I hand built a circuit board several years ago when this article came out, and I was surprised how simple it is to put together, and it worked as illustrated.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
One or two isn’t bad but when you need twenty or more then it is a pain in the butt! But I now have more boards than I need and soldering them up is easy and less likely to have any issues.
@daleroth236 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy Another alternative is to use breadboards when testing your circuits.
@TheEMD710 Жыл бұрын
This is exactly what I am looking for... Simple and easy to use.... I love all the cool stuff out there but it is very confusing... Thanks again Larry! Well done 👍
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jhoodfysh Жыл бұрын
Well done Larry, I really like the detail and the effort you make to ensure your viewers have a good result. Thank you very much. Have a safe trip.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Many thanks
@KJ7JHN Жыл бұрын
I wish there were more videos like this. Thank you!
@bernicemeade3232 Жыл бұрын
I'm loving it how you build them ABS signal circuits you're the best
@christopherdavis5544 Жыл бұрын
Interesting as always, Larry. I hope you enjoy your visit to the UK. You will need all day to see everything at the Warley show, or perhaps both days. Will say hello if I see you.
@scentgrasslakerailway Жыл бұрын
Excellent, thanks too for sharing the design!
@rl7881 Жыл бұрын
Larry, re your reply to my comment: There is a lot of dedicated terminology used in electrical/electronic work, as indeed most other fields, and it’s easy to become a bit ‘hung up’ on assuming that everyone knows exactly what you’re talking about. You’re pitching your videos to enthusiasts of varying levels of understanding, but rest assured you’ve got it just right.
@zr1rob Жыл бұрын
I built 14 of these for 7 blocks of both directions. I can show the way I interconnected them using RJ45 ethernet cable, but I don't know where to upload the schematic. All in all, the system is inexpensive, it does approach lighting perfectly, and it's very simple and quick to build. 2 Thumbs UP.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
So glad to hear it worked out so well for you. You can email me your diagram as an attachment to ljpuckett at icloud dot com .
@georgehussey1237 Жыл бұрын
Hi. Thank you for all this information. I have tried to get the PCBs here in the UK and quotes I have had varied from £250 to £480.00. for 30 boards. The chinese company wanted £50+ for postage for 5 boards. So I came up with a "Vero-Board" solution that cost very little to produce. I have built my first one and now trying to see how to incoperate it into my layout. Thanks again.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that postage is so high to the UK. Did they base the shipping on using a carrier like DHL or their own cheap mail packet? The DHL rate is pretty expensive and it what their shipping quote defaults to so you have to select the cheapest option. I still got mine in only a little over a week.
@stevestallings876611 ай бұрын
Larry, I just downloaded your gerber file and placed an order with JLCPCB for 50 of these boards. It was an easy process that only cost $12.50 for the boards and $5.53 for shipping. About $18 total for 50 boards delivered is about 36 cents each - fantastic. I'll use your parts list (with the 750ohm R1 adjustment) to buy my components. Now I just have to get my NCE BD20 occupancy detectors and ABS signals.
@user-bh1zz6wy6o6 ай бұрын
Hi Steve, can you tell me how you downloaded the Gerber file please? I've asked Larry as well, and am waiting for an answer
@peterjhillier7659 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Larry, I am ever amazed at your abilities, fantastic, really appreciate you sharing and making all your Ingenuity. Best Wishes, keep safe.
@56NeilWatson Жыл бұрын
Larry, hope to say hi to you at Warley. I didn't realise it was on next week and it's only just over an hours run for me.
@johncloar1692 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Larry I will build some of these.
@marcellinden730511 ай бұрын
Awesome work Larry....I just wish you posted the PCB file you used to get the boards made so I could get my own boards made. You have a simple solution to a headache of a problem
@TheDCCGuy11 ай бұрын
I provided the link to the site where you can download them. Wordpress will not allow me to upload that file format to my freebie website.
@elsdp-4560 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing.Great information.👍👀
@thomasgrassi8817 Жыл бұрын
Hi Larry very interesting did not know you can get circuit board printed up for you I had many ideas in the past but let them go because I did not know you could do that glad to know maybe I can recall some of those
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I didn’t know until about a month ago either, which is why it took me 20 years to get it done! Once I watched the tutorial video it took me about 2 days to get the circuit file created and the boards ordered. Granted it was a very simple circuit but there are tons of them on the internet that could be created just as easily.
