Hi Gregg, as always another great informative video. You helped swaying me into ordering a switch 8 plus board, also the add on button board. I look forward to seeing an update video of your layout. Kind regards Gerry
Thanks Gregg for another great video. I always look forward to your videos as you have helped me fine tune all of my loco's and I also like to have my trains as prototypical as possible thanks again my friend
You're welcome Matthew! I'm glad you have your locos running how you want them and I appreciate the kind words. More on tuning Tsunami 1 & 2 on the way! Cheers Gregg.
As I mentioned had lighting strike have to replace 8 switch Its. They came in mail today. Switch it MK 2. So will be doing a video on them. But your video is a big help they have many of the same features you demonstrate.
Hi Art' . You got them quick! They cost almost double down here...I get my from MB Klein and even with crazy postage and dollar drop, still cheaper than here???. I guess the next thing for me is a AIU and watching more of your videos on making a panel..LOL Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, an interesting video. My NCE power Cab started playing up after I hadn’t used it for a while, the wheel to control the speed steps is playing up, the numbers increase then all of a sudden they jump from 9 back to 2 when increasing the speed, of course the loco slows down as well, a pain in the ars. Now I have a Roco Z21 advanced DCC controller, using the app is much easier to control loco’s, you just tap the picture of the loco you want to control, no typing in an address to change to a different loco, it’s the same for the points , touch the one you want to switch and it switches. Great to see you back home again 😊. Take care, regards Gary 😊🍻
LOL...me too Richard, you should of seen the mess of wiring I removed to install this! All very good until it stops working...then you can't switch a turnout! But it is pretty cool to throw a switch remotely. Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Neil! They are a good bang for the buck and the fact that you can use them from the cab is a bonus! Tortoise are a great machine and I'm happy to buy US made too! Cheers Gregg.
I changed my old switch 8 for the Mk2 few few months ago ( did a video on it!😀). They are very good. I also fitted the button board on to my layout diagram. It's so much easier for people at exhibitions to just flick the switch than to keep explaining press this button, press that button etc. After 8 hours the fun wears off!. Sorry, just one more thing, you forgot to mention to change the power input switch on the board to DC if your running off external power supply. Keith
Hi Keith, I haven't used the old version, but I like the button board option on the MK2. I did think of getting the button board as well , but it doesn't send a input to JMRI to say the turnout is thrown, but if you don't wan't that it's a great idea, as you say you don't wan't people pushing buttons on cabs!! Yes , I forgot the DC-DCC switch! Thanks for watching. Cheers Gregg.
I allow .5 amp per switch 8. have one district that has 4 in it. You have to watch it. If I did it over would run a switch power buss. IE Track buss for switches off of separate booster. Or on the MK 2 use to outside power supply.
Hello Greg, very useful and certainly one I will keep coming back to. In an earlier video, you explained Swiss cheese. Linking Swiss cheese and switch 8, do you think there would be any electrical risks from using a switch 8 to operate turnouts in different power districts? Thanks, Bob
Hi Bob, glad you liked the video and thanks for the positive comments! There is no risk in running turnouts in different power districts, as you are not connecting the Switch 8 "back" to any tracks, only to the turnout motors. The only hassle is if the power district that runs the switch 8 trips, you loose power to the turnout motors, which isn't a big deal unless you're throwing a switch when the power trips. The way a lot of people go , is to have another power district just for the Switch 8 decoders, so all the turnouts are on a separate power supply. Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg , very good info when I go to DCC ,Im not really looking forward to the tare down but it will need to be done. Im just about to start making my own ground cover , static grass and Underbrush .iwillletyou know how it turns out . As bets buying this stuff from Woodlands Scenic , I what I save can buy me a New SD45T -2 Bloody Nose . Regards Shaun
Thank you for making it simple and clear. Looks like it’s going to be on the list to purchase! Lol. How’s the landscaping going. A majority of my benchwork is finished. Hope it’s staying cool down under. Great video! Terry from Nebraska.
You're welcome Terry! Gee you're coming along with the layout!! How big is the room again? These are even better value in the US, you have to sell a child to get them down here..LOL. No scenery work as yet, have been tidying up the layout wiring and bits and pieces getting ready for a visit from some AMRA / NMRA geezers in a couple of weeks!! More on that coming up soon :-). Days are nice here now, not too hot or cold! Cheers Gregg.
