Very good video Geoff, you got all the bases covered in that video, the only thing you forgot to mention is that lighting get addictive 😂 the ma stands for milli amperes so 1000 ma = 1 amp. I have done a couple of vids on N gauge lighting as you rightly say 20ma is a good standard to work from for the leds, as some may be 10 ma and some can be up to 30ma.(usually white and blue) if using 12v a good standard is to use a 1k resistor and if you need the lights dimmer just try it with a larger value resistor until happy. As it happens my next video will show how to build a simple led tester and how to wire smd leds. All the best Tony
Hi Tony, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, some really useful information there. I (kind of) get the resistor on an individual led but it’s when people connect multiple leds with one resistor that I can’t get my head around, just in case you can include that in your video. Looking forward to seeing it. Thanks again, Geoff
@@PrideParkway Hi Geoff It wont be in this video, but I have one last video to do on lighting and I will certainly cover it in that video, and will also show how to work out resistor values in regards to voltages used. All the best Tony
@@PrideParkway - leds wired in series uses '20mA' in total current and only 1 resistor is required in the chain to reduce the overall current down to 20mA. However, if leds are wired in parallel, then each one will pull 20mA and this is when you add them up to see if the power supply can deliver the mA. It's ok if the power supply 'mA' value is higher than the toal number of led mA. Also, the voltage of the total number of leds must be added up if wired in series as they all 'take' a small amount of the available voltage (ie 10 leds wired in series rated at 2.4Volts each will work without a resistor being required on a 24V supply) If you add one more led, then none of them work, or are dim, as there isn't enough voltage pushing through. Current is pulled, voltage is the push.
This is a really helpful video - thank you. I'm building a Scalextric track rather than a model railway but this really helped get a good understanding of the items required and the configuration. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this great video! I’m a newbie and lighting/wiring has been so confusing. You cleared up so much for me! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!
Geoff, This is by far one of the best if not the best videos I've seen describing the lighting of a layout. I've been watching many of them this past week and none are as detailed as this one. Also, the links and descriptions are a great plus! Now I can delete SEVERAL saved and bookmarked videos as yours pretty much covers it all. :-) Thank you so much from another non-electrician.
This is the best and most comprehensive guide to selecting and installing LED lights for a layout. It can be confusing and I often am left with too many questions but this certainly clarified most of my questions. Thanks for preparing this, I know egat it takes and thanks for sgaring.
Brilliant video for me Geoff, you clarified a couple of things I wasn’t sure of, trouble is I want to start sorting lights out now and should be concentrating on other stuff! The lights at the station and street lights look great, I’m looking forward to the next episode with the details, the whole scene will look great once you’ve finished. Thanks for doing this video it’s been very helpful for me, as like you I’m not that au fait with electrical matters, cheers mate, John
Hi John thanks very much, its good to hear you found it useful. I guess the good thing is that if you have an idea of where you want lights you could put in the basic wiring in the raised sections now and simply connect the wires at a later stage. All the best, Geoff
Absolutely melted my head learning about led wiring for my scalextric layout. Wish I'd found this first. Thanks for this video. I'm now a new subscriber
First time viewing, but learnt more from this one video than a host of others. Your camera work and your description of what you where doing was first class. So common sense prevailed and I’ve subscribed. Many thanks.
Just watching your video Geoff on a cold and windy day in Adelaide South Australia. I found it really informative and got some great ideas from different products you talked about. I'm just trying to get my head round lighting so this was of particularly interest to me. I always smile when I watch a model railway video from the uk because I used to live there myself and that is exactly where my layout would be if I still lived there, and it just brings back memories I have of my life in the uk. Anyway great video Geoff keep up the good work.
Have just popped back to this video from your latest Pride Central one for a refresher. This has been so helpful Geoff, I'm now a lot more confident about what I need and how to fit these LED's. Many thanks, all the best.
