Scattered Thoughts . . .

I decided to test the newly wired grade crossing signals for our small garden railroad here on our living room coffee table.  This way, if I happened to encounter a problem, I could figure out what is wrong without all the variables of installing it outdoors.  Doing this test in a controlled environment is the best option. I have a few circuit boards in this configuration that I should explain... First, the power is sourced from four AA rechargeable batteries in the black case pictured at right.   From there, the power goes to a voltage regulator.  I need the voltage to be a steady 3.0 volts for the new LED bulbs in the grade crossing signals.  This voltage regulator can be set to a wide range of output voltages but I need 3.0 volts so that is what I set it to.  The output terminals on the regulator circuit board run to a large momentary push button switch.  The kids can easily access this big button and hold it down to keep the grade crossing si...

I haven't written anything here in a week or two so I know I'm behind a bit when it comes to staying up to date about my health. I had last written about designing and building a new bridge for our garden railroad.  I still need to add a second coat of paint and then build the roadway surface but the weather has not been cooperating.  It has been too cold for painting and we've had rain, on and off, every day.  I really need a couple of completely dry days to finish this project. While I'm waiting for the weather to improve, I've mostly been indoors working on a few other little scenic things for the garden railroad.  I've also had to step up my daily physical therapy for my spinal injuries.  I was having a painful time walking around after those couple of days bending and crouching while working on the bridge!   So, I've been indoors working on rewiring a couple of grade crossing signals that I plan to add to the garden railroad.  These signals ...