Measuring Track Power at Chadwick Model Railway | 101.
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- Measuring Track Power on a DCC layout or DC layout at Chadwick Model Railway
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What an amazing little tip for fixing fish plates. Thanks Charlie. _ i be caught up soon I promise
Yes, the cheapest tool that I’ve ever made. Regards, Charlie.
The home-made fish-plate tool, one of those 'light-bulb' moments :-)
The trouble is Steve, it’s never one of my lightbulb moments
What on earth could those two people have found to swear and curse about? Your channel is one of the most relaxing, uncontroversial and gentles channels out there. I can't imagine how I could even become "a bit cross", let alone descend into a full, foul-mouthed rant against you!
They just try to get a rise.
The trick is never to reply.
Across the pond we call these types trolls😂
@@openeyes-411 I'm not sure which side of the pond you inhabit but the term is used here in the UK.
@@thomasm1964
I'm in the U.S. - I figured the term was englishly universal, but thought I'd identify myself, lol
@@openeyes-411 We should both thank the Scandinavians for inventing the nasty cave-dwelling, bridge-squatting little critters in their folk mythology. Otherwise, we would all be lost for words!
I have seen this device used before and I think it is a "must-have" for anyone with or making a DCC layout. I have looked through DCC Concepts Website and they do also cater for those, like me with DC layouts or the building of one. I have just read the comment below mine. There are now 11 Thumbs Down, but they never leave a comment to say why? Please do not think it is you, Charlie, I have seen the same on other Model railway UA-camrs. Martin. (Thailand)
Yes it is rather sad that people do this Martin but hey I’ll get over it. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie 👋 I really like this particular video and I shared it with the gentleman that built our panel for the club. I think I will actually use every thing that you shared on my layout too. And particularly the rail clamp installer. Couldn't remember your name for it, sorry. LOL
Chris Mitchell I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
I'm late to the party but I feel the need to correct you, respectfully, on something. AC stands for alternating current, which DCC is (above and below 0v means current flows both ways). It is a square wave, but waveform has no effect on if something is AC or DC, only which way the current is flowing. Think back to your brake van. If DCC were DC rather than AC and you were on an isolated track, say a programming track, the brake van would not need a bridge rectifier as one wheel would always be positive and the other always negative but as it's AC you have to have the rectifier to change the current from AC on the rails to DC to the lights, complete with correct polarity on the LEDs.
Other than this one thing, you're bang on with how you are describing things and please keep up the excellent work. You've taught me much and are my favorite model railroad UA-camr out there. Second favorite once I post my own video but I wouldn't expect different from you were things reversed. :-D
Even so, I doubt I'll stop looking up to you.
Source: Former electronics tech.
An excellent comment although I will disagree. Getting technical DCC is square wave DC gong from 0v to 15v. It doesn’t alternate from -15v to +15v.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, A Cool little tool for fitting fish plates,😊 I would fold a loop on the end you hold to stop potential stab injury. The DCC concepts Alpha meter looks a great product for monitoring the voltage and current drawn on a layout. I have a Lenz system and monitor my voltage and current at the transformer before it enters the DCC unit, this monitors all current drawn. Keep up the superb videos. Regards, David.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it David. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Thanks for the link to the heat shrink tubing printer...which I found a day after buying the printer you linked after an earlier video!! #facepalm, lesson learned!
That’s life Dak Dak.
Tool Station have the Brother printer under £50. Great, informative video. Thanks.
I’m so pleased that you found it useful David. Regards Charlie
It would have been nice to hear you say it was me who gave you the rail joiner tip, but hey at least its getting the tips out there for modellers to use and that is mainly what its all about.
Sorry Sam but in my defence there was someone else too. Regards Chalie
Great tip for the fishplates :)
Thanks Stu
(Time stamp 28 Minutes)
Hi Charlie, that was an interesting way to tag-text cables.
Me and my friends also put tag text on our cables but at a fraction of what your marking machine costs, how do we do it?
Well, we do the following:
A; Buys transparent/clear shrink hose.
B; Prints the text that the cable will have with a standard printer with office paper.
C; Cuts the text from the paper.