Gregg great coverage of the MK 2 I have 8 Switch 8s on layout and they are all old type and tie in Switch 8s and Switch it though mini panel to control switches off of buttons. They have a marco written to throw switches in a set order. Using the trigger connections on switch its, I know for a fact do not report to command station of the action. Do not know about the MK 2. If does not report then if you have control panel you will not know if switch is thrown. That is why I use the mini panel for those that I use a button or DTCOMCS switch. It triggers instructions in mini panel which reports to command station. HAD Big lighting strike EMP. Command Station, 10 switch its, One AIU 01 and still waiting to find out about two mini panels as do not have current e prom that has that info on it running the RR. Using original System One unit. Tons of other damage. iF YOU HAVE A JMRI PANEL YOU CAN SWITCH THE POLARITY IN THE COMPUTER. I am throwing up to three switches at once off of one decoder in a marco for a latter in a yard.
Thank you Art...a big rap coming from you, my "Go to" man for NCE-JMRI info! I can't remember if the Button board is smart enough to send info to JMRI? Thats bad news about the strike, I unplug the layout when I go away but not when I'm home! Did a course at work on lightning strikes...very hard to stop them in domestic situations and we spend thousands trying to protect signals and interlocking in the field. I hope you can claim some on insurance? So you can change polarity on JMRI, I thought you could but not sure. I did mention you in my first take,, but wasn't happy with the lighting so did that part again and forgot...but I did add your details in the description sir. Thanks again for your knowledge and how you explain it Art. Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Vinny! The Cobalts have a decoder built in and I'm not sure how much they draw either? I prefer to use Tortoise machines that are "dumb" but reliable. Cheers Gregg.
How are you doing I miss seeing you on UA-cam. Are you still working on the railroad in Australia? And are you working on your layout at all ? I'm working on my layout again I'm just cleaning up the garage what a mass . Again hope you are doing well. From Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah.
Hi Neil, Thanks for stopping by! I'm still working on the railroad....just about over the shift work , and looking forward to building my house in Stirling, hopefully next year when building prices get more reasonable? Not doing much on the layout, as I'll be pulling it down to move. I do have some video to edit, but my Airbnb is so busy I havent had time to do it. I'm heading back down to Stirling in Oct, so i'll have more footage of trains in the Adelaide Hills coming up. Hope all is good up in beautiful Utah, and get stuck in to the layout! Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks for your notes I'm very glad you are doing well. Hopefully next year on your home just $$$$$$ it's hard to get. I'll try to send you some photos of my digatrack dcc system ok. Again it is really good to text with you. We got snow here in mountain,s Well take care of yourself from Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah.
Thanks for this Gregg. I'm still catching up on all of your videos. I'm getting a Switch 8. Have you tried a WFD 30 from Wifitrax - an Australian product. Allows train and accessory control via phone or tablet app via WiFi instead of the clunky old NCE Pro Cab. JMRI and internet connection not necessary either. A lot cheaper and user friendly than buying extra Cabs and ports etc and a good compromise without going to a laptop, JMRI etc.
Thanks Peter! I'm glad you're enjoy the videos and I appreciate the support. I was actually looking at the WFD30 this week, as I have to send a cab back to Gary at MRRC to get a screen replaced. It looks like a good idea to get extra throttles , but I prefer to have a tactile feel from a controller, as I run my trains a specific way and need to feel resistance on the controls. But it would be handy to have a walk around cab and this is much cheaper than a NCE radio set up! So I think I'll get one when I get the Procab repaired. Cheers Gregg.
you mentioned running two tortoises off of one post,,,,is it possible when your using two turnouts for a crossover?,,,,I want both switches to open and close at the same time
I have another question Gregg,,,,,,if I double up on these crossovers will I be able to program the two conjoined switch tracks independently?,,,,,,,what if I want to have one switch open and one remain closed,,,,am I saying this right,,,,,hope you understand,,,,
Hi Nina, if both are on the same output, then only 1 address is possible. If you want to switch them independently, then they need two outputs. But you should always switch a crossover together. Gregg :-)
Hey Gregg how would you suggest doing a double crossover? Would doubling up 2 channels each, and programming the 2 channels the same address be viable?
