We compile a FAQ similar to wiring for DCC? Maybe a sticky post?
I would be willing to contribute.
Suggested sections
Any other ideas?
That looks like a great bunch of topics to start with, how about Adding Control Pannel Design. Do’s and Don’ts? Types of switches and what to use for what? Just a few idea’s. [2c]
While we are at it — how about a sticky on electrical/electrictronic soldering? Been doing it for nearly 50 years and it’s not hard — but many seem to be afraid of it. And no, I don’t feel qualified to do a write up on how to [:-^]
John in the cold cow pasture
Just a couple of thoughts:
Powering and controlling structure lighting.
Animation ideas: design, power and control.
Plus all the rolling stock propulsion ideas already mentioned.
Sometimes we overlook the models that DON’T run on flanged wheels.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
And if possible a blow by blow description of adding decoders to different units ( especially converting older units) Call it ? converting old units ?
I like these ideas—
and it would be helpful if the subject clearly identified the topic, makes hunting needed info so much easier.
Hi Everyone!
Just to chime in here for a minute. While I think the “stickies” idea is a terrific one - in all reaility, the implementing (and maintaining) of it will be the difficult part.
If we have too many “stickies” on the first page, the regular threads probably wouldn’t show up till pg. 2. That might confuse folks who are visiting the new forum for the first time; thinking that it doesn’t get much traffic because they see all the same threads on pg. 1.
Perhaps a suggestion, if I may. Post the helpful threads as you normally do but maybe have a AggroJones-type “Compilation of REALLY useful [DCC or Electronics] threads” thread that contains the links to those specific threads.
Having it as a “sticky” at the top of pg. 1 would probably be premature. However, having it as a “floating” thread that gets brought up to the top on a regular basis might work. Someone would have to take the initiative and post those links in a thread. They would then themselves be responsible for editing it.
Before doing so, let me run it by Erik (Bergie) and get his input and insight first. In the meantime, continue to keep the ideas coming…[:)]
Tom
Perhaps I’d be willing to contribute an audio clip of the screaming and yelling that occurs when a loco stalls over my turnouts because I neglected to modify per wiringfordcc.com
I think this is great advice Tom. Let us know what Eric says and in the meantime guys keep those ideas coming. Anyone who want’s to contribute should start clicking keys in their word processors in preparation. I think the floating thread idea is fine as long as some of us take the bull by the horns and keep the thread on top of the pile. On the other hand, if Erik is willing, ONE or TWO sticky threads might be ok too.
Tom, what would you say is the best way to get valuable DCC/Electronic threads over here from the general and layout sections?
TIA.
DavidmBedard Just did a pictorial tutorial on How to use the Digitrax SFX sound decoder in multiple applications.
I thought it was awesome. It’s one I would like to see available here. [tup]
Electric and electronic basics do not change.
Instead of a ton of “stickys” I would suggest a single sticky at the top that explains to newcomers how to search all the previous threads for the subject on which you need help or advise.
Just a thought.
Kudos for getting this thread off the ground. Here is my [2c] for FAQs:
basic MRR circuit schematics (CDU’s, diode matrix, etc)
Lighting basics (LED’s, resistors, etc)
Basics of DCC install (typical BB install we’ve all attempted)
I’m sure there are more, but those were at the top of mind right now.
Great start to the new Electronics and DCC Forum!
And yes, I was wondering if there is a way to move some of the past “Oldie but Goody” DCC and electronic topic threads into the new Electronics and DCC Forum. There are plenty of topics already posted that would be great in here. If that is not possible or acceptable, I understand! Just an idea!
Well Tom,
What I was more or less suggesting is that we create one sticky with a table of contents. The table of contents links to various topics mixed in the regular threads. Sort of a directory of “How-To”
Would anybody like to volunteer for a topic? Like on electronics soldering? [(-D] Those who could post pictures and diagrams as well as text would be most helpful.
Oh how about “detection circuits” and “wiring for signaling” as a topic?
JKroft,I’m with you on the turnout stall thing. I know how to fix it but there’s only so many hours in the day. Besides I like to run steamers and the curse to operate ratio is already high.
I’m going to shoot a pm off to a mod and see what they say. If nothing else, WE can go through the somewhat daunting process of finding and recreating the threads over here by quoting them…I haven’t thought of any other solutions that would not require one of us being bestowed with temporary mod super powers. [:)]
BRILLIANT!!
[bow]
Guys, I am currently in a discussion with Tom, (tstage) about the feasibility of moving valuable threads here from the other forums. As soon as I know anything I’ll post it here.
I think with many threads the table of contents is a good idea, but in some cases where a thread may be ressurected for new discussion would it not be confusing to have the thread disappear back into the wastelands of general discussion rather than being found in the correct forum? How would a “newbie” search for the answer he needs in DCC/Electronics if the pertinent thread is in general or elsewhere? I’m confused already. [(-D]
With this idea in mind I would encourage all to make a list of threads - with links, that they believe should be moved to this forum. In the event that we can get some threads moved we will then have a compilation of threads we can whittle down to a must have list for submission to Eric,(Bergie) for approval. Just thinking out loud again. [:)]
By searching the table of contents in the sticky. But on the outside shot that his problem isn’t covered by the FAQ, I guess a new post wouldn’t hurt.