TrainCat signals

SJ Z-man Sep 17, 2008

  1. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    OK, bought some the first TrainCat D-type target signals a while ago and finally got the 0402 LEDs. So here goes. First, the brass is VERY thin, damn near proto gauge !! Second, there are some really small arts like the sun shades. You get 10 on a sheet with options to mount signals at angles and various ladder platforms and number and type of target (single. double and triple).

    [​IMG]

    You can see the targets have a slot for the sun shades and mounting tab "pockets". While not prototypical, I would highly recommend putting top and bottom mounting just in case you accidentally touch the target because I can tell you, these are NOT for instal/removal each show.

    [​IMG]

    Rolling the sun shade on .032 rod (included):

    [​IMG]

    Coaxing them into the slots. it takes quite a bit of work to get them in and aligned !

    [​IMG]

    more in next post.
    .
     
  2. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Bob says to use CA to attach parts so I did. BTW: those are the really fine tweazers in the picture.

    [​IMG]

    Next, I mounted 0402 LEDs into the holes. These are the smallest that you can get. The Cathode (negative end) is connected directly to the brass target to simplify the wiring. The Anode (positive end) is floating above brass so it doesn't short. I used Kapton tape to space it while attaching them, then removed it. I soldered one with .010" solder which is HUGE for SMD work but I wanted to experiment. The second one was CA'd and then I used conductive paint (more than enough for the LED's low milliamp currents).

    [​IMG]

    I cut 0.032" brass to 1" (20 scale feet) which is shorter than the ladder. The tube ends were reamed out to make sure they had full conductance and no burrs. I then assembled most of the ladder, platform and support for one target as this is an R&D version. I then fed two enameled magnet wires up through the tube and attached to the LED anodes by soldering. The future idea is to notch the tube and run the wire out the tube at the mounting bracket.

    [​IMG]
    BTW: that the smallest roach clip, er, alligator clip.

    Here is the assembly in my hand for persective:

    [​IMG]
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  3. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Here are the LEDs on but between the different current flows from paralle wiring (for this picture, not how it would be actually wired) and the camera's sensitivity to the red.

    [​IMG]
    Same roach clip, er, alligator clip.
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  4. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Sweet!! Make me 3 pairs, and I will pay you whatever you want 'cause theres no way I can make those!:rolleyes:
     
  5. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wow Jeff, they look great.
     
  6. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Cool Jeff! What did you use for .032" tubing?
     
  7. TrainCat2

    TrainCat2 TrainBoard Member

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    They look great Jeff.

    Try this ... From the back of the target, insert the pointed end of the curved shade into the slot. Place the target face up on the bench and push the target down on to the shade. When fully down, use a piece of wire or toothpick to place a drop of CA on to the shade.

    The tubing I suggested is .032" and .007 thin wall from Special Shapes and/or Walthers.
     
  8. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    I had no idea that brass tubing was even available in that size. I just ordered 20 feet from Special Shapes. Item # 96017 1/32" brass tube with .006" thin wall. That leaves .020" to fish magnet wires through.

    I have 25 packs of the signal kits I got from Bob a few months ago, now I just need to order some Solderon magnet wire.

    Some stuff you just cannot find with google searches. Like I have been trying to find brass chain in finer thant 32 links per inch, but it evades me. Where do you find this stuff? I want 72 link per inch chain. Be great to include in certian kits! I want a 1000' roll though. :D
     
  9. TrainCat2

    TrainCat2 TrainBoard Member

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    72 Link Per Inch Chain

    The finest chain available to our knowledge. Created with a new etching process, this chain has got to be seen to be believed.

    1001408 $8.95 / 10ea 3 inch lengths

    [​IMG]
     
  10. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Kurt, what you see is not what you get !!!.

    Rob, like Bob says, the thin wall tube. But even standard brass .032" OD tube will let 4 of the magnet wires thru.
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  11. animek

    animek TrainBoard Member

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    I think you will be stuck with other material than brass for that size. I was searching the same a wile back, and I think the smallest I found on the web was 0.4mm loop chain but in sterling silver, and that being said, I never verified what 0.4mm had given me in terms of how many link per inch it was. I think it should be around 55 to 60 link per inch, but I may be mistaken and the 0.4mm may be the diameter of the wire.
    http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H201585CH

    Ben
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 18, 2008
  12. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Bob, maybe Kim will reply (I'll call anyway, he's across the street from me at work). He may have a large roll source of the wire. I'm still using the Ngineering Red/Green 100' roll (N5038 @ $4.95) http://www.ngineering.com/accessories.htm.

    What I would like to do is make a PC board for the bottom with three 0402 resistors. Thru hole on one short edge for the pole to attach to. Wires to edge of board (cold solder once assembled). Use 4 or 6 pin dual row 0.050 header to socket in layout. Cover PC bd with "cast" metal base made from rastered plastic (slip on pole, mount circuit board, slide back down over board).

    If I can find some Red/Green 0402's, the single target can work for all 3 colors.
    .
     
  13. JR59

    JR59 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Stunning work Jeff! Do you take orders :)
     
  14. BNSF Dash 9

    BNSF Dash 9 TrainBoard Member

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    Any updates?

    Where did you get the LEDs?
     
  15. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    http://www.ngineering.com


    They now have Signal Green in the Nano's, too cool!!!

    Hobo Tim
     
  16. mchwilton

    mchwilton TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Ben, Robert and All,

    0.4mm in the jewelry trade refers to the outside diameter of a chain, "not" the thickness of the wire.

    Michael Hilliard
    Wilton, CT USA
     
  17. BNSF Dash 9

    BNSF Dash 9 TrainBoard Member

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    Oh, ok I was under the impression there where Green-Yellow-Red LEDs avalible.

    Do we know if there is enough room to mound a red and green side by side, to have a single target be red or green by the flip of a switch?

    Also what LED looks better out of the two on that site?
     
  18. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    you can get 0402 R/G LEDs. Just not from nGineering. Switching polarities is how you get the red or green. If you switch back and forth >100x per second, it will look yellow.
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  19. BNSF Dash 9

    BNSF Dash 9 TrainBoard Member

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    Ok, It sounds like when the time comes for me to finish off the signals, you and me need to talk more. :tb-wink:
     
  20. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


    Have not seen these before. I do have the 0603 R/G LEDs. That is what I am using in the older AT&SF one light Target Signals that I am building. Using Armand Marx's circuit to power the whole system, turnouts and all!!! But, what I am working on now, while away from home, will make some mouths water with envy!!

    Here is a photo that comprises three shots, just have the Target Light turned on in red, yellow and green.

    [​IMG]

    In person, the colors are alot more defined and colorful. The digital camera I have sucks!

    Here is the one and only ever Youtube video I posted showing Armand's signal system in action. Someday I will be able to extend the test strip to 8 signals to show a better representation of the system.

    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ClRgH7XPvM"]YouTube - Z scale Signals[/ame]


    One day I will have a nice scene to go with the signals!!!

    Hobo Tim
     

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