Thats exactly right Sir! I n real life, that would probably be 2 switch numbers, one to cross in one direction, and another number to cross in the opposite but if you want 4 machines to switch at once , thats how to do it! I tried doubling an address and it worked. Cheers Gregg,
Hi Gregg, would love to meet sometime and discuss layout stuff, are you going for operational or just a scenic type of layout? I'm still debating whether I go nce, arduino or cmri route with my layout logic! Decision's decision's!!
Hi Byron, you're welcome to come for a visit next time you're in Brisbane, just let me know a few days out as I work shifts. I think I'll go with JMRI as the NCE gear matches up nicely but that is a way off yet?. Look forward to catching up. Cheers Gregg.
Yes Terry, pretty cool but it all costs money..LOL. They work with all (most)DCC systems, it's just a decoder screwed to the layout so just like a loco! Thanks for watching sir. Gregg.
Thanks Marten. There is plenty of space for two sets of ( not large ones)wires for a crossover, but you would normally run wires to the first machine then from that to the next one. If you prefer to run both machines out of the module, you can get the wires in there. Cheers Gregg.
i'm not into model trains like you people are so i probably don't know what i'm talking about. you commented about voltage drop while the device is switching, if i understood it correctly. your comments seem to imply the drop is unexpected. is it possible the makers saw some sense to install a 'soft start ' function into the circuits like on some modern power tools like angle grinders. it may help make components last longer possibly or not destroy something if it is jammed in place. there seems to be a lot of computing power on that board for what it seems designed to do.
Hi , thanks for watching. The voltage actually rises while switching, then drops to 10 volts, so it is like a "soft start" and hold feature? The board is quiet smart and can do many functions so I would not be surprised , but seeing the voltage did surprise me . Cheers Gregg.
Twisting wires helps with interference and also keeps things tidy. I wire things for a living so neatness is a habit , even though this wiring is very average..LOL
@@FishplateFilms thank you again Gregg,,,,,my grandson and I are starting a train layout and we watch your tutorial's eagerly,,,,,he likes the way you teach,,,,you're a real hoot!!
@@ninascroggins2481 That's great Nina , I'm glad you both enjoy the videos and learn something from them! All the layout updates have some tips in them , apart from me talking too much..LOL.
Your video was entertaining and direct. Certainly helpful with some humor mixed in. Kudos
Thank you Coof bear! Glad you enjoy them.
Cheers Gregg.
THANK YOU...for sharing. You explain everything so clearly. A simple man like myself can understand it clearly. Gary
Thanks Gary! Thats because a simple man is explaining it.LOL
Glad you got some tips from the video.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, as always another great informative video. You helped swaying me into ordering a switch 8 plus board, also the add on button board. I look forward to seeing an update video of your layout. Kind regards Gerry
Hi Gary, thanks for watching and I hope the SW8 went well for you.
CHeers Gregg.
Thanks Gregg for another great video. I always look forward to your videos as you have helped me fine tune all of my loco's and I also like to have my trains as prototypical as possible thanks again my friend
You're welcome Matthew! I'm glad you have your locos running how you want them and I appreciate the kind words. More on tuning Tsunami 1 & 2 on the way!
Cheers Gregg.
As I mentioned had lighting strike have to replace 8 switch Its. They came in mail today. Switch it MK 2. So will be doing a video on them. But your video is a big help they have many of the same features you demonstrate.
Hi Art' . You got them quick! They cost almost double down here...I get my from MB Klein and even with crazy postage and dollar drop, still cheaper than here???. I guess the next thing for me is a AIU and watching more of your videos on making a panel..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks, you have answered my query and given much more. It is greatly appreciated. Richard, Tasmania
You're welcome Richard! Glad you got some useful tips.
Cheers Gregg.
Nice video! It's great to see how your layout is coming along. Liked!
Thank you ! Glad to see you enjoy the Birdwood Sub creeping along..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, an interesting video. My NCE power Cab started playing up after I hadn’t used it for a while, the wheel to control the speed steps is playing up, the numbers increase then all of a sudden they jump from 9 back to 2 when increasing the speed, of course the loco slows down as well, a pain in the ars.