D; Puts the rest of the paper back in the printer.
E; Cuts the transparent/clear shrink hose to cover the paper strip.
F; Lay the paper along the cable and pull over the transparent/clear shrink hose over the paper with the text.
H; Heat up a little and we're done with the markings.
Cost to mark a cable in 4 places will be ~0.17GBP
I never knew about clear heat-shrink until I put out this video. Where on earth have I been!
Attention to detail will give you a relatively reliable & enjoyable time running your trains. But if there is a problem, then all your work will allow you to problem solve quickly hence allowing you more time to run your trains and provide us more videos so we might learn now from all of your life’s knowledge.
That’s a very profound statement Stephen, thank you. Regards, Charlie
For 40+ years I've cursed about sore fingers caused by fishplates, but now; never again.
Thanks Charlie this must be the best tip I've ever been given!
I’m so pleased you found it useful Brian
I have the DCCconcepts Alpha Panel with my NCE PowerCab and have been thinking of getting the Alpha Meter, so thank you for your thoughts and showing us the meter working.
I found it very useful and it does look good. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie - very informative, clear and entertaining as ever. I'm between layouts at the moment, having moved from a spare bedroom (no longer 'spare' with the arrival of grandsons), to a limited space in a partitioned part of the garage, to a nice long run in the attic, which I now have difficulty accessing - so I have ordered a 12' X 10' insulated garden shed which will arrive in the new year. That will probably be 'it' - the final project that will see me off the planet. So in the meantime I am catching up on your videos to ensure that I have a running start when I start making the new layout - many thanks for your inspirational advice! A parting tip for those who don't have access to a printer - I use short sections of white electric cable sheathing with the inner wires removed to group and identify my wiring, written on with an indelible pen. Cheers!
A great tip Phillip. Regards Charlie
Once again Charlie I would like to thank you for sharing the hobby, more great ideals.
Thanks Dave, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Another great and helpful video Charlie. I have an Alphameter and would not be without it now. You have also prodded my conscience into reviewing the snake pit that is my wiring! PS to hell with the keyboard warriors!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it TJ. Regards Charlie
Great idea as for fishplates Charlie.
Thanks Roy
Thanks Charlie for taking the time to create these videos. Much appreciated.
You’re most welcome Trevor.
Another great video. For about the price of one or two cups of coffee, supporting your channel is a worthwhile investment. You have prevented lots of derailments, short circuits, glued fingers, spoiled tee shirts and lots frustration and wasted time and materials. Thanks again.
Thanks Peter, that’s very nice of you to say so. Regards Charlie.
I just keep commenting about your shirt, nice clean one this time!
Wait until next week!
I like your fishplate tool, cunning wee idea.
David McClelland I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Another very useful and articulate article - thank you Charlie.
As almost an aside, but pertinent, the "DC"/"DCC" dyslexia, which most of us suffer from time to time, can be effectively minimized by using the simple, unconfusing, original terms, "Analog(ue)" and "Digital".
Yes John, you make a fair point. However, would that not confuse people are used to the other terms? Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Nay, nay and thrice nay! I'm not sure how clear reference to the two original terms, using very well-known words, that are so very distinctly different from each other, could produce anything but clarity and less confusion.
Vocally, "Analogue" and "Digital" slide off the tongue every bit as easily as "DC" and "DCC" so no disadvantage there. I suspect it's simply the laziness of people having to laboriously (😞) type or write such immensely long words that has led to this situation.
The poor over-worked people! 😀
Hi Charlie, re: the heat shrink labels...
I just print onto plain paper, cut to appropriate size, pop the label onto the wire and use clear heat shrink to hold in place. Very simple, everyone with a computer and printer can do it and normal heat shrink tubing is so much cheaper than that stuff needed for your Brother label printer.
Great point Ian, I never knew you could buy clear Heat-Shrink.
@@ChadwickModelRailway It's good that an ex-fish head can be taught something new by an ex-crab :-)
@@hughjardon5101 , Doesn't often happen that a Crab can teach a Fish-head (particularly a WAFU) anything, so it's always welcome! ;-)
Hi Ian, Agreed, Definitely a much cheaper and still reasonably easy method. I use the same method in Data Cabling
Charlie, you are a lifesaver - fitting fishplates (joiners) has been the most frustrating torture I have experienced since my eyes started playing up. What a simple idea. Tank you for featuring it today.