@scentgrasslakerailway2 ай бұрын
Larry, I have redrawn the pencil sketch (shown starting at 21:45 in this video and on your blog (both versions) in colour using Illustrator and saved as a pdf. If you want them to freely use and distribute please let me know... -Don
@peterkrause5187 Жыл бұрын
Super! Thanks Larry. Appreciated
@mikedowell8978 Жыл бұрын
Thank you
@iandogokot6 ай бұрын
Sorry, but i cant seem to find the document when i search up the circuit. Could you paste the link? Thank you, Ian.
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
Did you red the description, I put the updated info on there last week?
@iandogokot6 ай бұрын
@@TheDCCGuyyes, I did. I copied and pasted it directly into the platform. Any ideas? Thank you for your response.
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
I just tested it and the link works. Try searching for just “detector logic 2” and look under Modules.
@iandogokot6 ай бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy Okay, thank you very much sir. Have a good rest of your evening. Sorry for the inconvenience.
@Electronzap Жыл бұрын
When I saw the title, I thought you made anti lock brakes for your train lol. Cool circuit though, I subscribed. I should get into model railroading.
@rl7881 Жыл бұрын
Regarding the comment from Tron, and hoping not to cause offence: I have worked in the field of Industrial Process Control Instrumentation for 45-years, and the term ‘Ground’ for an electrical circuit should only be used when that circuit is connected directly to the general mass of earth, e.g. a protective earth (PE) circuit or signal screen circuit. For dc derived supplies such as cells/batteries or electrical ac to dc power supplies, the correct term for a negative potential conductor is notated as ‘0V’, pronounced zero volts or nought volts. It may also just be notated as ‘-‘, or minus, but is still referred to as nought or zero volts. Hope this is of help.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I always debate saying 12V- instead of ground (GND) but novices tend to be confused moreby saying ground instead of referring to the 12V- connection from the 12VDC power supply. EEs will argue both sides as another commentor just did.
@user-bh1zz6wy6o6 ай бұрын
Hi Larry, what is the name of your Gerber file for the ABS Signal circuit please? I'm new on the Easy EDA site, and need some help getting around it, thanks
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
You create the Gerber file using the project. Did you watch the video I provided a linked to on how to do this?
@kargandarr Жыл бұрын
I have looked on your wordpress website and cannot find any of the files or diagrams on there. Not for this circuit, anyway.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I just looked and it’s the third one down on the page.
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
Larry, I wanted to insert a circuit for dealing with frog polarity of turnouts within the blocks. Any suggestions?
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
No.
@Sparticus7 ай бұрын
I cannot locate the file. I searched for "detector logic 2" and it returned over 1400 results, none were correct. Is there another way to obtain the file?
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
They apparently reworked their web interface. When the search results come up there is a heading line listing various directories. Click on the “modules” selection and they are right there listed as PCB_Detector logic 2.
@bigchoo608 Жыл бұрын
Hi Larry, great stuff, enjoy all your videos. This ABS series sounds exactly like what I am after. I know you have given us websites and such - but is there not just a simple way to order a bunch of boards from the Chinese company - I am not sure about the gerber file upload - can it not be as simple as tell them reference order# blah blah - for detector logic 2 - give me a quote for x amount, etc.?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I don’t think they are set up to make things easy! They seem to be more focused on the advanced electronics hobbyists and circuit designers who deal with this stuff on a regular basis. You just need to bite the bullet and try to muddle through. Plus they do have customer service techs online all the time to answer your questions, which I did on more than one occasion. Their appear regularly in little popup boxes to ask i if they can help you.
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
Larry, I've been studying your video for a week now and have ordered the components for the boards. Im working through the Easyeda program and have the transistors and diodes on sheet 1 of my file. I couldn't locate your gerber file you mentioned. I've never tried this before so could you direct me to the gerber file?
@TheDCCGuy6 ай бұрын
You create the Gerber file using the project. Did you watch the video I provided a linked to on how to do this?
