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View Full Version : Making a Control Panel user friendly

Colonel
April 25th, 2004, 02:11 PM
After a recent operating session I realised my control panel was difficult to learn for new operators.

On the control panel I have 3 types of switches.
One to operate the signals, one to operate points (in conjunction with a pushbutton) and switches for each block.

http://www.railimages.com/albums/paulcassar/akt.sized.jpg

I had been looking for quite some time for different colour caps to cover the miniature switches I used but until mow have not been able to find anything. While in an electronic's store during the week purchasing some switches for another project see Engine Service Facility topic (http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/33/t/000342/p/5.html#000069) I saw some red, blue and black heat shrink which gave me the idea of using heat shrink to colour code the control panel.

Here are the results

http://www.railimages.com/albums/paulcassar/aku.sized.jpg

Now I'm hoping the next time friends come over they will be able to operate the layout more confidently.
JASON
April 25th, 2004, 04:08 PM
Paul,
Heat shrink is a great idea,now are you talking about when Greg stuffed up the switching or me?LOL. :D
Colonel
April 25th, 2004, 04:37 PM
Originally posted by JASON:
Paul,
Heat shrink is a great idea,now are you talking about when Greg stuffed up the switching or me?LOL. :D no not at all but seeing greg trying to opeate the layout gave me the idea to try and make the panel more user friendlier
Peirce
April 25th, 2004, 07:27 PM
That looks like a great idea--easy to spot and won't wear off.
Flash Blackman
April 25th, 2004, 08:41 PM
I like it! NTrak modelers use heat shrink colors to identify electrical for connections between modules. This is a great idea that I can also use on my control panels.
ak-milw
April 26th, 2004, 09:05 AM
Paul, Radio Shack has colored caps that slide over the mini- switch. You could probably order them through one of their websites!
Colonel
April 26th, 2004, 09:25 AM
Originally posted by ak-milw:
Paul, Radio Shack has colored caps that slide over the mini- switch. You could probably order them through one of their websites! Andy I do recall seeing them but they come in a packet of assorted colours rather than just blue, black or red.

The heat shrink is very inexpensive and easy to use.
ak-milw
April 27th, 2004, 08:50 AM
I get your point, they are assorted, you would have to buy a lot of packs. looks like the heat shrink worked just as good anyway!
virtual-bird
April 27th, 2004, 06:53 PM
Paul...
Jaycar also has the slide over things, either individually, or in multi packs. Might be worth checkin' out too.

Good idea too...
Take care.
Colonel
April 29th, 2004, 09:30 AM
Originally posted by virtual-bird:
Paul...
Jaycar also has the slide over things, either individually, or in multi packs. Might be worth checkin' out too.

Good idea too...
Take care. actually thats where I bought the heat shrink from they dont stock the switch covers.