You’re most welcome David. Regards Charlie
That’s a Nice old British made controller (Hammant and Morgan) and I have a fixed output model which powered my AIRFIX scale model slot car racing……. When we used to make things here in England😇
Yes, David, happier times. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie. Look forward to your videos each week. The fish plate tool is absolutely brilliant. Thanks for sharing with us 👍🏼
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul.
Damn! I saw one of those Brother printers (used) on Gumtree about 6 months ago for AUD$20 (about £11). It was complete in carry case with battery and tapes. I was toying with the idea of getting it, but didn’t. Had no idea they could print on heatshrink tubing. Kicking myself now!
It's a gem but an expensive one!
Well done Charlie! The quality of your video content really sets you apart from the rest.
Thanks Leonard.
that printer for heat shrink or just on normal label tape would also be great for people into computers that end up with a lot of cables going all over and they can be a bugger to trace if you forget which one is from or to what piece of your setup like in a server rack or a coms rack where you have lots of power cables or Ethernet cables which all look the same .
I’m glad you found it interesting BB.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, I’ve been watching your channel for a relatively small time, but really enjoy your videos. I’ve just ventured back into the hobby after 40 or so years, but this time I’m building my layout in N Gauge, compared with OO from my childhood. I find it hard to believe that there are people out there that want to knock you, as I personally enjoy your presenting style and sense of humour. I think the fact that you leave in some of the mistakes makes things so much more enjoyable and that you can laugh at them, makes you very endearing. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have discovered squires, or the RS wire stripper, your reviews / tests of various products always interests me and I totally value your opinion. Thank you for taking the time to present such informative material, keep up the great work..
Regards Derek
What a heartwarming comment Derek. Thank you so much, regards Charlie
A lot of great info in this video Charlie. Besides aging eyesight one of the other reasons for getting out of N scale was the fishplates jamming into my big fingers more often than not. Just got to be too painful. One could drill out a wood dowel and glue the longer end of your fishplate tool into it. Paint it a bright color and it will never get lost on the railroad. I am looking into the Alpha meter too. I probably will want to connect it with my programming track as well. I have some locos I have stored away. I have the Nano lubricants to tune those up with. I can see testing the amperage draw before tuning the loco and then testing afterwards with the Nano lubricants applied. I wonder if it will show a drop in the amperage draw? I will have to order the Alpha Meter from the UK. I have not found a dealer here in the U.S. for it. I also took a look at the Brother label makers for electric cable labeling. There are a few newer models that are smaller than yours that are for electric cable labeling. Models E105 and E110. I know I have the office version of one around the house somewhere. I read the comments by your followers about using the clear heat shrink. Now i wonder where that label maker got to.....
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
I’m sorry that the things I reviewed weren’t available in the US.
Stay safe, regards Charlie
Absolutely brilliant idea about the fishplates as I suffer from severe arthritis in my hands this will really help he also really wanted to know about the power readout unit thank you for this video from pete
Thanks Pete, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it regards Charlie
Greetings and Salutations from the colonies down under.
I really enjoy your videos. So many ideas and methods that I've learned from your channel.
The easier method of fitting fishplates is brilliant.Makes the fitting of N gauge so much frustrationless ( if that's a word)
That’s no real word David, but I’ll forgive you
Again Charlie very interesting.I am not shall we say electrically gifted but managed to put in a volt meter and an ammeter on each of the two cabs of my DC system.They never really worked well nor did they impart info in the manner I was hoping for.Well like a lot of people when I encountered DCC and sound I was hooked and although I can run DC I don’t.I mean why would you? my walk around NCE system is so much better.All that to say that this little product is just what I have been looking for on the dcc side.Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie ! Fishplate tool = genius !! I'm making one immediately ! Thanks for the tip !