Another fantastic video Geoff. Very informative and will definitely be adding lights to my layout now. I look forward to your videos each month and use them again and again as I get to that stage of my build
Hi Darren, thank you very much for your support, it’s very much appreciated and I’m glad you find the videos helpful. I’m no expert but if we all share we can learn from each other and keep this great hobby going. All the very best, Geoff
Great video. Will definitely be following your system when I get around to lighting my layout (in the distant future!🙂) Thanjs for taking the time to explain it so clearly 🙂👍 Andrew
Jeff what a fantastic video you explain everything in layman's terms I know feel confident that I can put lights on my layout absolutely brilliant video very impressed cheers Gordon
Thanks so much Gordon, it’s great to know you found it helpful. I get really nervous putting these kind of videos out as I’m still learning myself. Thanks again for your support!
Hi Geoff, great video, with a very useful guide to LEDs and equipment. It's not something I've added to my layout yet but it's in on the to do list. I'll be referring back to this when I do. Cheers Scott
Thanks very much Scott, appreciate you watching. If you have any questions when you give it a go feel free to give me a shout through Facebook. All the best! Geoff
You helped me out a lot with your lighting video that you made have now got the confidence to do my shunting layout keep the good videos coming number 1 fan
Hi from across the pond Geoff! This video and your concise explanations were perfect for me. Thank you so much for the help. You have presented the clearest info and instructions yet. The mA stands for miliAmps. I am sadly not equipped with the knowledge to explain this but basically I think it means each LED light draws it's requirement from This total amount of amperage to function. Again, thank you so much, Ray Moderski.
Really excellent video thank you. I've only got a few led street lamps to put on my layout out present, but you've given me the confidence to put lights in my buildings as well. Thanks again, from a new subscriber. All the best, Mike.
Thank you so much . . . just started modelling and have to use OO as N Gauge is too small for my hands. I have watched quite a few videos over the last 10 months as I get into modelling . . . this has to be one of the best, not only for instruction but also the detailed links added. Thank again and keep up the grand work.
Thanks so much for your kind words John, I hear what you're saying, sometimes I struggle with N gauge as some of the detail is just so small. I'm glad you found this video useful. Thanks again and all the best, Geoff
Perfect timing. I found this just as I was about to install about 100 lights obtained through aliexpress. Some of them come with resistors already attached. I am thrilled that you confirmed that the way I am about to do the wiring is correct. I am also illiterate electrically. I loved your unassuming and pleasant presentation and the detail that you provided. I have used Arduino for lighting buildings and have the lights in various sections of the buildings going on and off randomly. Arduino has also been useful for cop car and ambulance flashing lights as well as rail/road crossing lights and gates.
Hi Geoff, station is coming together nicely. It's surprising how much atmosphere lights give to the scene. Thanks for the links to the equipment, always handy. Regards till next time, Bobby'T'.
Hello Geoff really good instructional video on adding lights to your platforms they really do add another element of realisim to a station or any scene for that matter oh yeah and i love how you drew up that wireing diagram that will be a big help to alot of people. Cheers and all the best. Nicholas.