Now I have a Roco Z21 advanced DCC controller, using the app is much easier to control loco’s, you just tap the picture of the loco you want to control, no typing in an address to change to a different loco, it’s the same for the points , touch the one you want to switch and it switches.
Great to see you back home again 😊. Take care, regards Gary 😊🍻
I'm old fashioned and use 'analog' DTDP switches! But what the heck, I'll give one a go, but only because I like you!
LOL...me too Richard, you should of seen the mess of wiring I removed to install this! All very good until it stops working...then you can't switch a turnout! But it is pretty cool to throw a switch remotely.
Cheers Gregg.
Great video, that is a great way to control your turn outs,i use colbolt with decoders in them,thanks for sharing....
Thank you ! Thats why you can't use Cobalt's with these, due to the decoders. Now building a JMRI panel is another story..LOL
Cheers Gregg
Great video mate Just about to order 12 tortoise so the switch 8s will be a next purchase
Neil
Thanks Neil! They are a good bang for the buck and the fact that you can use them from the cab is a bonus! Tortoise are a great machine and I'm happy to buy US made too!
Cheers Gregg.
I changed my old switch 8 for the Mk2 few few months ago ( did a video on it!😀). They are very good. I also fitted the button board on to my layout diagram. It's so much easier for people at exhibitions to just flick the switch than to keep explaining press this button, press that button etc. After 8 hours the fun wears off!.
Sorry, just one more thing, you forgot to mention to change the power input switch on the board to DC if your running off external power supply. Keith
Hi Keith, I haven't used the old version, but I like the button board option on the MK2. I did think of getting the button board as well , but it doesn't send a input to JMRI to say the turnout is thrown, but if you don't wan't that it's a great idea, as you say you don't wan't people pushing buttons on cabs!! Yes , I forgot the DC-DCC switch!
Thanks for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
That is a very nice device
It is Joe, and I'm only scratching the surface of how to use it.
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
I allow .5 amp per switch 8. have one district that has 4 in it. You have to watch it. If I did it over would run a switch power buss. IE Track buss for switches off of separate booster. Or on the MK 2 use to outside power supply.
Hello Greg, very useful and certainly one I will keep coming back to.
In an earlier video, you explained Swiss cheese. Linking Swiss cheese and switch 8, do you think there would be any electrical risks from using a switch 8 to operate turnouts in different power districts?
Thanks,
Bob
Hi Bob, glad you liked the video and thanks for the positive comments! There is no risk in running turnouts in different power districts, as you are not connecting the Switch 8 "back" to any tracks, only to the turnout motors. The only hassle is if the power district that runs the switch 8 trips, you loose power to the turnout motors, which isn't a big deal unless you're throwing a switch when the power trips. The way a lot of people go , is to have another power district just for the Switch 8 decoders, so all the turnouts are on a separate power supply.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg , very good info when I go to DCC ,Im not really looking forward to the tare down but it will need to be done.
Im just about to start making my own ground cover , static grass and Underbrush .iwillletyou know how it turns out .
As bets buying this stuff from Woodlands Scenic , I what I save can buy me a New SD45T -2 Bloody Nose .
Regards
Shaun
Thank you for making it simple and clear. Looks like it’s going to be on the list to purchase! Lol. How’s the landscaping going. A majority of my benchwork is finished. Hope it’s staying cool down under. Great video! Terry from Nebraska.
You're welcome Terry! Gee you're coming along with the layout!! How big is the room again?
These are even better value in the US, you have to sell a child to get them down here..LOL.
No scenery work as yet, have been tidying up the layout wiring and bits and pieces getting ready for a visit from some AMRA / NMRA geezers in a couple of weeks!! More on that coming up soon :-). Days are nice here now, not too hot or cold!
Cheers Gregg.
Awesome thanks for sharing my friend.
Thanks Chris! Glad you liked it .
Gregg.