You’re most welcome mate. Regards Charlie
Absolutely Brilliant why did i not see this Channel when I first started mine and my Wife's Layout in December i have watched all of them Now numerous times
I Now have 8 Sheets of 6x2 9 mm boards running round our Loft. I was just ripping up a 6x4 board to replace the track to create more gentler curves so my Class 42 and 37 can get round without de-railing whilst playing this video.
Love the Fishplate Fitting Tool absolutely Inspired no more shredded thumbs
Keep Up the Good Work
chris, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Wow, Apologies Charlie, only just seen this. The idea with the fishplates is pure genius !!!! Even more useful when people are working in N gauge !!!!! Great stuff !!!!
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Mark.
Well the detail just gets better with every video. Honestly Charlie, the professionalism & detail you show & explain to us is fantastic. With the electronics, you don't give an in-depth lecture, but you show us what is basically going on & how it relates to the project you're dealing with. That would be enough to give a working knowledge which is exactly what is needed. I never feel daunted by the way you explain things & thoroughly enjoy the way you take us through the progress on Chadwick. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Stay safe & take care.
Thanks Simon, I'm now off to start this weeks episode.
Wish me luck.
Regards Charlie
#1 Absolutely Brilliant with putting on the fishplates.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hi Charlie, although my layout is DCC I have never thought of measuring the current. Your programme this week has certainly set me thinking. Thanks for that. Throughly enjoyed it as usual.
Thanks Ken, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Cracking video Charlie. Love the fishplate tip. Loved the blooper with the points set wrong.
That’s my life all over Clive. Regards Charlie
You are always so clear in your explanations, thank you for your time.👍
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Charlie, After fitting 100's of fishplates the old way I am left with very sore fingers. Next time I will use your tip. many thanks for another great video.
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
G'Day Charlie
Matey thanks so much for the á meter review. This has been an item on my to do list that I just haven't gotten around to yet and I wasn't a 100% sure if I'd want one..........do now :D
The only small wee lil bug bear I have is I wish they made a flat black faced panel version as well. It would make the screen really pop out at you. Well I can always paint it I suppose.
Gibs Onethirty I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
If you also file the bottom and sides of the fishplate tool a little so it doesn't grip the fishplate very well it will stay on the track not come back with the tool. Then there's no need to grip the fishplate with pliers.
Also if you slip a bit of paper behind the track it give far better contrast so if your sight isn't 20:20 it makes it easier to line it up and get the fishplate to go on on the third attempt instead of tenth time lucky!
A good point buddy, thanks.
Hi Charlie,
What a great and enjoyable video it was last week. I am sure it was fun for everyone, me too. But not long after I finished whactng the vide I received very bad news. I have been awaiting this video to cheer me up.
Hope you are well Charlie,
Regards dan.
Hopefully this might take your mind of things Dan.
Loved your comments on the word subscribe, reminded me of my wife a few years ago who told me she'd like to watch some videos but didn't want to pay to do it I had to explain that you don't pay to subscribe and she sensibly asked why the heck they call them subscribes then. A concise and unbiased review by the way more companies should use you to review their products especially woodland scenics lol.
Especially woodland scenics! Now you’re just being mean Richard. Regards Charlie
Nice vid.
I'd also like to see something about your test track setup.
It’s available from Ten Commandments and made by Zeller.
Hi Charlie, Always a pleasure to watch your videos, love the fishplate tool, Alpha Meter review and especially the self-deprecation. ;) Big Thumbs UP!
Thanks mate I’m so pleased that you found it useful. Regards Charlie
Another interesting and informative video Charlie. I love the idea of the tool for fitting fish plates. What a simple but effective idea. I really look forward to Friday lunchtimes and sitting down with a cup of tea to watch your video. Thanks for a great channel.
Thanks Tony. I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Well done Charlie, I put a Circle of track on my loft floor the other day, I had forgotten how difficult it was to put the track together, and as for the fish plates a whole new thing, 50 years you just put Hornby track together so easy lol. The whole loft is now boarded out so one step closer.
I’m so pleased to hear that you’re getting there Barry. Regards Charlie
Thank you for the ideas in this week's video. Cheers take care
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ian.
Stephen J.Price. A great piece of kit. Thanks for covering it on you’re channel.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie.