Hi Geoff I hope you are well a long time since I have seen you on your new layout. Your old layout was great . Best wishes to you and your partner. Take care Richard Crompton Canterbury Kent
Good video Geoff - found it really interesting. Might rewire all my platform lights, which are kytes as well, and power them from the switch you showed but at 3v instead of the 12v they are using from the Gaugemaster D controller. Like you everything gets switched and unplugged when I'm not in the train room. Really enjoy your style of presentation. Cheers Euan
Excellent video Geoff. A suggestion which I use to obtain the same result is, instead of linking the lights using wires is to use a strip of self adhesive copper tape for positive and negative glued to the underside of the structure and solder each light to this. Basically a mini bus. Keep up the great work as there is always something to learn or to better the way I have been doing things. Keep safe, happy modelling. Ian
Hi Ian, thanks very much! Copper tape is brilliant. With the platforms being loose I could get them on the bench to solder but when I do the main station lights I’ve already glued the platform down so will be using copper tape under the baseboard. Thanks again for your support and kind words! Geoff
Thank you Frank, yes I have a big old pack of resistors, maybe one day I'll be brave, or i'll be forced because something is too bright. All the best, Geoff
Excellent video again Geoff. It's always good to see how other people do things. Like yourself I'm no electrician so it's been very informative to compare methods. I have found an alternative/ easier way though, get someone else to do it for you lol. Only joking I like to fathom things out for myself and have a go. Catch you next time atb Andy
Haha if only! Thanks Andy. I actually enjoy adding lights I just find the whole subject quite confusing but hopefully this was useful and helpful. Thanks for your support. All the best, Geoff
Loved this update Geoff. You are very neat with your wiring under the platforms. The inside of my builds is usually like a rat nest. Thanks for the pointer to the power supply. I’m currently using an old phone charger. It’s only 600ma so will be up against its limit soon. I have no idea (nor can I ever find a definitive answer) what will happen once you add too many LEDs to it... will it pop? Blow a fuse? Explode in a shower of sparks? Or simply not light any of the LEDs... I think your approach of keeping the LED count under the limit is the most sensible option... I’ve not considered lit street lights for Chandwell before now, but you‘be set me thinking now... All the best sir... Michael.
Hi Michael, thank you, yes i'm a bit OCD with keeping the wiring tidy. Allan over at Dragon Junction overloaded a power supply with LED's and said that it popped, the LED's were find but the power adapter was a gonner. I'm trying my hardest to not find out exactly what 'popped' means lol. I really like the effect of the street lights and can recommend the ones I use. All the best, Geoff
Hello , I loved your video, very clear and helpful, if you don’t mind me asking where did you buy your signal box from please , it appears to be very similar to one on the north wales coast line and I’ve been after one for ages ? Many thanks and keep posting your videos 👍
Electrics are something I try to avoid at all costs however the simplicity and clarity of your excellent video has encouraged me to have a go. Kit ordered 😀
Hi Stewart, thank you, i'm glad you've found it useful. The lights really do make a massive difference so it's worth giving it a go. All the best, Geoff
Thanks for answering so many questions in this video, could you give me some added info plz What size wire is required to extend the led lighting wires? and the pifco power adapter to the distribution board, does it mean you can only have 12 street lights powered of 1 adaptor or do you connect more distribution boards in-line to connect more lights still using 1 power source?
Great video and informative just like to know what stations platforms are you using kit build if so what ones or did you build them out of balsa wood cheers.
Hello and let me start by saying thank you for sharing this video. It was a great help and inspiration to what I am trying to do as well on my train layout. I was wondering if you could assist me in figuring out something that I’m still a bit confused on??? So I have various sets of Lemax holiday christmas village light sets.. (see picture) The set runs on 3 x 1.5 batteries (AA Batteries) for a 4.5V total - See pics I purchased on Amazon, a regulated power supply as per the instructions on your video, and I would like to link up multiple lights all to various strands that ultimately will tie into the power supply so that I only have one connection… See pic of power supply as well My question is… How many lights can I add together? I’m still a bit confused about the maximum amount.? How to calculate that so that I do not burn them out? Hope you can help. 😊 and thank you in advance 5:06
Hi cant find a ebay listing for the square led 3v lights to use in buildings. Brilliant video found everything else mentioned I'm n gauge so wanting led lights for buildings and street and platforms hope you can help cheers rob
Hello Geoff, very informative video I’ve never considered lighting my layout but I might give it a go now. Will you be adding a Revolution trains class 92 to your loco stable.
Hi Graham. Thank you. Yes indeed I have had a sound fitted EWS version arrive 92036, lovely model I was hoping to include it running in this video but it was such a long video, next update 😉. All the best, Geoff
Great modelling as always, did you connect the building lights together and then switch them like you do with the street lights or keep them separate on different switches, regards, Colin.
