Relay

Nice diagram Stan. 

My modules were created to sprinkle around a large modular layout for signals, so the idea of using a common power supply isn't really an option, hence the self-contained design.  Some of the modules can go for a walk, taking their signals with them, makes a common supply a problem.

Thanks. I have been using SmartDraw® to make maps and diagrams (plats) for OSP (outside plant) for my electrical contracting business, but their program lacks images for smaller components.

"...the idea of using a common power supply isn't really an option,..."

Well, just as you might run traction, signaling, and building lighting busses from one module to the next, all from a central control panel, you could easily run one more wire (12 Volts DC) to supply the relays that are arranged around the layout in individual modules.

I built a few modules for a local historical society a few years ago to demonstrate "toy trains through the decades". Each one had inside rail, outside rail, building lamps, D-C relay, and a few other bus wires, interconnected with trailer plugs.

Arthur, you have your way, and I have mine.  

Since many of the members use the modules in their home layouts when we're not doing shows, I'll stick to my way.  The expense of running the wires and providing the connectors for all the modules vastly exceeds the cost or complexity of my simple signaling module.  The power consumed by occasional activation of a 50ma coil current on the signalling relays doesn't really impact our operations, and we have no wiring issues to deal with.

I have been using TinyCad, another free electrical drawing program. I think GRJ has used it also. I find it ok, but possibly a bit cumbersome. Selecting the symbols is a bit fiddly. However, after some getting used to it actually has some nice features.

I am going to try stan2004's program next. If you want to try TinyCad, this is the link to the download. TinyCad Download

Another great learning thread here, must save for the archives! Thanks to all for having the discussion. If you only knew how much I enjoyed these discussions. Don't always understand them, but they are most enjoyable to read. Also, some of this actually sticks if I read enough of them. Thanks to all the contributors and the OP for getting it started.

For board fabrication, I use DipTrace, it's a great schematic capture and board layout application.  It's free for smaller boards, under 300 connections I believe.  Nothing I'm planning on doing will test those limits.  The plus for DipTrace is that it has an easy to use component editor so when you go to do a PCB, you don't have to spent your life learning how to edit component outlines!  It also links to a very cheap board house for prototype quantities of boards, that would be up to 100 boards.

I use TinyCAD to just belt out a simple schematic that I want to post somewhere.  Once you have a library of drawings, you can then just select one or more and grab components from the drawings and not search the horribly organized library system.

Just got DipTrace as well, thanks GRJ.

The TinyCad libraries are a pain, especially if you are not sure of all the meanings of the symbols. Would be a pretty nice program if they would fix that part.

If you're going to try your hand at board design, from all the ones I looked at, DipTrace was the easiest one to use and do the end-to-end design.  Stuff like Eagle have a parts editor that is total gibberish to me, what a PITA to use!

More like just wires going from one place to another in a straight line. The board design is still much better left to those that really know something, and the same goes for circuit designs!

I usually just copy what I see posted here. Sometimes I get brave and fiddle with different components. Occasionally this produces smoke for a brief period, sometimes in short bursts, kind of like chuffing, but then it stops as suddenly as it started.

I also like to look at the different design software available, just in case some of this ever sticks someday and I am able to really create something (we can all dream). You and stan2004 are quite good at keeping me well supplied with new items to smoke test.  

Hook the Super-Chuffer to one of your smoke designs, maybe it'll puff a little longer.

By incorporating the Super-Chuffer I could possibly provide you with some endurance test reports. Or should that be abuse test reports? All purely un-scientific, of course. That is if the laboratory survives the tests.

I've already gotten back a couple of "abuse" reports, I've lined my trash can with them.