After my initial planning of this loco with Phil's help we said that we would share all planning with the forum. Since the planning process itself would get confusing I decided I'd share a wiring diagram. I found that DigiKey has a free online program anyone can use that is very user friendly.
Each section is (or will be) isolated with a set of in-line connectors. I couldn't find such things in the options available. The only exception here is the motor block; a small modification from the LGB plug, both wires come off their pins separately.
The RC Trains Rx pads A and C give 0v when activate, so the LEDs are wired backwards, each with a 160 ohm resistor in the positive lead. The lights are incredibly bright and I probably would use a slightly higher resistor were I to re-do this locomotive.
In addition, Phil suggested a 1K resistor in line each the smokestack and connection between the Rx and MLS Soundcard. I only have one button on my transmitter, so I can either set it to play the whistle or horn. At the moment it's connected s shown, but I may prefer the horn (bell, in my loco's case).
You will notice that the smokestack is on it's own switch. Since I certianly don't plan to use the smoke constantly Phil suggested that I isolate it completely.
My SPDT main power switch is an ON-ON so the engine is either set to RUN or CHARGE. Obviously without the charger plugged into the locomotive it creates an incomplete circuit.
Finally, an auto-reset fuse is recommended in-line with the battery to protect things further.
You know though, as I am writing this I feel I have few things backwards...
Each section is (or will be) isolated with a set of in-line connectors. I couldn't find such things in the options available. The only exception here is the motor block; a small modification from the LGB plug, both wires come off their pins separately.
The RC Trains Rx pads A and C give 0v when activate, so the LEDs are wired backwards, each with a 160 ohm resistor in the positive lead. The lights are incredibly bright and I probably would use a slightly higher resistor were I to re-do this locomotive.
In addition, Phil suggested a 1K resistor in line each the smokestack and connection between the Rx and MLS Soundcard. I only have one button on my transmitter, so I can either set it to play the whistle or horn. At the moment it's connected s shown, but I may prefer the horn (bell, in my loco's case).
You will notice that the smokestack is on it's own switch. Since I certianly don't plan to use the smoke constantly Phil suggested that I isolate it completely.
My SPDT main power switch is an ON-ON so the engine is either set to RUN or CHARGE. Obviously without the charger plugged into the locomotive it creates an incomplete circuit.
Finally, an auto-reset fuse is recommended in-line with the battery to protect things further.
You know though, as I am writing this I feel I have few things backwards...
- the feed to the 'smokestack' should be isolated from the M2 connections.