Very interesting Charlie and a great tip for fish plates i'm going to try that it dose look like it saves a lot of fumbling around.thank you.
Tony Slight I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Well Charlie, I've seen other fishplates tools but yours is much easier to me, thanks. As far as the matter, we use them on t th e San Diego museum layout, and I too was very surprised at how little power draw is with dcc decoder draw we can have up to 20 to 30 or more running and never reach our capacity of the system. You make a great point for labeling the wires. Just love seeing your videos, and had some great laughs at last weeks out takes takes video and with UA-cam videos are a great views....as always thanks for sharing....Jack 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks (Jack), that’s very kind of you to say so. Charlie
Thanks so much for all your updates - always enjoy them! You're a fantastic asset to the modelling community.
Without wishing to be "that guy", one little nitpick just in case others bring it up - DCC *is* actually AC, as anything that crosses 0V into the negative cycle is an AC signal. It's just that DCC is a ~8Khz square wave ~16V, possibly asymmetrical AC signal which is of course nothing like 50Hz ~230V sinusoidal AC, which is of course UK mains voltage AC. It's a real nitpick though I fully admit - and absolutely bang on with everything else! A fantastic video as always, thank you.
Thanks for the correction Berry, it’s very welcome.
Great video Charlie, particularly liked the wire labeling bit. Looking forward to the next one on the scenery 👍
That’s next week.
Thank you for yet another great video. I love the tip about the fish plate tool. Simplicity itself. I have acquired a set of the Boot lace ferrules and recently used them to rewire my Hi Fi system. Much better than just twisting wires. Looking forward to more videos.
I’m so pleased that you find the channel useful Michael.
Hi Charlie, many thanks for a great video. You really do pour your heart into sharing this hobby with us. You're keeping me focused on getting my layout up and running too which is great! Many thanks again and looking forward to the next installment.
What a heart warming comment Edward. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
As always very informative. Something to look forward to on a Friday! Love the 'Fish Plate Tool'. I going to have a crack at this over the weekend - Thanks again!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting MM. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, During lockdown I have been watching your videos & they have inspired me to have a go at a small DC layout with a Hornby Hogwarts loco that we already owned. Once finished I think I might have a go at a DCC layout after following your excellent channel.
That is awesome, go for it mate.
Simply watching your videos with easy style is great. Then add in about model railway getting better. Although my own layout is at the adding detail stage there is always a tip of two to pick up. Could not be better!
What a heartwarming comment Greg.
Hi charlie, l am going to make a fish plate tool this morning. I mark or label cables using printed paper covered with clear heat shrink. Thanks for another great video. Sam
It’s a funny thing Sam, I have never heard of clear heat shrink. Regards Charlie
Once again Friday lunch and your latest offering very useful again my wiring not as confident as yours but it works and looks neat and easy to follow do get good ideas from you and can’t wait till the next one keep up the good work.
Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
I love mine , Richard was kind enough to send me one out also doing a review on it 👍🏻 I too was surprised how little locos draw great video 👍🏻
Very cool, I'll await the sequel.
Chadwick Model Railway ive mounted mine quite crudely for now as I was having some problems all is explained in the video I’m hoping it can help others
Hello Charlie, you are brilliant. The fish-plate tool has save my sanity. I am in the middle of building a new layout and your tool is going to be a great addition to my tool kit. I have watched most of you videos and they continue to be a great source of both information and inspiration. I am one of those modelers who have limited space so I am making the most of what I have by building a U shaped layout. Thanks you for the great videos.
What a heartwarming comment Peter. I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos, regards Charlie
Speaking as an electrician ,. Your wiring looks good & neat well done 👍
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased you approve. Regards Charlie
Thanks for another great video. Based on this video, I have bought a DCC Concepts Alpha Meter.
I have gone down the road of using ESU command station, and DCC concepts points and signalling gear. I am also going to use point rodding with the DCC Concepts ss surface mount point motors. So far, very happy with what I have. I'll post a video once I have things set up.
That’s great news Peter, I’m so pleased things are coming on nicely. Regards Charlie
Hi Peter, Your ESU will also show you how much current your layout is taking.