Hi Colin, thank you. Yes that’s the way I do it so that I only have one switch for the ‘station buildings’. But you could light each building with its own on off switch. All the best, Geoff
Thanks loved video it helped me understand wiring lights. More importantly it showers me about wire colours and how to organise identify them. Where did u get t better looking wire snips stripper. Can we have more videos on things like how to organise your layout tools stock wires so can find when need and use better as I can’t and lose all sorts. is there a way to save this video so I can find it when i come to lightning as best I’ve seen so simple. Have you do a how to on signalling what to get how to wire in to DCC for n gauge layouts
Hi Matthew, Thank you, i'm glad you found teh video useful. Here is a link to the wire stripper I use, its not the cheapest but it is very good (amzn.to/2Mp5zKx). Yes you can save the video, there should be a save option right next to where the thumps up icon is. I've done a video on automated signals, which you can find on my channel. But i'll be doing more more on this subject in the future. All the best, Geoff
When stripping back stranded cable, note the 'lay' of the strands. Twist the cable following the lay, this tightens the cable end. Twisting against the lay can cause 'bird caging', instead of 1 cable carrying say 1amp, you now have a number of smaller stands which cannot effectively carry the same amount of current, risking over heating. Perhaps not much of a concern at the amperages used in model railways, but every little amount saved helps.
Hey Geoff, loving the progress on Pride Parkway! Is the signal box interior you're looking for a Ratio 224? If so, I've got a spare one that I'm no longer going to use. You're more than welcome to it. Send me a message if interested. All the best.
Thank you. Yes great little printers, I was served mine in a Instagram ad and only paid about £20 for it from China. There is a link in the video to the brand I have on Amazon, it’s a bit more expensive but mine took two months to arrive from China so hopefully Amazon is quicker. All the best, Geoff
Hi Marko, the links are all in the video description, if you’re using the CZcams app you’ll need to click the arrow to the right of the video title. Thanks Geoff
Hi Geoff ive been thinking of a very simple way to explain what 'ma' means 'milliamp' and how you can use it to work out how many lights you can of your power supplies. 20ma for an LED is close enough to work with. Npw you have a 2250ma power supply so simply take 2250/20 = 112. So on paper you could run 112 lights on that power supply. In reality I would say around 100 would be a safe number due to heat lose and other factors. I know you love your LED strip lights above your layout and they typically have around 100 LED's on them and use very similar if not same rated power supply. Only differnce is the strip lights have resistors inbetween each little LED because they are 12volt. As for in series or in paerralel with lights its as simple as this, if you wire lights in series and if one fails all the lights go out. If you wire lights in parralel and one fails only that light goes out. Thats all there is to know about wiring lights and power supplies. With your terminal block and how you wired it, it is parrallel ;) so you should only ever lose one LED at a time and if you lose them all its the power supply. Great job and explaination mate keep up the great videos.
Hi Philip thanks so much for your comment, really helpful stuff and I now understand the difference between in series and parralel. Sounds like I got my maths about right on the power supply too. Thanks again! All the very best, Geoff
Suggesting that the only difference between series and parallel wiring is how it affects the failed lights is seriously incorrect. You state “That’s all you need to know about wiring lights” In this instance, without considering the correct resistance for your choosing option can result in lamp failure or resistance overheating. Also, there is no mention of polarity. While the excellent video does a great job in making things simple for the inexperienced, and can be safely followed, It is folly to think that this is the total picture, and this statement is inaccurate. Also, “heat loss” has nothing to do with electrical theory. I expect you mean to say current loss, because of the overall resistance. If you are using a rule of thumb 20ma. per led and deducting the total number of lamps by 10% to provide a safety margin, the remaining resistance is negligible, unless you have many meters of wiring.
