broadbent

I am not sure the diagram can be right.

I have since been told that connecting the programme track to the program output normally allows full power to the prog track in order to run a train on to it.

Programming on the prog track reduces power to the prog track and cuts off power to the main.

 I have a Powercab starter set and I also have a smart switch for use on a programming track.

Can I connect the programming track so that it can also be connected to the main?

This would enable me to drive a loco onto the programming track.

Any chance of a diagram? I am a complete electronics dunce.

As a fail safe, I am trying to stop a train getting derailed if a point is set against it.

The idea is to have a length of rail next to the frog having no power if the frog has the same polarity as the opposite rail and thus preventing a short-circuit.

I had thought of a micro switch, but I would like to do this as simply and cheaply as possible.

How do I do the switching?

I expect the answer (if there is one) will be more complicated than the question, which is

I would like to have 2 input wires and 1 output wire.

One input wire comes from the frog and the second comes from one side of the track. If they are the same, then the output wire will also be live, if not then there is no power to the output.

Thanks to all

So the second switch, if it is to be automatic will be a separate micro-switch operated by the point?

Thanks for such a quick response, but I don't really understand the diagram.

I can see the polarity switch on the point - dark green (?) and that is switched by the point motor.

But I don't see how the dark blue section is switched?

Sorry for being so slow.

I have DCC and I also have motorised points with built in polarity switching.

I would like to make a section of rail just before the frog to become dead if the point is set against the other way.

I presume I could use power to the frog and check which side the power is and use some sort of relay to switch on or off power.

What is the easiest/cheapest way of doing this please?

Thanks

I need to fix a metal rod to a moving plastic arm of a point motor.

I tried using a supa glue without much success.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks - sorry to use the thread for myself.

Can I just add a question?

What is the smallest dia led? I was thinking of using it for cheap table lamps in Pullman cars.

What I have finally done, and only because I had a long brass rod. I fixed each end with a standard connector and soldered each wire onto it. It seems to work.

Thanks

Before anyone tries to get you purchase the most expensive connector ever made, try this method.

A 5 amp strip with 2.5mm copper wire stripped from twin and earth mains wiring. 

It would pay you to solder the ends of each conductor to prevent them being damaged by the screws and do not twist them together.  

connect strip.jpg

The photo is of one on my present exhibition layout "Meopham East Junction" and to date none have failed.

Is there a multiple connector as your photo, but with a fixed built-in connecting strip on one side instead of the copper wire?

I have a whole lot of wires that need to be connected together and then eventually to a single feed.

I want to wire them really neatly.

Any ideas?

I also clean by hand, but I read somewhere on using just using a smear of automatic gearbox fluid and running a train around the track to spread it. It seems to work.

Did you mean my class 8? If so, it was brand new. Brilliant.

I've bought quite a few things on Ebay, many brilliantly cheap.

I always investigate the market price first, and I always add in the cost of postage, including a Hornby Class 8 shunter with sound for just over £100.

I've also bought items that I have had to send back, mostly locos, because they don't work. Always got my money back.

But many people go crazy on Ebay. I just walk away.

May I add a further question?

My two middle coaches light up, and the two end coaches light their headcodes but not the interior lights. All works under DCC.

Any ideas?