I have an old HO layout/diorama that I want to keep running.
I want test track and programming tracks on my work bench.
I’d like to run all this off my Zephyr, but they don’t even need to run all at once. And I don’t want wires running all over the floor. The two layouts would be about 5’ apart and the workbench would be about 40ft away.
A plug system would be good, but I will need 4 wires for the track/program tracks and loconet.
Putting the Zephyr on the bench would cut down 2 wires for the programming track.
I would say mount the Zephyr on one of the layouts and then run a pair of wires to your workbench. Use decent guage wire as you need to minimize signal loss and run them along the wall. This is assuming you use your layout more than you use the program track.
What else do you have (throttles, etc.)? The Zephyr is designed to sit in one place, i.e., not a handheld throttle.
I run my layout with a Prodigy Advance and the handheld throttle (and other features) really work well for me.
For my bench (in a separate room, down the hall); I bought a Zephyr and LocoBuffer-USB so that I could use the computer for programming. I also got a programming buffer/booster so that it could handle Tsunami decoders.
If you like the Zephyr for your layout, use it there and just get something else for your bench area ( Like a NCE or even another Zephyr) that is low in cost and still strong in features. You could move the Zephyr to the bench and get another system, with handheld throttle, for the layout. Any “good” system should handle the two side-by-side layouts without much problem.
There are really two separate issues here. One is joining the two layouts with out a trip cord–unless I need it. The loconet has a connector, but I need some other type of plug for the track wiring–something that is durable.
You hit the nail on the head with the Zephyr. I have the stuff for computer programming, interface, etc. but my spare computer will sit better on the workbench than near the layout. I have a UT1, a UT4 and a DT4 throttles, so I really don’t need the unit under my layout. I was thinking of putting the Zephyr on the bench and running the loconet and track power through the ceiling to the layout.
I could get a second Zephyr, but I’m cheap (read another engine or 15 turnouts would be better money spent.)
Right, if you put the Zephyr on the bench then you need to run Loconet and a pair of wires for track power back to your layout. Loconet is a 6 conductor cable. Most often flat telephone cable but I’ve used Cat5 cable and crimped my own ends. You should install a jack(s) on your layout to plug the throttles into. A UP5 or a UR90 or UR91 (wireless of infared) would work. Did you mean a DT400 ? I am not sure what a DT4 is. I don’t know of a way to get less wires. Digitrax doesn’t make a wireless Loconet extender yet that I am aware of. It would be nice if the UR91s could talk to each other and bridge Loconet across radios.
I did mean DT400. I have 3 UP5s and I have a crimping tool from my previous life works great. .
Do they make a heavier duty phone line for the long run of the loconet, or is it even necessary. I have enough romex to make the power run.
Still my main question is still the plug. What kind of easy plug system is availible. The easiest would be a 110 socket and pigtail, but I don’t want that confused with power for obvious reasons.
As long as you are not using the track power out of the loconet cable I don’t think length there will be any problem. As far as a connector goes you could look at Radio Shack (more expensive, fewer choices, but possibly quicker, if they have something) or look at http://www.digikey.com or http://www.mouser.com and see what you can find. There will be more choices than you can stand, but not necessarily easy to find. Maybe something from these pages: http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T071/0164-0167.pdf
Easy solution: Go to an auto-parts store and get three sets of trailer connectors that have four conductors each. If you can get the individual male/female halves of the connectors, get one female and three male.
Put a female half of a connector on the Zephyr. Then put a male half of a connector on each of the layouts and on your workbench wiring.
You’ll only use two of the conductors on the male halves on the layouts (no programming track) but that’s okay. Just cut off the extra wires to avoid possible shorts.
I re-read your post to be sure of what the plug or plugs would be used for. Obviously, on 110 volt power, you’d have to stay with standard 110v equipment. I took it to mean that you wanted to be able to unplug the layout wiring between your layout(s) and workbench.
Here’s my thoughts: if you are going to be using the power at your workbench more often than on the layout, locate the Zephyr unit on the workbench; otherwise, put it on the layout. Use at least 14 ga or 16 ga wire to run from the layout to the workbench and install a Loconet unit at the workbench. Then you should be able to leave the Zephyr unit turned on to power the test/program track at the workbench and control those tracks with a plug-in throttle right at the bench.
Take a tour through your local Radio Shack. I’m sure they will have low-voltage plugs of all types. Any of those should work for your application. If you are able to conceal the wiring in the ceiling, that would reduce the tripping hazard.
What you want to do is not impossible and it makes good sense to be able to use the Zephyr at both locations and avoid the expense of another unit.
I scond the 4-pin trailer plugs. At all costs, DO NOT EVER use regular AC plugs and sockets for a low-voltage function. Besides being potentially VERY dangerous if someone mistakes one outlet for the other, I believe it also violates every electrical code in existence.
You can attach pretty hefty wire so the trailer plugs, so the distance shouldn’t be a problem.
Put the Zephyr at the workbench. Run Loconet and track power to the layouts. This is all “permanent” wire in whatever way works for you (ceiling, walls, etc.).
At the layout(s) you will have track power and loconet (several loconet outlets for throttles). If you end up running out of track power, just install a booster on the layout. I would run 10 gage for track power (just to be safe); however, 12 gage would probably be just fine.
Now you have both layouts and the bench and no connectors (other than what is on the throttles that plug into the loconet). This is a little more time consuming than plugs; but you end up with all functions and no clutter.
Just as an afterthought: If you have fluorescent lighting, make sure you keep your loconet cables a few feet away from them. Its not a complete guarantee but fluorescents are well known for screwing with any kind of networking.