Hi Charlie, just managed to catch up on the last two excellent videos. I've now become a Patron as I realise the enormous amount of time and effort that you put into the videos. The standard of your presentation is always very high and I love the fact that you leave the little mistakes in. Keep up the good work.
Cheers.
Awesome, thank you Dave.
Hi Charlie, I've been watching your channel for ages, but I only realised today that I hadn't subscribed. This is now rectified. The Alpha seems to be able to to measure in one polarity only, so presumably it can only see or measure half of the DCC waveform. In which case it would be fair to say the Alpha may indeed be correct and reliable, but only under 'no-fault' conditions. If one of the diodes in a decoder or track fed accessory was to fail, or even the master was to lose half the H bridge or a mosfet, and this fault was in the 'blind' side of the Alpha, it would appear that it could not detect this. The voltage would display as ok even though the system would not be working. It somewhat defeats the point of having one - at least having one you have to pay for.
Of course, if a fault occurred only in the side it could see, it would go blank, giving the false impression the track was dead. Oops.
I think I'd rather have a couple of coaches any day! especially as current metering is free with JMRI and DCC++. Keep shunting!
An interesting point. However, I must confess your electronics knowledge way outperforms mine. Charlie
What an excellent vid Charlie as usual! You've convinced me to get the alpha meter. It's good to see a manufacturer supplying a useful product for a genuine review. Stay safe Charlie
Honesty is always the best policy Chris with these devices. There are too many people around that just sing the praises for a freebie
@@ChadwickModelRailway quite right, but I do like the fact that you got to keep it, cheers 😎
Thanks Charlie, the only reason I can see for getting one these units for 12 v DC would be if you have a fleet of Triang or Hornby Dublo loco's and you wanted check that you're not about to max out your controller
A fair point Paul. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Surely, they're not accurate for dc if they're designed for DCC.
Thanks again Charlie. The fish plate tool is a brilliant idea. I think of all those times I have stuck fish plates into my fingers because it has resisted going onto the piece of track. I ended up using long nose pliers and a pair of forceps. This is so much simpler. I find an essential piece of equipment is Spencer Wells Artery forceps. They come in various lengths and in both straight and curved and have a pair of scissor handles. Because they lock while holding items, I find them really useful and use them in preference to reverse forceps.
Thanks Don, I’ll check out those forceps.
@@ChadwickModelRailway If you have a problem, Charlie, let me know and I will get a set and send them to you.
A link would be handy Don. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Try Ebay. I use Elcon Forceps Spencer Wells curved, which are the most useful. You can get straight ones cheaper but I find the curved ones the best. Regards Don
Charlie, thanks for producing so much great content!
That’s very kind of you to say so Josep.
Regards Charlie
Et La Charlie, point against! thanks for the tips. I enjoyed this very much. Learned a lot from this.
Thanks Charles, you’re too kind regards Charlie
Although a bit more of a faff, the cheaper Brother label printers (mine is a Ptouch E100 that I bought for around £20 from CPC a few years ago) will print a cable ID on ordinary tape as either a tab ident or as a cable wrap that can then be enclosed in clear heatshrink. For those on a tight budget there is still the option to have neatly labelled cable runs.
Yes you’re not the first person to mention using clear heat shrink. Sadly, I had never heard of it. Regards Charlie
Watchin his again a third time ! It really is great watching someone so passionate about something and able to articulate it so well ! Could listen to Charlie all day long , might I suggest he is the next James may ? Both fantastic . One of the joys of lockdown ( and they are far and few between) really has been finding this channel 👌👌☺️☺️
Thanks Pjanic, That’s very kind of you to say so. Stay tuned, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, You may already know this but I'm going to put it out there for those who do not know. On your Digitrax system you can measure your track voltage with your meter set on the DC scale. Simply place your positive lead on "Rail A" and the negative lead on "Ground", write down the measurement. Now move your positive lead to "Rail B" and write down that measurement. Add the two values together and that is your track voltage. In my case, I have my Digitrax DB150 set to the N scale setting, so Rail A = 6.23 VDC, and Rail B = 6.20 VDC giving me a track voltage of 12.43 VDC. You are correct, if I place my Multi-meter on the AC scale and read my track voltage, I see a reading of 11.12 VAC. Yes I'm in the ballpark but I'm off by 1.31 volts. Like most run of the mill multi meter's, my Fluke multi meter does not read RMS. Thank you Charlie for this in depth look at the Alpha Meter, sadly there does not appear to be a North American distributor that I can locate for the Alpha Meter. I did notice on the DCC Concepts web page, they will ship to the US via DHL, but it appears they will only quote a shipping price once you've ordered the product. My guess is probably because of the fluctuation between the USD and GBP. As for the printer, we use a similar device where I work for printing label for the wires on actual locomotives. So If anyone asks about your label maker, just tell them that is how the prototype does it and since we are modeling the prototype 😃 Cheers, Rich S.
