Having solved the train detection problem for the hidden sidings,so we now know which sidings are occupied, the next project was to attempt to retrofit indications for the three sets of points hidden from the operators view.

Using three spare 'Seep' PM1 point motors, mounted under the board as 'slaves' to the Peco surface mounted clip - on motors fitted to work these points- (the clip - on Peco motors have no spare contacts to use for panel indications,- the 'Seep ' motors do have them fitted and were spare), as I originally intended to mount them under the board, but decided that as these points are hidden from view it would be easier to surface mount the motors.

I purchased six 12v red led's from Maplins (These will be fed directly from the 12v dc uncontrolled supply on the 'Gaugemaster' controller) and carefully drilled the 6x6mm holes in the panel and fitted them geographically on the track diagram. To connect them I used more of the ' push-fit solderless connectors I had purchased from 'Rapid online'.

After bunching all the negative wires from these pre-formed 2 core wire runs together and feeding them into a terminal in a newly fitted choc- block ( to go inside the panel), the positive wires were then inserted into six individual terminals and the wires run out from this new block through the entry hole in the panel and across under the board to the slave motors, where they were soldered to the six auxiliary switch contacts (D for Reverse indication and E for Normal indication

The positive feed for this was run from the 12v DC positive (uncontrolled) output of the controller via the usual choc- block, it then runs under the board to the first ;Seep pm1 onto terminal F (which according to the instructions from Gaugemaster is common to D and E), it is then looped to terminal F on the other two motors.

The negative wire runs from the choc-block out through the cable entry to the negative (another choc-block) 12 v DC (uncontrolled) terminal from the controller.

All tickety-boo I thought to myself, so now to test it.....

WRONG!! on connecting the last wire ( to 12vDC (uncontrolled ) negative an immediate short circuit and everything shuts down... disconnect negative wire, recheck everything, confirm the Seep wiring details, recheck all connections, check wiring , - reconnect- NO SAME AGAIN... disconnect negative wire from controller- its head scratching time , out with the multimeter....

And that is where we are at now- still haven't seen the leds lit or the circuit working yet, am having a "stop and think " moment, and putting my progress? or lack of it so far down in writing, I have drawn up the circuit diagram - and I would be very grateful if people could peruse it and tell me if I have made any glaringly obvious mistakes or assumptions....

"Watch this space" as they say...

Regards

SIGTECH (Steve).