Gregg great coverage of the MK 2 I have 8 Switch 8s on layout and they are all old type and tie in Switch 8s and Switch it though mini panel to control switches off of buttons. They have a marco written to throw switches in a set order. Using the trigger connections on switch its, I know for a fact do not report to command station of the action. Do not know about the MK 2. If does not report then if you have control panel you will not know if switch is thrown. That is why I use the mini panel for those that I use a button or DTCOMCS switch. It triggers instructions in mini panel which reports to command station. HAD Big lighting strike EMP. Command Station, 10 switch its, One AIU 01 and still waiting to find out about two mini panels as do not have current e prom that has that info on it running the RR. Using original System One unit. Tons of other damage. iF YOU HAVE A JMRI PANEL YOU CAN SWITCH THE POLARITY IN THE COMPUTER. I am throwing up to three switches at once off of one decoder in a marco for a latter in a yard.
Thank you Art...a big rap coming from you, my "Go to" man for NCE-JMRI info! I can't remember if the Button board is smart enough to send info to JMRI?
Thats bad news about the strike, I unplug the layout when I go away but not when I'm home! Did a course at work on lightning strikes...very hard to stop them in domestic situations and we spend thousands trying to protect signals and interlocking in the field.
I hope you can claim some on insurance? So you can change polarity on JMRI, I thought you could but not sure. I did mention you in my first take,, but wasn't happy with the lighting so did that part again and forgot...but I did add your details in the description sir.
Thanks again for your knowledge and how you explain it Art.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Greg great stuff. I have some of these and want to know if they are compatable with the Z21 dcc system
If it is a standard DCC system, then I think they should be Peter? Best to check with NCE!
Gregg.
Thanks Gregg
You'e welcome Shazza!
Gregg :-)
hi Gregg... great review of the MK 2 ... just curious as to why it won't work with Cobalt... thanks for sharing... vinny
Thanks Vinny! The Cobalts have a decoder built in and I'm not sure how much they draw either?
I prefer to use Tortoise machines that are "dumb" but reliable.
Cheers Gregg.
How are you doing I miss seeing you on UA-cam.
Are you still working on the railroad in Australia?
And are you working on your layout at all ?
I'm working on my layout again I'm just cleaning up the garage what a mass .
Again hope you are doing well.
From Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for stopping by! I'm still working on the railroad....just about over the shift work , and looking forward to building my house in Stirling, hopefully next year when building prices get more reasonable?
Not doing much on the layout, as I'll be pulling it down to move. I do have some video to edit, but my Airbnb is so busy I havent had time to do it. I'm heading back down to Stirling in Oct, so i'll have more footage of trains in the Adelaide Hills coming up.
Hope all is good up in beautiful Utah, and get stuck in to the layout!
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks for your notes I'm very glad you are doing well.
Hopefully next year on your home just $$$$$$ it's hard to get.
I'll try to send you some photos of my digatrack dcc system ok.
Again it is really good to text with you.
We got snow here in mountain,s
Well take care of yourself from Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah.
Thanks for this Gregg. I'm still catching up on all of your videos. I'm getting a Switch 8. Have you tried a WFD 30 from Wifitrax - an Australian product. Allows train and accessory control via phone or tablet app via WiFi instead of the clunky old NCE Pro Cab. JMRI and internet connection not necessary either. A lot cheaper and user friendly than buying extra Cabs and ports etc and a good compromise without going to a laptop, JMRI etc.
Thanks Peter! I'm glad you're enjoy the videos and I appreciate the support. I was actually looking at the WFD30 this week, as I have to send a cab back to Gary at MRRC to get a screen replaced. It looks like a good idea to get extra throttles , but I prefer to have a tactile feel from a controller, as I run my trains a specific way and need to feel resistance on the controls. But it would be handy to have a walk around cab and this is much cheaper than a NCE radio set up! So I think I'll get one when I get the Procab repaired.
Cheers Gregg.
Good job thank you
Thanks John! Appreciate the support.
Cheers Gregg.
you mentioned running two tortoises off of one post,,,,is it possible when your using two turnouts for a crossover?,,,,I want both switches to open and close at the same time
Yes Nina , no worries at all!
Gregg.
