I have been working on a mini version of a PowerCab PCP clone. The whole point was to create a low cost, smaller version of the panel that not only provides power to the PowerCab, but also has a terminal block to feed DCC to the track. I also wanted to integrate status LED's into the board standard, which are optional on the stock PCP that comes with the PowerCab. The LED's indicate system power and DCC power to the track. I posted a few pictures of this on some MRR Facebook groups and immediately was asked "Why?" when it comes with a panel. My purpose for this is to serve as a PCP on alternate small layouts. In my case, I already have my NCE stock PCP installed on my door layout. I needed more of these panels and found myself spending $20-25 (with shipping) to order more. With my mini version, it serves that same purpose. I included a rear RJ12 bus connector so that it can be connected to a chain of normal CP's, but doesn't have to be used for that if it's not needed. I have several test track setups that I will be using these on. One thing I am considering is making a mounting panel/fascia for it using standard FR4 PCB material, opposed to aluminum (or plastic as the cheap NCE replacement has become). This will give you a way to mount it in the layout benchwork and will be clearly labeled. Here are a few pictures of the test board I built up the other night. Feedback is much welcomed!
One big plus - two LED's, one for power and one for when the DCC is active. You don't know how many times I've thought about taking mine off the layout and wiring in a power LED. One suggestion - if it's not already set in stone - a bigger output terminal block. I've always thought that NCE goofed on that. Hard to get bus wires into those little blocks. If it's small there, no sense having a bigger bus wire. Bigger block still works with smaller wire. Even if that doesn't change, I'll be waiting for this to hit your website. Don
Thank you for the input, Don! Not set in stone, in fact I have debating going with a 5.08 mm terminal block, instead of the 2.54 mm for the very same reason to mentioned. I always wondered if maybe they had a surplus of them and said "Hell, let's use those up!". I know I have done that in the past with other products. You get a great deal on 1000 of some part and now you feel like you need to use them up in something I think I will change that. Thanks!
Jason, You've forced me to get off my donkey and do what I've talked about for a while. Not nearly as nice as yours, but it will do until you're in production. Mod IMG_0001 by Carolina Northern posted Jul 19, 2018 at 1:22 PM Mod IMG_0002 by Carolina Northern posted Jul 19, 2018 at 1:22 PM IMG_0003 by Carolina Northern posted Jul 19, 2018 at 1:22 PM Didn't take but a few minutes, it was more a matter of just doing it. Thanks for the motivation. Fully plan to buy one of your panels when available. I'd like to be able to move my Powercab between my test track and layout easier and your panel will solve that neater than another "official" panel. Don
I no sooner posted that, then I realized, I missed an opportunity. A different color LED would give a better indication between power and DCC on. I thought it would be cool to make the power red and the DCC green, but realized that would make it confusing for people who read the instuction manual telling them that a red LED means the DCC is working, so this is what I did. I had used a bipolar LED, because I had a bunch laying around for building BCD circuits, so I just flipped it around. Now I have a green light when there is power applied and the red comes on when the DCC is present. Now to put it back on the layout. Don
Don, on that note, you might be interested in another side project/product I have been working on. I'm calling it the UTP Cab Panel+. It's size and form factor identical to the standard NCE cab panel. I have added two LED's. One is cab bus activity and the other is for DCC activity to the track. Since they are dual color red/green, the DCC LED actually glows orange due to the switching polarity of the DCC signal. No modification or added parts. Just insert in your cab bus and supply DCC to the terminal block. In fact, on this one I went with the 5.08 mm terminal block, as you suggested for the mini. I'll be modifying that design this weekend to use the same block. Here are some pictures of the UTP Cab Panel+
Neat. I've observed the orange effect of replacing the red LED on the standard PCP with a bipolar. Splitting it to show the bus and the DCC separately in very handy for those who what to know what's really going on in their system. I've crawled around on your website and you've got lots of nice stuff - wish I needed some of it. I will be getting some of your panels when they get that far. Off to the Cary, NC hamfest tomorrow - it's small and only about 4 hours. You can always tell when the fest is - you wait for the hottest day in JUly and head on over. The other one I frequent is the one in Raleigh. The down side for people who travel in is that it's held the Sat of Easter weekend. It tends to limit the vendors who make it. Don