Yes I did know Rich but most folks use other systems. I cannot easily get to my controllers so this suits me fine.
Quite right to explain "subscriptions". I'm the first to admit I wasn't subscribed to any channels until my daughter told me it was free! Sounds great to a Scottish dinosaur!!! ;-)
Brilliant tip on fitting fishplates too. I have never seen that before but I won't forget it now. Cheers. I do love the feeling of impending doom (Private Fraser) when you're about to switch stuff on despite your skill and the unlikelihood of it happening - ever the optimist! ;-)
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it davie. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie... The fishplate tool was exactly the item I was trying to explain in one of your earlier videos...you could also add an old wooden handle to the other end of the rail to make it even more comfortable to use. By the way the original fishplate tip/tool idea came from MODEL RAILWAY ENGINEER...Brill stuff as usual Charlie....Cheers
We share the love in this hobby Martin.
Very interesting data on the current load and I started to see the benefit...so I am thinking in my head has to be around £27-30; then when you mentioned £60 at the end I nearly fell off the chair...as we used to say downunder, for some products, DCCC do like to charge like a wounded bull...
Everything is always double what you'd expect!
The problem with trying to read DCC track voltage is that DCC is an AC square wave and the voltage that the meter is reading will vary a small amount depending on what data is being sent to the loco decoders. Most modern digital multimeters these days are true RMS which is what you need if you are going to read square wave voltage. I rarely use a multimeter to read track voltage. I use a 12 volt incandecent light bulb test light to see if my track is powered. If you use an LED test light then it must be rectified with a diode and current limited with a resistor. If I am really worried about DCC signal quality then I use my oscilloscope.
As far as current is concerned, I budget half an amp per locomotive when calculating current loading. I use one half amp because that's what my ancient Athearn locos draw. Newer locos draw much less current. Locos equipped with sound decoders will draw more. Usually I just clamp my true RMS clamp meter around the track bus wire to read current.
shop.atlasrr.com/p-48003-all-scales-rail-joiner-sidekick.aspx
Actually Dave, It's a DC Square Wave.
I do like the rail joiner tool.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, here is a PDF showing how the DCC signal crosses the zero voltage line. It's a fairly technical document which wants to put me to sleep while reading it. Please be advised that Loconet is not DCC. They are two different things. They just happen to be in the same cable when you use Digitrax. The DCC signal in the Loconet cable is labeled as "rail sync".
www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-9.1_electrical_standards_2020.pdf
Have been eyeing off these meters for a little while now. I think you've sold me one. Another great vid mate- Sean
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Sean.
Another fantastic and inspiring video Charlie. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it Steve
The low amps are part of the "miracle" of using electricity to create horsepower on rails. That same economy of A/V is what makes (p-word) diesel locomotives so economical. There's a club in southern California with some absurd amount of HO track (like 300m worth) exactly modeling parts of the Union Pacific that runs (p-word) waybills between the 100+ "industries" upon that road. They pull something like 5 amps total running the thing (the laptops and such running the signals and the simulated dispatch orders pull more than the locos do).
Once you get the rotor spinning in relation to the stator in an electric motore, Newton's 2nd kicks in and your A = W/V equation settles right down.
