Quadraphonic stereo. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Hi All,
The last few days, I’ve focused on finishing the wiring, mainly cleaning up the DCC power cables, installing two new DCC (NCE) repeater-antennas, and installing the under-deck lighting.
The lights are cheaper “off-road” LED units, intended to be installed on a roll bar I suppose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EMS9KSI
Though advertised at 18 watt (1.5A @ 12v), I’m measuring about .56A per unit, so 6.7 watts. So they aren’t the brightest. That said, they do nicely for my purposes here. My wife and I went out to see how they looked last night, when it was good and dark, and the area seemed lit up just fine, well enough to move trains around and get them into the barn ok.
To power these, I went with a 10A LED power supply. I had started with a 6A PS, but I didn’t like how close to the edge the current was, so I replaced it with this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IF4WYOS
BTW, don’t try dimming regular power supplies with X10 lamp modules. Ask me how I know. You have to get dimmable power supplies, and even then it’s a you’re-on-your-own and test-it-for-yourself matter, as far as X10 is concerned.
Here’s the general arrangement, with lights at each post. I also put tape light in the cabinet (3 rows adhered to a piece of angle which was then screwed into place).
The control method for both the DCC and lights is X10. Both plug into X10 “appliance modules,” though the DCC stack needed an X10 noise filter as well. Eventually there will be other X10-controlled subsystems, such as model building lighting.
Here is the (wireless) X10 control handheld, installed with a bit of velcro to its waterproof Bud box. There is one of these at either end of the deck.
So, I guess that concludes this under-the-deck project. Maybe next year I’ll add to the “ceiling,” we’ll see. For the remainder of this season though, I need to clean the layout and get trains running. We have a neighborhood open house a month from now, and I have lots to do for that!
Thanks for viewing, and David, you bet, quad’s the ticket!
===>Cliffy
Sure beats carrying everything out, then carrying it all back in again, don’t it?..(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Thanks Cliff!
I enjoyed this journey and it’s right up!
Hey Ken, hey Sean, thanks so much! The interaction with you guys and other friends here through all this has definitely been an encouragement for me. So, thanks!!
Cliff, I’ve been following this project all along and I have to say it would be a dream come true kind of thing for me…kinda like guys finishing their basements into home theaters and that kind of project. It’s so well done, the craftsmanship is so professional, and the details are all carried through to finish. It’s spectacular. I want one!!!
Yeah Cliff, I second John’s I want one, but first I need a new house, a tall deck , and the space for all that awesomeness. Great job!
Wow, thanks Joe, that’s mighty generous! I don’t know what to say, except, well, thanks!!
Pete, thanks very much. I’m sure you have many spaces of awesomeness in your layout, but thanks for referring to my project in those kinds of terms.
I’ve had a very long work session, 14 hours… and I needed someone to “make my day.” You guys just did, so thanks!! (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)