Very good video Geoff, you got all the bases covered in that video, the only thing you forgot to mention is that lighting get addictive 😂 the ma stands for milli amperes so 1000 ma = 1 amp. I have done a couple of vids on N gauge lighting as you rightly say 20ma is a good standard to work from for the leds, as some may be 10 ma and some can be up to 30ma.(usually white and blue) if using 12v a good standard is to use a 1k resistor and if you need the lights dimmer just try it with a larger value resistor until happy. As it happens my next video will show how to build a simple led tester and how to wire smd leds. All the best Tony
Hi Tony, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, some really useful information there. I (kind of) get the resistor on an individual led but it’s when people connect multiple leds with one resistor that I can’t get my head around, just in case you can include that in your video. Looking forward to seeing it. Thanks again, Geoff
@@PrideParkway Hi Geoff It wont be in this video, but I have one last video to do on lighting and I will certainly cover it in that video, and will also show how to work out resistor values in regards to voltages used. All the best Tony
@@TheHeritageLine brilliant thank you 👍🏻
@@PrideParkway - leds wired in series uses '20mA' in total current and only 1 resistor is required in the chain to reduce the overall current down to 20mA. However, if leds are wired in parallel, then each one will pull 20mA and this is when you add them up to see if the power supply can deliver the mA. It's ok if the power supply 'mA' value is higher than the toal number of led mA. Also, the voltage of the total number of leds must be added up if wired in series as they all 'take' a small amount of the available voltage (ie 10 leds wired in series rated at 2.4Volts each will work without a resistor being required on a 24V supply) If you add one more led, then none of them work, or are dim, as there isn't enough voltage pushing through.
Current is pulled, voltage is the push.
This is a really helpful video - thank you. I'm building a Scalextric track rather than a model railway but this really helped get a good understanding of the items required and the configuration. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this, you explain everything so clearly, it's given me the confidence to have a go!
Thanks so much for your kind comment Kevin. Absolutely give it a go, wishing you all the best! Geoff
Dare I say a very enlightening introduction to fitting and using LED's. I'm sure people will find it very useful on their layouts buddy.
haha thanks Steve. Hope you're keeping well. All the best, Geoff
Thank you so much for this great video! I’m a newbie and lighting/wiring has been so confusing. You cleared up so much for me! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!
Glad it was helpful! All the best Geoff
Excellent job love it
Great video helped me a lot
Hi, I wired a similar set up for my nephew but used button batteries for 3v supply. mA is milli- amps I believe. Good video, you have a super layout
Geoff, This is by far one of the best if not the best videos I've seen describing the lighting of a layout. I've been watching many of them this past week and none are as detailed as this one. Also, the links and descriptions are a great plus! Now I can delete SEVERAL saved and bookmarked videos as yours pretty much covers it all. :-) Thank you so much from another non-electrician.
This is the best and most comprehensive guide to selecting and installing LED lights for a layout. It can be confusing and I often am left with too many questions but this certainly clarified most of my questions. Thanks for preparing this, I know egat it takes and thanks for sgaring.
Very thorough and creative ways to power and wire your LED lights...great job!
Brilliant video for me Geoff, you clarified a couple of things I wasn’t sure of, trouble is I want to start sorting lights out now and should be concentrating on other stuff!
The lights at the station and street lights look great, I’m looking forward to the next episode with the details, the whole scene will look great once you’ve finished.
Thanks for doing this video it’s been very helpful for me, as like you I’m not that au fait with electrical matters, cheers mate, John
Hi John thanks very much, its good to hear you found it useful. I guess the good thing is that if you have an idea of where you want lights you could put in the basic wiring in the raised sections now and simply connect the wires at a later stage. All the best, Geoff
Absolutely melted my head learning about led wiring for my scalextric layout. Wish I'd found this first. Thanks for this video. I'm now a new subscriber
What a very interesting and informative video. Thank you Geoff for sharing your skills and knowledge. Very professional
First time viewing, but learnt more from this one video than a host of others. Your camera work and your description of what you where doing was first class. So common sense prevailed and I’ve subscribed. Many thanks.