I think most people are taken aback by the low power draw. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie yet again another informative and amusing video, love em. Regarding the fish-plate tool, as I am into N gauge you can imagine how difficult that is. Some while ago I saw this tool, very professional it was aswell but it was homemade, so I made a copy. I cut the plastic off a electrical connector leaving the two screws exposed and making it a lot smaller. I then placed this onto a short section of N gauge track. Tightening the screws when I got to the amount of fish-plate I wanted to slide onto the track. After the connector I bent the track and placed a nice handle that I got from Squires onto it. This tool for me at my age and eyesight is fantastic. I will show it on my site when I finally get around to laying track. So yes Charlie an excellent tip. Have to say I do like the idea of the Alpha Meter.
Regards Chris
I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting Chris.
Another great video. Your “tool” came just a few days late as my track crew struggled to put on rail joiners last Thursday night. However there’s always more track to lay and I will surprise them with your high tech design. I have found that filing the bottom of the rail approximately 45 degrees makes it easier to slide the joiner/fish plate on. This is particularly true when doing narrow gauge track and their tiny rail joiners. Thanks,Joe
Joe Valentine I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
"Fish Plate" rail connector tool... file, ever so slightly one side of the "foot/rail base" so that it slides out a wee bit easier while the rail keeps hold of the plate/connector. Right, it's wonderful! John Canada
p.s. I pay respects to you because I cannot pay money. But, as far as "support" goes, please know that YOU and your videos support my passion. I'm working on turning my "model rail passion heart" over to get started again.
I’m so pleased that you draw inspiration from the channel regards Charlie
I also agree with the comment below and cannot see why you would get a thumbs down, I think the work you do is excellent, I wonder how good the thumbs down people would get on with doing these videos
It's just something that I have to live with on YT.
Thanks Charlie, certainly will look to make use of the product from DCC Concepts 😊
Paul Norval I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, it's Charlie from across the pond here. Nice video, and a much nicer looking panel than the RRampMeter made here in the USA...
As you were measuring the loco on straight DC, and it didn't turn on till almost 6v, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of horrible mechanism it must have - as any *_decent_* HO loco should be moving at just a couple of volts, lol.
But looking closer at the RRampMeter pages I see they offer a battery connectable version for measurements below 7v - and elsewhere I see this unit is specified at 5v...
So this 5v is the turn on voltage for the meter electronics, and needs to be deducted from the readings when using it on a DC layout - and your loco was actually starting at less than 2v on the track.
Just thought I'd throw this out there, cause it seemed strange to me. Always enjoy your videos Charlie - have a great weekend!👍
Thanks mate, for some interesting observations. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charle, another great video. I use a similar meter for DC to check current and voltage on locos before adding a DCC decoder. The alpha meter looks very interesting. Thanks for the tip on fishplate tool, so simple yet highly effective.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie
I presume DCC using a chopped +/- 12 V powering signal to the track will be a bit like AC thus reducing current losses
Will look into what frequency it is chopped at
Also like your wiring ideas
If the wiring is neat it makes fault finding easier
A very interesting video
Thanks
Anthony Tidey I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Great video and very well explained 😎😎😎
Glad you liked it Mike
I wanted to add my 2 cents' worth (2 pence): I agree with the earlier comment about smiling when I get notified that you've made another video. I always find them interesting and helpful, and you are really quite good with your presentation--appropriately casual and friendly. How anyone can object is a complete mystery to me. Today's suggestion about a tool for installing fish plates had me going until I figured out what fish plates are--we Yanks call them rail joiners, but fish plates is a much more clever term. The tool is quite clever as well--I'll make one. I've damaged fingers and generally experienced frustration when installing fish plates, so the tool will help. Keep up the good work, and illegitimus non carborundum!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it James. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie, great tip on the fishplate tool. Also a nice, honest review for DCC concepts. See ya next time. Take care.
Glad you enjoyed it Norman.
Tip for those label-makers: because they purposefully “waste” tape, so you have to buy more of their overpriced products, print out all you labels in one go. For example, instead of printing out four separate labels for the alpha meter, print out one long one, that says “ power in power in power out power out.” Then, cut it to length with a pair of scissors. You’ll be surprised at how much tape you save.
Grat tip Sam.