I have another question Gregg,,,,,,if I double up on these crossovers will I be able to program the two conjoined switch tracks independently?,,,,,,,what if I want to have one switch open and one remain closed,,,,am I saying this right,,,,,hope you understand,,,,
Hi Nina, if both are on the same output, then only 1 address is possible. If you want to switch them independently, then they need two outputs. But you should always switch a crossover together.
Gregg :-)
Hey Gregg how would you suggest doing a double crossover? Would doubling up 2 channels each, and programming the 2 channels the same address be viable?
Thats exactly right Sir! I n real life, that would probably be 2 switch numbers, one to cross in one direction, and another number to cross in the opposite but if you want 4 machines to switch at once , thats how to do it! I tried doubling an address and it worked.
Cheers Gregg,
Hi Gregg, would love to meet sometime and discuss layout stuff, are you going for operational or just a scenic type of layout? I'm still debating whether I go nce, arduino or cmri route with my layout logic! Decision's decision's!!
Hi Byron, you're welcome to come for a visit next time you're in Brisbane, just let me know a few days out as I work shifts. I think I'll go with JMRI as the NCE gear matches up nicely but that is a way off yet?.
Look forward to catching up.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms I live in boondall and have most weekends off, so any time that suits you is fine with me! 😀
Ok , send me a PM and I'll give you my contact details.
Gregg :-)
@@FishplateFilms how do I send you a PM?🤔
I'll let you know, they recently changed how you do it!!
So that means you have 110 switches?
Can the Switch 8 switch KATO Turnouts or can they only be switch by NCEs SwitchKat.. Modual
Thanks Fish. Allen..
Hi Allen, I am not familiar with Kato turnouts, so I can't say yes or no..sorry about that.
Gregg .
if I run two switches for my crossover how would I assign addresses to the combination?
Hi Nina, you connect both machines to one output and address that output. Crossovers have a common number as they both switch together.
Gregg.
hi Gregg, very cool! Isn't technology great? I don't use NCE, but very good information. Thanks, Terry
Yes Terry, pretty cool but it all costs money..LOL. They work with all (most)DCC systems, it's just a decoder screwed to the layout so just like a loco!
Thanks for watching sir.
Gregg.
I didn't think about that. Oops. It's all together anyway, thanks.
No worries Marten, there is always different ways to wire up something!
Nice product. My only complaint-they don't give you much room for 2 sets of wires crossovers
Thanks Marten. There is plenty of space for two sets of ( not large ones)wires for a crossover, but you would normally run wires to the first machine then from that to the next one. If you prefer to run both machines out of the module, you can get the wires in there.
Cheers Gregg.
i'm not into model trains like you people are so i probably don't know what i'm talking about. you commented about voltage drop while the device is switching, if i understood it correctly. your comments seem to imply the drop is unexpected. is it possible the makers saw some sense to install a 'soft start ' function into the circuits like on some modern power tools like angle grinders. it may help make components last longer possibly or not destroy something if it is jammed in place. there seems to be a lot of computing power on that board for what it seems designed to do.
Hi , thanks for watching. The voltage actually rises while switching, then drops to 10 volts, so it is like a "soft start" and hold feature? The board is quiet smart and can do many functions so I would not be surprised , but seeing the voltage did surprise me .
Cheers Gregg.
hello again Gregg,,,,,,I noticed that you have all your wiring twisted and all wrapped together,,,,,,what is the common reasoning for this?
Twisting wires helps with interference and also keeps things tidy. I wire things for a living so neatness is a habit , even though this wiring is very average..LOL
@@FishplateFilms thank you again Gregg,,,,,my grandson and I are starting a train layout and we watch your tutorial's eagerly,,,,,he likes the way you teach,,,,you're a real hoot!!
@@ninascroggins2481 That's great Nina , I'm glad you both enjoy the videos and learn something from them! All the layout updates have some tips in them , apart from me talking too much..LOL.
The strike EMP event put charge on wires cable, ethernet, house, and RR wires turning off would not have helped in this case.
It's a big problem, thats why I unplug the layout when I go away for a few days or more.
I need to communicate with you. Will look to see if i have your e mail. I can be great help to you.
Ok Arthur, I think you do as I used to get GP updates.
Got you email thanks. This is the Switch it MK2 ua-cam.com/video/QYPPEsHbuiE/v-deo.html