Thanks very much for your kind words and welcome to the channel. All the best, Geoff
Excellent video Geoff - there is a real skill in bringing these concepts down to their simplest form and making them accessible to all. 👏👏👏
Thank you very much, I appreciate your kind words. All the best, Geoff
Great video and insight Geoff.
Much appreciated.
Thanks very much Matthew. All the best Geoff
Helpful, informative and useful video. Thanks Geeza!
Great video Geoff, thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
Thank you, glad you find it useful. All the best, Geoff
Looking great Geoff, the lights really add to the atmosphere.
Thanks very much Chris. All the best, Geoff
Really great video and clear explanation, even better is that you took the time to post the links for all parts.
Right video, right time and right level for me. thanks.
Brilliant very helpful ,thank you
Excellent, informative video Geoff.Thankyou for taking the time to put it together,will help a lot.
Thank you Bob, glad it helped. All the best, Geoff
Have to say excellent and straightforward advice better than any one else so far.
Thank you very much!
Very informative Geoff, clear simple instructions for lighting , thanks
Thanks very much, appreciate you watching. All the best, Geoff
Just watching your video Geoff on a cold and windy day in Adelaide South Australia. I found it really informative and got some great ideas from different products you talked about. I'm just trying to get my head round lighting so this was of particularly interest to me. I always smile when I watch a model railway video from the uk because I used to live there myself and that is exactly where my layout would be if I still lived there, and it just brings back memories I have of my life in the uk. Anyway great video Geoff keep up the good work.
Thanks for another great video. I’ve been waiting for your lights vid for a while and can now consider myself completely demystified!!! Cheers 👍
Hi John, glad to hear it. Thanks as always for your support. Cheers Geoff
Thankyou for a great video. New to modeling now following you.
Thumbs up for the down to earth approach...esp all those labels! Subscribed 😎
Have just popped back to this video from your latest Pride Central one for a refresher. This has been so helpful Geoff, I'm now a lot more confident about what I need and how to fit these LED's. Many thanks, all the best.
Great job Geoff, always amazes me the lovely, varying effects the street lights bring. Very clear explanation, nice one!
Thank you John. Yes they really do add a nice extra element to a layout. Hope you're keeping well! All the best, Geoff
Super job , well done. regards Ian
Another fantastic video Geoff. Very informative and will definitely be adding lights to my layout now. I look forward to your videos each month and use them again and again as I get to that stage of my build
Hi Darren, thank you very much for your support, it’s very much appreciated and I’m glad you find the videos helpful. I’m no expert but if we all share we can learn from each other and keep this great hobby going. All the very best, Geoff
Great video. Will definitely be following your system when I get around to lighting my layout (in the distant future!🙂) Thanjs for taking the time to explain it so clearly 🙂👍
Andrew
Thank you Andrew, I'm glad it was helpful! All the best Geoff
Great video. I’m about to start on some lighting on my layout so this has been really useful. Thanks for this. Cheers Ian.
Thank you Ian, glad it was useful! All the best, Geoff
Thanks for sharing this nice tutorial !
Thanks for watching! All the best, Geoff
Hi Geoff. Great video. Easy to follow without baffling people with the theory. Cheers.
Thanks very much Alan, appreciate you watching! All the best, Geoff
Really helpful video Geoff. Always enjoy your videos. Love the layout.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your support. All the best, Geoff
Yet another great video, very well done and I'm sure it will help a lot of people in the hobby, very informative 👍, Regards Lee.
Thanks very much Lee, All the best, Geoff
Jeff what a fantastic video you explain everything in layman's terms I know feel confident that I can put lights on my layout absolutely brilliant video very impressed cheers Gordon
Thanks so much Gordon, it’s great to know you found it helpful. I get really nervous putting these kind of videos out as I’m still learning myself. Thanks again for your support!
