so pleased that you find the video is interesting

[@SimGuySilver]

DC, DCC, DCC, DC, DCC, DC. 😂 I won't call you a dipstick Charlie perhaps it might be better to say in these types of vids DC and Digital layouts or analog and digital?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It's when I watch it back and swear!

[@heritagejunction2184]

Hi Charlie , I think if you just had a few miles of wire a bunch of Connectors and such like you wouldn't need to bother with model trains 😂, I have to say you looked very uncomfortable when you turned the speed up and all the locos started charging around, please don't ever get a job as an aircraft traffic controller 😂 well done again s bit deep for me but I enjoyed you in your hat under the table i always feel you should have a fishing rod in hand whilst wearing it. Regards David

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A replacement hat is on its way courtesy of a subscriber. Regards Charlie

[@paulharratt9639]

Hi Charlie, great video again. You mention the shrink sleeves for £11 but unless I missed it you didn't say where from. Could you give me the source please. Just about to order the printer from Toolstation who have it on sale for only £50

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Paul, if you go to the show more tab, you’ll find a link to my Amazon page and the £11 heat shrink, is listed there. Regards Charlie.

[@jyvben1520]

4 position rotary switch and 4 dpdt relays might work to measure a zone, uk.farnell.com/c-k-components/r20507rr02q/rotary-switch-dp5t-5a-125v-thd/dp/2435322 position 5 could power down measuring device thru relay 5, or position 5 could power the 4 zone relays for layout power measurement. May the force be with you and an electrician buddy

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great idea Jyu, you're miles in front of me.

[@terryrobinson7371]

Hi Charlie, Once again a brilliant video, love the fishplate tool and I think a addition of the alpha meter to my exhibition layouts, like you I would need more than one, so I’ll be adapting one that I can plug in and out of whichever layout I’m exhibiting.Sometime ago you mention some wire strippers and I guess they are the ones used in fitting the alpa meter I’m unable to find the link. Terry

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Terry, Google, RS 382-2847. Regards Charlie

[@stephennelmes5246]

Very interesting video as usual , I run my dcc layout on a gaugemaster prodigy express which I believe puts out 2.5 amps and I can run two trains with about 10 engines all sitting on the layout all sound fitted. I have often wondered how close to the limit I am getting with power drawn . Probably not drawing as many amps as I imagined but may invest in one of these meters so I don't overload the system.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Stephen, yes I think they are a useful asset to any DCC layout. Regards Charlie

[@TheOwlman]

Although a bit more of a faff, the cheaper Brother label printers (mine is a Ptouch E100 that I bought for around £20 from CPC a few years ago) will print a cable ID on ordinary tape as either a tab ident or as a cable wrap that can then be enclosed in clear heatshrink. For those on a tight budget there is still the option to have neatly labelled cable runs.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes you’re not the first person to mention using clear heat shrink. Sadly, I had never heard of it. Regards Charlie

[@janlabuscagne165]

How about using a rotary switch to connect the DCC alpha power meter to your various power districts should you wish to have readings on all of them...., not simultaneous of course...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jan yes that’s a very good point. I shall have to look into it, regards Charlie

[@brokeastronomer]

A very informative video Charlie. I shall be getting the Alpha meter. Q. You had a remote control for mains.....interested in that as all my mains sockets are at the underneath right at the back of my layout. Can you put up a link? & can you connect multi extension sockets to the mains RC plug? Thanks!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes you can add an extension lead to the RC socket plug. I bought them from B&Q for around £12.

[@CM-ARM]

Hi Charlie 👋 I really like this particular video and I shared it with the gentleman that built our panel for the club. I think I will actually use every thing that you shared on my layout too. And particularly the rail clamp installer. Couldn't remember your name for it, sorry. LOL

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Chris Mitchell I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@YigalBZ]

Can you explain the testing tracks? How do they work, Did you buy or build?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The rolling roads are available commercially. Try DCC TrainAutomation. Regards Charlie

[@SD45-ET44AC]

Attention to detail will give you a relatively reliable & enjoyable time running your trains. But if there is a problem, then all your work will allow you to problem solve quickly hence allowing you more time to run your trains and provide us more videos so we might learn now from all of your life’s knowledge.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s a very profound statement Stephen, thank you. Regards, Charlie

[@gibbonsdp]

@11.00 - a little loose with terminology there. "Stall current" is the maximum current the loco draws when stalled, and not the voltage it requires to get going.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for putting me straight mate. Regards Charlie

[@dakdak7609]

Thanks for the link to the heat shrink tubing printer...which I found a day after buying the printer you linked after an earlier video!! #facepalm, lesson learned!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s life Dak Dak.

