DCC power block tester
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:01 pm
After problems with telling if our modular power blocks and module joins are the same polarity, not helped by those using flying leads, please use well marked sockets! I decided to make up a simple tester. Other means of testing have shown that a bad contact can give a good result when it is really wrong.
The Tester is only 50mm x 35mm, has no batteries and just needs pressing down on the track across a board join.
I used four bi-colour LEDs across the two track ends and between the modules. On the back are four brass contacts and a plastic guide to locate it between the rails. To get the best indication loco 0 is selected and set to full speed.
Correct connection is shown when the left and right LEDs are on and the same colour (colour only works with loco 0) and the top and bottom LEDs are off. Reversed polarity is shown by all LEDs on and left and right colours different. Bad connection to the tracks is shown by either left or right LED off or all on and some dim.
The Tester is only 50mm x 35mm, has no batteries and just needs pressing down on the track across a board join.
I used four bi-colour LEDs across the two track ends and between the modules. On the back are four brass contacts and a plastic guide to locate it between the rails. To get the best indication loco 0 is selected and set to full speed.
Correct connection is shown when the left and right LEDs are on and the same colour (colour only works with loco 0) and the top and bottom LEDs are off. Reversed polarity is shown by all LEDs on and left and right colours different. Bad connection to the tracks is shown by either left or right LED off or all on and some dim.