Like the new video.Loads of detail.Thanks very much.
Thank you. Glad you liked it! All the best, Geoff
Hi Geoff, great video, with a very useful guide to LEDs and equipment. It's not something I've added to my layout yet but it's in on the to do list. I'll be referring back to this when I do.
Cheers Scott
Thanks very much Scott, appreciate you watching. If you have any questions when you give it a go feel free to give me a shout through Facebook. All the best! Geoff
Thanku for showing me your light setup I can get on with mine now 😊
Fantastic layout!!
Thanks so much! All the best, Geoff
You helped me out a lot with your lighting video that you made have now got the confidence to do my shunting layout keep the good videos coming number 1 fan
Thanks very much Mark, appreciate your kind words. All the best Geoff
Hi Geoff, great job done. Looks fantastic and very informative and helpful for anyone wishing to do lighting. Spot on, well done, stay safe, Chris
Thanks very much Chris! All the best, Geoff
@@PrideParkway good morning Geoff can you tell me were you got the wiring software the you use on your led vid cheers Glenn
Hi from across the pond Geoff! This video and your concise explanations were perfect for me. Thank you so much for the help. You have presented the clearest info and instructions yet. The mA stands for miliAmps. I am sadly not equipped with the knowledge to explain this but basically I think it means each LED light draws it's requirement from This total amount of amperage to function. Again, thank you so much, Ray Moderski.
Really excellent video thank you. I've only got a few led street lamps to put on my layout out present, but you've given me the confidence to put lights in my buildings as well.
Thanks again, from a new subscriber. All the best, Mike.
Hi Mike, thanks so much for your kind words and welcome to the channel! Al the best, Geoff
Thank you so much . . . just started modelling and have to use OO as N Gauge is too small for my hands. I have watched quite a few videos over the last 10 months as I get into modelling . . . this has to be one of the best, not only for instruction but also the detailed links added. Thank again and keep up the grand work.
Thanks so much for your kind words John, I hear what you're saying, sometimes I struggle with N gauge as some of the detail is just so small. I'm glad you found this video useful. Thanks again and all the best, Geoff
Nice video .enjoy it thanks
Thanks for watching, All the best, Geoff
Perfect timing. I found this just as I was about to install about 100 lights obtained through aliexpress. Some of them come with resistors already attached. I am thrilled that you confirmed that the way I am about to do the wiring is correct. I am also illiterate electrically. I loved your unassuming and pleasant presentation and the detail that you provided.
I have used Arduino for lighting buildings and have the lights in various sections of the buildings going on and off randomly. Arduino has also been useful for cop car and ambulance flashing lights as well as rail/road crossing lights and gates.
Hi Geoff, station is coming together nicely. It's surprising how much atmosphere lights give to the scene. Thanks for the links to the equipment, always handy. Regards till next time, Bobby'T'.
Thanks so much, i'm really pleased with how theyve improved the area! All the best, Geoff
Hello Geoff really good instructional video on adding lights to your platforms they really do add another element of realisim to a station or any scene for that matter oh yeah and i love how you drew up that wireing diagram that will be a big help to alot of people. Cheers and all the best.
Nicholas.
Thank you Nicholas. All the best, Geoff
Very impressed Geoff, new to model building and will use your method of lighting. Enjoy your videos, keep safe.
Gary from Durham (Stanley).
Thanks very much Gary, all the best, Geoff
Thanks for sharing this .. very useful information :)
Thanks very much for watching, All the best, Geoff
Looking good nice layout Keep posting videos up
Thank you 👍🏻
thanks geoff very helpfull.
Thank you Pete, appreciate you watching. All the best, Geoff
Great vid mate
Thanks 👍
Hi Geoff I hope you are well a long time since I have seen you on your new layout. Your old layout was great . Best wishes to you and your partner. Take care Richard Crompton Canterbury Kent
Good nice video 👍👍👌👌.
I like your train, a very interesting film.