[@kriso1891]

What an amazing little tip for fixing fish plates. Thanks Charlie. _ i be caught up soon I promise

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, the cheapest tool that I’ve ever made. Regards, Charlie.

[@philnewstead5388]

I see you have the same bloody awful signalman at Chadwick as I have here in France, he caused a terrible derailment here last week by not setting the points correctly. 😁😁

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It must be his English cousin.

[@pb7890]

Just a quick question Charlie. I am constructing a L shaped layout with the leg to be moveable is there a good way of doing this , sorry to use you as a boffin ! Love the videos !

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I thinks so, many exhibition layouts are of similar design.

[@tidfordjunction]

Another great and helpful video Charlie. I have an Alphameter and would not be without it now. You have also prodded my conscience into reviewing the snake pit that is my wiring! PS to hell with the keyboard warriors!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it TJ. Regards Charlie

[@videomalc]

Hi Charlie, Great video. Can you tell me the make of your rolling road, sorry if you have been asked before and answered the question from someone else? Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s available from 10 Commandments. Made by Zeller.

[@davidgale2678]

Tool Station have the Brother printer under £50. Great, informative video. Thanks.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it useful David. Regards Charlie

[@SabotsLibres]

Brother always did have a reputation for waste on its label printers... I think Ian Muir's solution may be the answer for many of us.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A good point Tim

[@thehobbyistden3720]

That panel seems handy. Now real question is is the UK shipping to Canada or would it be in a waiting to ship line? I also wonder if there would be a North American supplier for these.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The links are in the show more tab. So good luck. Regards Charlie

[@chrisemptage8896]

Charlie, After fitting 100's of fishplates the old way I am left with very sore fingers. Next time I will use your tip. many thanks for another great video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@InterCity134]

A shame they didn’t design the volt and amp readout to work with reversed voltages but I guess the dc group is small enough that they didn’t bother. The blue led 7 segments are hard to read in a well lit room it seems , they should have built the display with a blue dark filter over it all. Then the display would be way easier to read as it would hide all of the non illuminated parts of the display.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

In reality the meter is much brighter than it appears in the video. Regards Charlie

[@derekbilton1776]

Hi Charlie, I’ve been watching your channel for a relatively small time, but really enjoy your videos. I’ve just ventured back into the hobby after 40 or so years, but this time I’m building my layout in N Gauge, compared with OO from my childhood. I find it hard to believe that there are people out there that want to knock you, as I personally enjoy your presenting style and sense of humour. I think the fact that you leave in some of the mistakes makes things so much more enjoyable and that you can laugh at them, makes you very endearing. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have discovered squires, or the RS wire stripper, your reviews / tests of various products always interests me and I totally value your opinion. Thank you for taking the time to present such informative material, keep up the great work.. Regards Derek

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What a heartwarming comment Derek. Thank you so much, regards Charlie

[@roymchiggins5771]

Great video as always thanks Charlie. Any chance on explaining how the Digitrax power zone module PM42, in conjunction with the occupancy detection modules DBL168 and alike. It seems counter intuitive in my mind, I’m sure it’s simple but need further explanation. Thanks Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’ll try here Roy. The PM 42 splits the one feed into four separate feeds to enable four separate power districts. The BDO168 measures block detection from 16 different blocks within one of the PM 42 Power zones. I will cover this in greater detail when I hook it all together. Find the channel called Digitrax Dad. he explains it all rather well.

[@roymchiggins5771]

Chadwick Model Railway , Charlie, thanks once again.

[@mysticrailroad]

sorry you had to deal with some trolls i had one myself recently. who did you piss off? i can't imagine a less controversial fellow than yourself. that's a compliment. great video as always.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

They are just out there. They get up earlier than normal people.

