Dapol Semaphore Interface

[speedstor49]

Hi,

I have purchased all the components listed on page 18 of the SC1 manual, that are needed to assemble the Dapol Semaphore Signal Interface. I have not had much success with working out how to fit in all the components plus the necessary links and track cuts. Do you have a layout diagram that I could have a look at? I may just be a bit limited in my design capabilities but the FL17T stripboard seems to be too narrow to fit everything on.

[speedstor49]

It looks as if there are two alternative solutions to my problem:-

1) Purchase the JP50 Strip Board instead of the FL17T. This is a lot bigger and costs slightly less.

2) For about the same price as the components listed in the manual, purchase the DP8 Dapol Semaphore Signal Adaptor already assembled. Only Coastal DDC seem to have this for sale at the moment, listed under Harman DCC.

Having already purchased the components, I have pressed on with the first option although I now wish that I had known about the second. It was quite difficult to track down.

[speedstor49]

Well I finally had time to finish the "home made" version of the DP8. Here is a picture of my version just in case anyone else is thinking of building one for the fun of it.

Attachments:

[Paul Harman]

Very resourceful. That is probably about as small as it can be. The DIY instructions have been dropped from the manual now that the DP8 board is available which as well as being reasonably priced and a bit smaller compared to the DIY method also includes a power convertor so that you are not limited to 16V AC - making it possible to power the Dapol semaphore signals from the DCC track supply.

[speedstor49]

Thanks Paul. I notice that the Dapol instructions say that the signals should "not under any circumstances" be connected to a 12v DC supply. Will your 8-9v DC supply be okay? I am currently powering mine off the power output of my NCE Power Cab.

I will post this on the DP8 forum as well as it is probably more appropriate there.