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
yes I am. I don't know how to download your file that you offered.@@TheDCCGuy
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
Larry, I started to get back into model railroading a year ago during my retirement. After watching several KZbin videos, especially yours, I became confident that I could create my first DC layout in the attic loft. Its 16x5' in HO. Your shared insights gave me many projects I was confident I could accomplish. While I'm doing projects I can listen to scriptures these past months. When I have problems, I ask God for directions and he directs me to seek your videos first and study your techniques. Thank You for your insights!
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
Found the gerber file, thanks
@richardanderson82376 ай бұрын
Had to copy and paste your opened file into mine then I could create a Gerber file and order PCBs. Several Tutorials on KZbin were helpful to learn the program pentameters. It is helpful to know computer programs and how to navigate them.
@tronmcconnell4465 Жыл бұрын
As an electrical engineer, I found your use of the phrases "minus 12" or "minus 12 volts", when you actually meant "ground side" of your layout's12 volt supply, to be confusing, and, for people new to the hobby of model railroading, perhaps a little misleading. When discussing electrical issues, I would encourage the use of a more precise choice of terminology.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I always debate saying 12V- instead of ground (GND) but novices tend to be confused more by saying ground instead of referring to the 12V- connection from the 12VDC power supply. Another commentor just argued against saying ground as it implies a true earth connection. So I just try to fully describe the electrical connections as best as possible.
@zr1rob Жыл бұрын
Larry: Thanks for this. I've built it and am testing, with mixed results. What should the unused inputs at the beginning and end of the chain get? Eastbound YI and Westbound GI in particular at the right side of the chain and EB GI and WB YI at the left. Should I float, ground them or set them to +V? Also, why did you go with a larger R1? Since I'm using 5V instead of 12V as you did, should I try a larger value for R1 as you did? I figure it should be about 240ohm, based on the ratio you used.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Yes, you do need to use the 5V component list but remember the list in the original article is reversed. I spoke to Jeff Sherb about the issue I had and he told me he had never experienced the need to change the value of R1 so it could be I got a batch of transistors out of spec. At any rate all I can advise is try it with one value and see if it is stable but be ready to test with the alternate value which is what I did with the hand built ones I showed.
@zr1rob Жыл бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy I appreciate the response, and I did use a 220 in place of the 150 called for, the result is no change, so I guess the 150 originally called for is fine. The system works great going East (left to right on the diagram at video time 22.22). West doesn't light up at the rightmost block. Should there be some inputs to that block for trains entering the system going West?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Yes if you look closely at that diagram it shows the connection between the detector and the boards (shown in basic logic form) on both sides of the single track. I use the normally green on configuration which only requires the yellow wires be connected between boards. For advance loghting you would also need to add the green wires as shown in the original article and my hand drawn diagram.
@theknickerbocker5808 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, Larry. With the use of this system, how long could your blocks be? Hate to think the signal system would upgrade to Approach while a train was still in the block.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
In the video I showed a diagram pointing out the blocks should be about as long as your longest train plus about 15%.
@theknickerbocker5808 Жыл бұрын
@Model Railroading Thanks, would you also recommend adding resistance wheel sets to your rolling stock for better detection?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I don’t add them to all rolling stock, just cabooses and unlit passenger cars. Once I am operating multiple trains I likely will add them to a small percentage as needed. I will do a video on that aspect of current based detection.
@jaypanditharatne9198 Жыл бұрын
Hi Larry, Excellent demo!, I used a ‘simplified’ BD20 unit as described by JT Chamberlain of A-Train Systems, with your ABS simplified circuit but no avail! Are you or will you be able to have a look at the said (of if I send you the circuit of the same for you to have a look at) as I have purchased some of ABS circuit boards and like to make full use of them. Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated, With Kind Regards Jay, ‘Down Under’ Melbourne
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Did you bench test the circuit boards as I showed in the video? If they work as mine did then it is not the ABS logic board and instead must be the detector. If the circuit board does not work in a bench test then you need to recheck your soldering and make sure all components are oriented correctly. I find that about 99% of all electrical problems are due to wiring/soldering issues.
@jamesbarton2507 Жыл бұрын
Larry, could you explain how to generate a Gerber file from the Easy EDA site and, then, how to copy it so it can be sent to jlc, please? I registered at EDA but could not find how to generate the Gerber file. Thank you.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Once you have found my detector logic files and opened them in EastEDA or generated your own circuit board diagram look up at the top menu and under Files there is an option to creat a Gerber file. You can also just go to Fabrication and at the bottom submit a PCB order. They usually have tech support folks who appear in popups to answer any questions you have. Be careful selecting a shipping method.The epacket is cheapest a d actually comes much faster than they project. The UPS and DHL options can run into money.