[@rhshoe6929]

Charlie, I’d like to setup a Digitrax dcs240 and DCS100 booster to a ps2012 transformer. In need a 5 amp and a 10 amp wire contenders. I can’t find them here, can I get them over in the UK. I’m also looking for screw type wire connectors, but I can’t find the ether.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I'm sorry RHS but I'd contact Digitrax directly, they are pretty good for technical advice.

[@rhshoe6929]

Chadwick Model Railway Thanks Charlie, God Bless.

[@tonyhill6296]

Hello Charlie, Being a ‘DC sort of guy’ I have a control circuit that enables me to select an ammeter into a number of different power sections on my layout. This circuit can be adapted to connect the DCC Concepts meter into various power districts and you only need to buy one £60.00 meter. Can you provide me with an email address, whereby I could share this design with you and, with your presentation skills, invite you to offer it to other subscribers. Also a version of my design enables the ammeter to display draw current from an analogue controller (such as the faithful, aged ‘Duette’ ,like mine!’ irrespective of voltage polarity. Hope I may possibly add to the wonderful content of your channel. You are an inspirational presenter. Best Regards, Tony T 🚂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Tony, my email address is at the end of each video. However, I can’t promise to publicise your circuit. Regards Charlie

[@tonyhill6296]

Hi Charlie, How did I miss your email address? Will be in touch by email when I get my ‘trained spider’ to complete a couple of drawings. Thanks for your quick and helpful response. T 🚂

[@2H80vids]

Lots of interesting gadgetry there Charlie.👍 I watched a video the other night; a guy comparing DC layouts to DCC, and he made a far worse job of it than the couple of slips you made here. When you start mentioning DC and DCC in the same sentence or, heaven forbid, twice in a single sentence, it starts getting silly.😂 When the newer system was invented, I bet someone *thought* they were being really clever, naming the two systems with similar technology. Now that *both* systems are in common use, it's maybe time that they re-named at least one system. "DC" and "Cab Control" would be so much easier to compare, especially if your teeth don't fit too well.😁 As always, just a thought. 😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think you’re right. The complexity of these abbreviations drive me nuts.

[@2H80vids]

@@ChadwickModelRailway It would be so much simpler if the two abreviations sounded completely different.

[@TimberSurf]

I personally think the meters are overpriced, I made mine from bits that cost a total of £10, so I would expect them to be £20-30! Obviously only those who dabble in electronics could build there own, but just goes to show the markup! I have had a Brother for years for cable marking! lol, you should have asked me!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

No TS, you should have tipped me off.

[@TimberSurf]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I can't give you all my secrets, or I will never catch you up! lol

[@beckster181]

that printer for heat shrink or just on normal label tape would also be great for people into computers that end up with a lot of cables going all over and they can be a bugger to trace if you forget which one is from or to what piece of your setup like in a server rack or a coms rack where you have lots of power cables or Ethernet cables which all look the same .

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m glad you found it interesting BB. Regards Charlie

[@berry120]

Thanks so much for all your updates - always enjoy them! You're a fantastic asset to the modelling community. Without wishing to be "that guy", one little nitpick just in case others bring it up - DCC *is* actually AC, as anything that crosses 0V into the negative cycle is an AC signal. It's just that DCC is a ~8Khz square wave ~16V, possibly asymmetrical AC signal which is of course nothing like 50Hz ~230V sinusoidal AC, which is of course UK mains voltage AC. It's a real nitpick though I fully admit - and absolutely bang on with everything else! A fantastic video as always, thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the correction Berry, it’s very welcome.

[@farmerdave7965]

The problem with trying to read DCC track voltage is that DCC is an AC square wave and the voltage that the meter is reading will vary a small amount depending on what data is being sent to the loco decoders. Most modern digital multimeters these days are true RMS which is what you need if you are going to read square wave voltage. I rarely use a multimeter to read track voltage. I use a 12 volt incandecent light bulb test light to see if my track is powered. If you use an LED test light then it must be rectified with a diode and current limited with a resistor. If I am really worried about DCC signal quality then I use my oscilloscope. As far as current is concerned, I budget half an amp per locomotive when calculating current loading. I use one half amp because that's what my ancient Athearn locos draw. Newer locos draw much less current. Locos equipped with sound decoders will draw more. Usually I just clamp my true RMS clamp meter around the track bus wire to read current. shop.atlasrr.com/p-48003-all-scales-rail-joiner-sidekick.aspx

