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Minitrix SBB Re460 ‘Lok 2000’ update 1

Meanwhile, the first circuit boards have arrived that could be tested. These first tests were already very positive, the physical dimensions match well and many light functions already work well.

Unfortunately, there were also a few areas of concern. The speaker is unfortunately not the expected quality in this format. Furthermore, there was also a problem with the front and tail lights, they burned very softly due to a voltage difference in the circuit. This can also be seen in the pictures below.

In the new design, the problem has been fixed. Furthermore, the space for the speaker is also slightly enlarged, a suitable speaker has unfortunately not yet been found. But since a sound decoder, besides the availability, is still quite limiting with the usable functions. (Lokpilot 5 Micro: danger signal or cab lighting, Zimo MX: no danger signal or cab lighting, Zimo MS: no sound project) I chose to make a second design without speaker connection. The additional advantage of the new available space is the place for a flatcable connector on both sides. This will be used for the LED boards. Then the installation requires only one soldered wire!

Another update will follow when the new circuit boards arrive.

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Minitrix SBB Re460 ‘Lok 2000’

Several times I have been asked if I could develop something for the Re460 from Minitrix. Of course, these nice little locomotives already have a NEM651 socket from the factory, but like many other models it is one of those clamp plugs. Also, from the factory you are limited to front lights only. Something that is obviously out of date. Because I wanted to apply more than just additional marker lights I looked around for the different signal modes that this locomotive has in real life as well. During my search I ended up at the sound project of Mr. Heinz Daeppen. The documentation contained a lot of useful information. This information was also the inspiration for my design. This sound project, in combination with a Zimo MX sound decoder, I would also like to make working with my circuit boards. A sound file is also available from ESU for the Re460, so I have taken both sound decoders into account.

The old situation with the NEM651 plug. Left and right are still the old bulbs.

On the new circuit board is a NEXT18 socket, there is room for sound decoders up to 21mm in length. To the right of the decoder is room for a small 12 x 8mm speaker. The bulbs are replaced by an LED board. There are 2 two-color LEDs attached to this. The tail lights and two separate front lights. This allows the right front light to be switched separately from the rest. At the ends there are also side LEDs for cab lighting, this can be switched on with AUX5 if the front lights are also switched on. There are also 2 small LEDs for the top signal. The white one switches along with the front lights, the red one can be switched with AUX6 if the tail lights are turned on. Below tail lights and above a red signal is a danger signal in Switzerland. If a sound decoder is used, AUX5 and AUX6 can be connected separately.

Minitrix SBB Re 460 Lok 2000 upgrade set

Minitrix SBB Re 460 Lok 2000 upgrade set

In ontwikkeling

  • NEXT18
  • LED front- en sluitverlichting
  • Cabineverlichting
  • Verschillende Zwitserse seinbeelden mogelijk
  • Eenvoudige installatie

 

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Arnold V100 update

A long time ago I started working on the design for the Arnold V100. That project stalled for a while because I was looking for a 2nd model. By now I have this one and am testing again.

The installation requires some milling or filing, but the result is worth it. Thanks to the new space for a NEXT18 decoder, the front and new marker lights can be controlled separately. And as a bonus, an additional output for a cab LED.

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Spoorlight – Interior lighting for model railroads

General features:
✔️ 220uF capacitor for stable lighting
✔️ Potentiometer for adjustable brightness
✔️ No soldering required with Minitrix & Fleischmann

VariantPropertiesLengths
Universal NEasily customizable61mm – 160mm
MinitrixSimple installation without soldering (sliding pins on the chassis)150mm, 115mm
FleischmannSpecial screws, no soldering required150mm, 135mm, 120mm, 105mm
Roco/Fleischmann EurofimaCustomized circuit board150mm
Hobbytrain RailjetSteering set & set with 3 circuit boards for intermediate carriages
Small carriagesCompact printed circuit boards35mm, 50mm, 60mm
Double-decker coachSuitable for Jägerndorfer, Fleischmann & Minitrix. Warm white or cool white LEDs144mm (top)
90mm (bottom)

Further variants will follow. Suggestions are always welcome!

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Spoorlaar decoder tester

The Spoorlaar decoder tester SPLR6500 is one of my recent developments. I designed these specifically with N gauge in mind. Unlike the ESU testers, the SPLR6500 does have the AUX5&6 of the NEXT18 connected. Also on the SPLR6500 is an MTC14 jack! Everything is beautifully incorporated into a compact size of only 6 x 8 cm. And thanks to the expansion header, H0 riders need not worry, as expansions are on the horizon.

The first test with just a NEXT18
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Model railroad exhibition Nov. 9 in Houten

Just a few more nights of sleep and it’s that time again: Christmas morning… I mean of course the model railroad fair!

Of course I am present again together with the help. The products can be admired again and chats can be made. Orders can as always be picked up at the fair. Please indicate that then. Orders placed no later than Friday morning will be taken.

The exhibition track will of course also go with all the models. The “koploper” and “wadloper” will again make wonderful rounds. The 6400 will also be demonstrated, developments are going well.

The couplers are also going back in. Both the various N couplers and the H0 couplers. Unfortunately the stock of H0 will be a bit more limited, after additional testing some adjustments were still needed.

And of course I will also be selling the Train-O-Matic decoders. I use these myself in some show models, like the koploper and 1300.

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Delivery Fleischmann 1600 sets

The first ten Fleischmann 1600/1700/1800 sets have already been shipped. For now, just the NEM651 version. More to follow soon!

The kits now consist of a circuit board with decoder connector, 2 LED circuit boards, 2 noses and 2 light masks.

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Progress Minitrix MaK 6400 circuit boards 22/10/24

The first circuit boards has now been tested. In doing so I discovered that the placement of the screw holes was not correct, also the LEDs of the shunting light did not work correctly. This has been fixed with the second circuit board version. Meanwhile, these are also already on their way.

Testing the light functions was a success. I used a tOm decoder for this purpose. When using a speaker, the cab lamp will be dropped, the shunting lighting should be connected separately to the decoder with a wire. For reliable operation of the shunting lighting, a capacitor will also be included.

The LED lighting will be available with white or yellow LEDs.