How to get started?

[Frogman]

Dave-thank for your feedback. I've gone through the connection already, but I will go through them again to look for any tabs that bent back. I've connected all the track with the red track connector to ensure the best contact. Yes I have two that do not close completely or do not met flush.
Its the single lane change before the pit lane that has an issue, I hope the tab will solve that issue. The track needs the tabs for sure, I can see the power loss when running multiple cars.
The power increases as it comes closer to the CU, P11 and P12 shows this increase.

Does it make any difference if taking the power from the track before the CU to the terminal strip, if the pit lane single tracks are use? As you can see from the photo, my pit lane starts before the CU? After has my controllers.


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[dw5555]

Am I understanding that that you have power issues just before your CU? Ok so I don't have to read back thru and I get you and T mixed up, are you using aftermarket or factory power supply? Taking power from the track before shouldn't be an issue. Am I also understanding you are only taking your power from 1 lane to your power terminal?

[Frogman]

Dave-I'm the one you sent the caps to, I'm install power tabs. I'm using the Carrera PU but will change over to a variable PU. I was told to power the terminal block/strip from a power tab, either before or after the CU. I assume you take the power from both lanes, vice one? My question is, does it matter if the it's from the track that starts the pit lane. They are two single lane tracks vice one full track.

BigT is the one with all the power issues!

[dw5555]

It will probably be ok taking it from the single lane track away from the pit lane. Just stay away from the pit lane. So you are going to be taking power from one lane, running it to a terminal and then jumper out from there? When you run your jumpers from the terminal to the track are you going to jumper across to the other lane or run a separate jumper to the other lane? There is a reason for asking.

[dw5555]

I just came across this pic on FB and it shows a good way of doing it. I know you don't want to drill any holes in the table just yet but you get the idea. This is why I was asking about jumping each lane. If you are going to jumper each lane like this (keeping them separate) then you also need to get power taps from the 2nd lane also. I think you have another straight track after your controllers before the pit lane exits. I would take my jumpers from there. This is also a GREAT way of confirming the connections between each track as you can visually see them.
taps.jpg

[Frogman]

Now that is a lot of red connectors. Dave-as you can see the track after the CU is my powered controller track. It is already setup with wires and a cover plate. I plan to jumper each lane and it's set for digital and not analog. So, the track before/after is wired the same as the other tracks with power tabs?

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[Frogman]

TV wall mount arrived, installed it and hung the old 40" TV for race management. Waiting on the tablet to arrive to download SmartRace and work through the setup. I need to call the electrician and have an outlet installed behind the TV. Built a shelf for the VPU and the surge protector. Carpeted the shelf and painted the supports to make it blind in. Bad photo to show how it sets back from the front, but easy to turn on/off.

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[BigT]

Looking good frogman , should be getting a package of track today and a cpl more 1/24 cars. Finally going to be moving forward on my layout. Keep up the good work it keeps me inspired through my track drought days :-).

[dw5555]

I think you have another straight track after your controllers before the pit lane exits. I would take my jumpers from there.
taps.jpg

I don't see a clear pic of that area.

[Frogman]

Will take another photo of CU and track leading up and after. Finished putting together the roller stool and the first of two cabinets for storage. Stool adjust height to above table, good for sitting and racing.


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[BigT]

Very nice, really like that drawer do you mind if I ask where you picked that up ? Looks like perfect car storage

[dw5555]

Lets put it this way, put your taps in the 1st available track that's not a lane changer or adapter track if you don't want to take off the back.

[Frogman]

Online from amazon; Winsome Halifax Storage/Organization, 5-drawer $83.99.

[BigT]

nice i may need one in the future thanks

[Frogman]

Progress! Tablet up and running. I hate being dumb, it takes me forever to work with computers. Downloaded Carrere App, Carrera Connect, and bought SmartRace. Updated the CU with Carrera App, I wish someone told me that was required. Named my track, and stopped. I know I need to add a ton of stuff, what?

How do you screen cast to the TV? I'm going to use my google chromecast toggle.