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Actually Dave, It's a DC Square Wave. I do like the rail joiner tool. Regards Charlie

[@farmerdave7965]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, here is a PDF showing how the DCC signal crosses the zero voltage line. It's a fairly technical document which wants to put me to sleep while reading it. Please be advised that Loconet is not DCC. They are two different things. They just happen to be in the same cable when you use Digitrax. The DCC signal in the Loconet cable is labeled as "rail sync". www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-9.1_electrical_standards_2020.pdf

[@MrSailbadthesinner]

If you also file the bottom and sides of the fishplate tool a little so it doesn't grip the fishplate very well it will stay on the track not come back with the tool. Then there's no need to grip the fishplate with pliers. Also if you slip a bit of paper behind the track it give far better contrast so if your sight isn't 20:20 it makes it easier to line it up and get the fishplate to go on on the third attempt instead of tenth time lucky!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A good point buddy, thanks.

[@dennisalsancak8488]

Hi Charlie, Just wondering if you had thought of doing a video on basic Digitrax system set up and common faults. I am struggling with a DCS 200 Chief extra with UR92 and DT402D that I have obtained second hand. Trying to get this going but cannot get track status led to illuminate.i have looked on various forums but found nothing.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Dennis, which track status LED are you trying to sort out. Is it on the unit or on the UR 92?

[@dennisalsancak8488]

Hi Charlie, its on the DCS200:. I am trying to set the system up to determine if this second hand DCS200 or the Handset are still good.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Please try the digitrax facebook group. Sadly, I can shead no light on this one. Regards Charlie

[@ChapelEndJunctionUK]

Great video on the alpha meter , what reading would we be looking for on the amps that would indicate an issue ?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Peter, I don’t think mine is ever drawn more than 3 1/2 A. I hope that helps. Regards Charlie

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Nice vid. I'd also like to see something about your test track setup.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s available from Ten Commandments and made by Zeller.

[@leonardlea8740]

Well done Charlie! The quality of your video content really sets you apart from the rest.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Leonard.

[@SammoKarm]

It would have been nice to hear you say it was me who gave you the rail joiner tip, but hey at least its getting the tips out there for modellers to use and that is mainly what its all about.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry Sam but in my defence there was someone else too. Regards Chalie

[@tedknott7500]

Hi Charlie as ever i love your videos and very much learning i like your opinion on dcc controlers i work with Hornby selcet and rail master :( however i cant run all my sounds in my atp-e please help me dont want to buy one that dont work to how i want "looking at the Dynamis Ultima DCC System"

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Ted, I think you’re looking in the right direction for a replacement controller. They can be so expensive. Regards Charlie

[@tedknott7500]

@@ChadwickModelRailway yes that is true but i like to know your opinion please

[@playpaulbee]

Thanks Charlie, the only reason I can see for getting one these units for 12 v DC would be if you have a fleet of Triang or Hornby Dublo loco's and you wanted check that you're not about to max out your controller

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A fair point Paul. Regards Charlie

[@impostorsmith3417]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Surely, they're not accurate for dc if they're designed for DCC.

[@chrisridd9423]

Printing onto heat shrink tubes - or as a commenter suggests onto a label inside a clear heat shrink tube - is a really good idea! I'm curious how practically useful that DCC concepts meter is - is it just to tell you when you need to buy a DCC booster?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That is one use for it Chris. But also, it would show you when one particular loco is drawing too much current. It would also indicate bad wiring should you be losing voltage across distance.

[@chrisridd9423]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I'm sure neither you nor any of your fine followers will have any sort of dodgy wiring, but it would be useful to spot those current guzzling locos. I was shocked one of yours was drawing half an amp!!

[@jimmain2014]

Hi Charlie, can you give us some information on your rolling road setup or point to a video about it. Thanks. Really enjoy your videos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jim, it’s made by Zeller and is available from DCC Train Automation.

[@jimmain2014]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie.

[@davidmcclelland2661]

I like your fishplate tool, cunning wee idea.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

David McClelland I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@sparqqling]

I just keep commenting about your shirt, nice clean one this time!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wait until next week!

