wiring

the hard wiring of the fiddle yard complete - click on image to enlarge

completed fiddle yard wired up for manual operation

Although we are installing complete digital control, I have elected to retain conventional panels as well to allow for failure. Wiring is minimised by using self adhesive copper tape. We do epoxy the ends to prevent the tapes peeling off at a later date. Nevertheless, the double operation option involves miles of wire, numerous plugs and plenty of hard work!

Digital control or manual is selected by swapping multi pins plugs. Once tested, the soldered terminals of the plugs are set in epoxy to prevent breakages. The wires will be protected with spiral wrap.

jumper lead at the back of the station section. Centre socket connects to board

The control panels are made using 2mm clear acrylic sheets sandwiching the graphics, printed on glossy photo paper. The panels are attached to the baseboard using M10 bolts set into the timber and wingnuts, to make removal easy.

new DCC viaduct panel (still missing LEDs) - click image to enlarge

ultimate rats' nest - the station panel wired up

the viaduct panel

Connections are made using 50 and 37 multi-pin D plugs/sockets and 8 pin DIN plugs/sockets. The circuit boards are attached to 1/4" ply boards which hinge down from under the station and viaduct baseboards. This allows easier adjustment.

The hard wiring of the drop-down board complete - click to enlarge

The hard wiring of the station nearly complete - click to enlarge

The hard wiring of the viaduct nearly complete - click to enlarge