@danshobbies13 Жыл бұрын
I want to know what you do with all these circuit boards. How do you mount them to the layout underneath. Just hot glue, tape? If all boards had holes for screws, then fine. But many don’t
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Double sided foam tape or adhesive backed Velcro. You could also drill a mounting hole in the edge
@joeahearn4413 Жыл бұрын
Great videos on ABS and detectors. Can you give the title for the Gerber file in EasyEDA? I am having trouble searching for it or your user ID.
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
As usual its in the description along with other useful information.
@joeahearn4413 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy OK, read - then reread 🙃 - and follow directions... Found them, thanks
@markmatteo2417 Жыл бұрын
Could this be altered to use optical detectors?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Yes, any type of detector that supplies a 12V- (GND) connection to the detect in screw terminal should work. However, an optical detector will only activate the signal as long as there is something blocking the optical path. The type I used detects a loco or detectable piece of rolling stock anywhere in the block. You would need some kind of “latching” circuit with an optical detector.
@markmatteo2417 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy but with current detection I need to install insulated rail joiners and crest blocks, no?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Yes, you would need to gap the rails at block boundaries, but that can be done with a Dremel cutoff disk or razor saw. If you don’t want to see the gaps you can insert styrene sheet, glue it in place, and then cut to the rail profile with a knife. I usually just leave them open to serve as expansion/contraction joints.
@TheSonofruss Жыл бұрын
I would have added a non connected hole for a mounting point and added stand offs
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
I just use commercial strength velcro to attach them to the underside of the layout. Faster and easier than a screw.
@TheEMD710 Жыл бұрын
Cant seem to find that ter-404 on all electronics??
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
As I said in the download they may be out of one configuration or the other from time to time. When I ordered they had the 4 but not the 5. So I bought the 6 pos and cut it down to 5 with my Dremel cutting disk. Also you may find them elsewhere such as Jameco.
@TheEMD710 Жыл бұрын
I didn't pay attention.... Sorry for that... My bad . Makes sense.. easy enough to do. Thanks again Larry!
@kenkiesal1917 Жыл бұрын
Will this circuit work with the Digitrax BD4N?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
In looking over their documentation it appears their detect out is positive [+] whereas this circuit requires a negative a (-) detect signal. I have not used these so you will need to confirm this with Digitrax tech support.
@kenr86 Жыл бұрын
I didn't see an earth / ground / 0 volt connection on the circuit....
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
The earth is supplied through the detector connection or directly via the 12V- connection should you use that option. I always debate saying 12V- instead of ground (GND) but novices tend to be confused more by saying ground instead of referring to the 12V- connection from the 12VDC power supply.
@shanestrains4724 Жыл бұрын
How do I find the Gerber file to download?
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
One option with EasyEDA is to generate a Gerber file and download it.
@shanestrains4724 Жыл бұрын
Ah. I was trying to do it from my mobile which was the problem. I fired up the laptop and all is good I ordered 20. I'm probably not going to need them all and for the price I can give away what I have left over. Cost was just over 17 bucks CAD and I used ground shipping (10 to 18 days). Thanks again Larry. 👍
@marcio_silva2504 Жыл бұрын
Good evening Lerry. My name is Marcio and I live in Brazil. Here we are very deficient in signs on the models. This method of yours is perfect and I wanted to reproduce it in my model. I would like to know if you could send me the model file of this board that you made in china. I thought the price was very good. thank you very much in advance.
@kenkiesal1917 Жыл бұрын
I just tried to order 20 PCB and they wanted $50.83 to ship to Canada
@TheDCCGuy Жыл бұрын
Strange, were there various shipping options? I had mine shipped by their standard epacket and it arrived in a week or two. They also offer 3-5 day special delivery services through UPS and DHL that are more expensive and I bet that it what you selected. Did you download the Gerber zip file to your computer? If so you can submit that to an online PCB service in the US or Canada.
@tjfedor9575 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDCCGuy I’m trying to locate the Gerber file. Can you share a hyper link to the file?