I've been impatiently waiting for the full feature wifi app for DCS so I can use tablets to control my switch machines. I have a feeling that it will not be here any time soon so I started on small local switch panels. They are made of aluminum plate that has been taped off and painted. There will be micro buttons and LEDs for each switch machine.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
They look really great David.
David,
That really looks great. I am curious to know about your choice of aluminum plate vs. wood, luan, plexiglass, etc.
The reason I ask is although I have a central control panel I need to have some panels like yours around the layout and I'm currently mulling over the material to use. I like your idea.
Ed
Larry,
Thank you!
Ed,
My initial idea was to use plexi-glass with LED lit acrylic rods working as fibre optics. Red on one end, green on the other. One rod for each switch, lit red or green. The panel would be taped off and painted similar to the panels I have posted. I could not get the 4 LED idea to work bright enough.
I opted for the aluminum for support. It can be threaded for the buttons and I like the brushed finish of the track plan.
It is also pretty easy to find road signs in the weeds.
Dave
Another approach for a small pushbutton "routing" panel built using a small wooden box.
As shown a single green button provides control of a crossover outer loop and a single red button provides control of a passing siding. Pressing a single button actually controls two turnouts at one time. This concept is very similar to setting a "switching route" using the DCS system. On my system I can use either the DCS or the "routing panel" in any combination. The single green button in the center simultaneously sets the outer route selecting all 6 turnouts.
The route selected is displayed on a Dispatcher Panel which shows the actual conditions of ALL turnouts on the layout. Red and green LEDs are used for turnout indication. Yellow LEDs show whether a block is powered.
pro hobby posted:Another approach for a small pushbutton "routing" panel built using a small wooden box.
As shown a single green button provides control of a crossover outer loop and a single red button provides control of a passing siding. Pressing a single button actually controls two turnouts at one time. This concept is very similar to setting a "switching route" using the DCS system. On my system I can use either the DCS or the "routing panel" in any combination. The single green button in the center simultaneously sets the outer route selecting all 6 turnouts.
The route selected is displayed on a Dispatcher Panel which shows the actual conditions of ALL turnouts on the layout. Red and green LEDs are used for turnout indication. Yellow LEDs show whether a block is powered.
Can you tell us more on how you wired both panels up to the layout and pictures of the inside of the panels.
Very nice panels,
Bob D
Not really the same. Two big boxes = confusing.
"pretty easy to find road signs in the weeds".
that was the funniest comment ever!!
Nice panels anyway.
Andre.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