[@jagc1969]

23:54 automatic subtittles said : "there's a one trough five eunuch running around..." :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

How bizarre JA. Regards Charlie

[@jagc1969]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Yes. But these automatic translations get funny from time to time. The video was a real delight to watch, and the device is really useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@YigalBZ]

Can you make a video on what exactly happens when a train is passing from one voltage domain to another voltage domain? How to avoid the short that caused between the rear and the front wheels?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You don’t need a video. Just ensure that the track power polarity is the same in both districts. Then your locos can crawl across without any problems. Regards Charlie

[@YigalBZ]

@@ChadwickModelRailway The polarity is well understood. But what is there is a voltage difference? Say 16V DC on on side and 18V on the other side?

[@chelmswoodjunction]

Hi charlie Another great video and yes for me it will be a must have to see at a glance what my layout could be doing. Keep these great videos going. And thank you for reading my question out last week. Your friend and Faithfull subscriber. Peter from Birmingham

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Peter, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video and the shout out. Regards Charlie

[@neilrogers1571]

Charlie is this a shrink wrap that will fit in any Brother printer or just this model ?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The heat shrink tubing that is listed in the show more tab, is one of many sizes that fit. Of course, you need to buy the right one for the right cable

[@moorlandmodelrailwayandy]

Wow perfect timing Charlie as I've just received my alpha meter today from DCC concepts. Great review so thanks for that and another good tip on fitting fishplates, bit of a tongue twisted that lol. I'll go and fit my alpha meter now. Andy

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great choice Andy and good luck.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Great video, but sorry Charlie at £60 that power meter is extremely overpriced. You can pick up the same type of module for under £5 from various sources (or under a quid from China). Even if you allow for a custom PCB to mount it and fabricated panel with the logo on, I would have thought that there still would be enough wiggle room for a decent profit to be made if it retailed at £30. I do feel that a lot of companies seem to think model railway enthusiasts are made of money, and just because it has DCC in the product or company name, can rip people off. Love the labeling option, not cheap, but looks good and having good cable management will save you a lot of time in the long run should you need to diagnose a fault in the future.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Malcolm, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@richardbrighton7737]

Don't forget that you need to filter out the data as well to get an accurate reading. The cheap meters really can't do this. The only other dedicated DCC meter available on the market is more expensive than ours is. As a manufacturer, we do know the production cost of the unit - plus packaging, logistics and factoring in that we have 7-day technical support based here in Settle. Also - don't forget that £10 of that £60 is VAT which goes straight to UK GOV. We are certainly not in the business of "ripping people off" and always strive to produce the very highest quality products with the best customer service available at a reasonable price which allows our retailers to make a small amount of profit to keep the doors open. Sorry for the length of my response, but I'm quite passionate about our products, our people & our retailers. ^RB DCCconcepts

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

@@richardbrighton7737 Hi Richard, thanks for the reply, and whilst I agree that there are overheads involved, and you need to put bread on your table, I still feel that a lot of electronic products for the railway modeller are overpriced. Granted there is more to this than a 50p volt/amp meter from Ali Express, and a basic filter made from a few basic components (such as a couple of ZXCT1009's and half a dozen discrete components), but then again I bet you are not sourcing the components form RS or Farnells (if you were then there would be no profit in such a product). When you factor in your overheads, margins for your agents and retailers, taxation, and design investment then I guess £60 would make that a fair price

[@kencarter2600]

Hi Charlie, although my layout is DCC I have never thought of measuring the current. Your programme this week has certainly set me thinking. Thanks for that. Throughly enjoyed it as usual.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Ken, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie

[@thomasm1964]

"Sexy pockets"? You have some strange ideas ....

[@LHoriginal]

Haha

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I need to get out more!

[@Dan-pz2cw]

Hi Charlie, What a great and enjoyable video it was last week. I am sure it was fun for everyone, me too. But not long after I finished whactng the vide I received very bad news. I have been awaiting this video to cheer me up. Hope you are well Charlie, Regards dan.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hopefully this might take your mind of things Dan.

[@NirateGoel]

Surely a label maker would make more sense, and do the same job for less?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Someone suggested an even better idea. And that’s to print on white paper and then trim it to fit underneath a clear piece of sheet shrink tubing.