idlemarvel
Neither idle nor a marvel
I have a test track and (sometime in Spring 2016) an outdoor live track, and I wanted to be able to switch power and controller on both tracks from DC to DCC with/without programming. I made an enclosed switch from a selection of components from maplins, a project box (N13CG), 2 x 16A DPDT rocker switches, 2 x 16A DPST rocker switches (GU54/GU55), and 5A chocbox connectors concealed inside. See pictures below to see what it looks like:
http://1drv.ms/1KerqbN
http://1drv.ms/1KertVd
http://1drv.ms/1KerwAc
The holes in the bottom are aligned with the screws of the chocbox connectors.
The circuit diagram is here (viewed from under switches):
http://1drv.ms/1e9ixVw
I used 24/0.2 wire soldered to the tags of the switches inside.
So I can now easily switch between analog and digital, normal or programming mode, and it also serves as emergency power off for test and live tracks.
Improvements would be to have illuminated DPST rocker switches so you know the tracks are live, and to remove the possibility of programming on main on the live track so you don't accidentally set all your locos to the same address!
Hope this helps someone with similar requirements. As with all electrical stuff don't attempt this sort of DIY unless you know what you are doing. This is all on the low voltage side of the mains transformers but even so you could do some damage to your kit with a short circuit. I don't mean to be patronising but you know what I mean.
http://1drv.ms/1KerqbN
http://1drv.ms/1KertVd
http://1drv.ms/1KerwAc
The holes in the bottom are aligned with the screws of the chocbox connectors.
The circuit diagram is here (viewed from under switches):
http://1drv.ms/1e9ixVw
I used 24/0.2 wire soldered to the tags of the switches inside.
So I can now easily switch between analog and digital, normal or programming mode, and it also serves as emergency power off for test and live tracks.
Improvements would be to have illuminated DPST rocker switches so you know the tracks are live, and to remove the possibility of programming on main on the live track so you don't accidentally set all your locos to the same address!
Hope this helps someone with similar requirements. As with all electrical stuff don't attempt this sort of DIY unless you know what you are doing. This is all on the low voltage side of the mains transformers but even so you could do some damage to your kit with a short circuit. I don't mean to be patronising but you know what I mean.