3 weeks on

Wow, already almost 3 weeks since my post describing my current project, automated switches for part of the main layout. And over 2 weeks since my last update on the project. Well, progress is going well, although the whole project will probably take twice as long as I'd originally hoped. This is, alas, normal for me. I've learned that when working on any project I should double the time I estimate it will take, as that usually is accurate.

So, if we go back to that original post from almost 3 weeks ago, here's where I am on the various tasks in this project:

1) Redoing the wiring for that section of the layout to match the new wiring standards. Completed on March 18th, as noted in the last post.

2) Installing (or in two cases, re-installing) and tuning Tortoise switch machines for 12 switches. 6 of the 12 switches are now in place and running. The other 6 are expected to be fairly straightforward, but they still take almost an hour apiece.

3) Appending feeder wires to the 12 switch frogs, and connecting them to the main power busses through an internal Tortoise SPDT switch. Initially figuring out how to append feeder wire to the frogs of installed switches was a real pain. Eventually, maybe on the 4th or 5th switch, I figure out a simple process. I use an Xacto knife, very fine, sharp, and narrow point, to dig out the underside of the plastic between the 3rd and 4th ties from the end on the outside of the diverging route. Once the plastic is out of the way I can dig out the hidden frog wire. I then link the end of a 22 gauge green wire to the frog wire, tighten the link with needle nose pliers, solder, and use a drill to make a hole for the frog wire under the layout. The whole process takes less time than for me to type this. This has been done for all the remaining switches. Of course, I still have to wire the Tortoise SPDT switches to the track power busses for the final 6 switches, as part of their install process.

4) Ordering one more Digitrax DS64, and installing and configuring two DS64s to drive the switch machines. Because 8 of the 12 switches are in crossover pairs only two DS64s, capable of controlling 8 separate switches, will be needed. All done, but boy it took a lot of research and testing to figure out how to configure the DS64s. More on this later.

5) Setting the standard for DS64 power, and installing a DS64 power bus. All done, but took longer than expected. More on this later.

6) Setting the numbering standards for the DS64s. All done, see comments above.

7) Settling on the method and design of the fascia switch panels. Have tried various materials, but have not settled on the final design. Will do so after all 12 switches are automated.

8) Building and installing 4 fascia switch panels. See comment above.

9) Setting the standard for powering the switch panel lights, and installing the power bus for same. See comment above.

10) Wiring switch panel lights, using the other internal Tortoise SPDT switch. See comment above.

So, lots done, and have learned a ton along the way. Hope to complete by next weekend.