Best regards from Germany Gert
Thank you very much! All the best, Geoff
Good video Geoff - found it really interesting. Might rewire all my platform lights, which are kytes as well, and power them from the switch you showed but at 3v instead of the 12v they are using from the Gaugemaster D controller. Like you everything gets switched and unplugged when I'm not in the train room. Really enjoy your style of presentation. Cheers Euan
Thanks very much Euan, really appreciate your support! All the best, Geoff
Excellent video Geoff. A suggestion which I use to obtain the same result is, instead of linking the lights using wires is to use a strip of self adhesive copper tape for positive and negative glued to the underside of the structure and solder each light to this. Basically a mini bus. Keep up the great work as there is always something to learn or to better the way I have been doing things. Keep safe, happy modelling. Ian
Hi Ian, thanks very much! Copper tape is brilliant. With the platforms being loose I could get them on the bench to solder but when I do the main station lights I’ve already glued the platform down so will be using copper tape under the baseboard. Thanks again for your support and kind words! Geoff
Fantastic video thanks !!
HC Treintje Herman from Belgium.
Thank you 🙏🏽
Great video, very informative. Like you I don't understand the Resistor puzzle, I bought some, they are sitting in the back of a drawer.
Thank you Frank, yes I have a big old pack of resistors, maybe one day I'll be brave, or i'll be forced because something is too bright. All the best, Geoff
Excellent video again Geoff. It's always good to see how other people do things. Like yourself I'm no electrician so it's been very informative to compare methods. I have found an alternative/ easier way though, get someone else to do it for you lol. Only joking I like to fathom things out for myself and have a go. Catch you next time atb Andy
Haha if only! Thanks Andy. I actually enjoy adding lights I just find the whole subject quite confusing but hopefully this was useful and helpful. Thanks for your support. All the best, Geoff
Loved this update Geoff. You are very neat with your wiring under the platforms. The inside of my builds is usually like a rat nest. Thanks for the pointer to the power supply. I’m currently using an old phone charger. It’s only 600ma so will be up against its limit soon. I have no idea (nor can I ever find a definitive answer) what will happen once you add too many LEDs to it... will it pop? Blow a fuse? Explode in a shower of sparks? Or simply not light any of the LEDs... I think your approach of keeping the LED count under the limit is the most sensible option... I’ve not considered lit street lights for Chandwell before now, but you‘be set me thinking now... All the best sir... Michael.
Hi Michael, thank you, yes i'm a bit OCD with keeping the wiring tidy. Allan over at Dragon Junction overloaded a power supply with LED's and said that it popped, the LED's were find but the power adapter was a gonner. I'm trying my hardest to not find out exactly what 'popped' means lol. I really like the effect of the street lights and can recommend the ones I use. All the best, Geoff
Great video, can I ask where you got your platforms?
Hello , I loved your video, very clear and helpful, if you don’t mind me asking where did you buy your signal box from please , it appears to be very similar to one on the north wales coast line and I’ve been after one for ages ? Many thanks and keep posting your videos 👍
Interesting, doing something similar and have the pc Boards to wire in and solder resistors etc.
Thanks for watching, best of luck on your build. All the best, Geoff
Electrics are something I try to avoid at all costs however the simplicity and clarity of your excellent video has encouraged me to have a go. Kit ordered 😀
Hi Stewart, thank you, i'm glad you've found it useful. The lights really do make a massive difference so it's worth giving it a go. All the best, Geoff
Thanks for answering so many questions in this video, could you give me some added info plz What size wire is required to extend the led lighting wires? and the pifco power adapter to the distribution board, does it mean you can only have 12 street lights powered of 1 adaptor or do you connect more distribution boards in-line to connect more lights still using 1 power source?
Hi really enjoyed this video made wiring the light up very easily, just 1 question where did you get your electrical blocks from please?
Great video and informative just like to know what stations platforms are you using kit build if so what ones or did you build them out of balsa wood cheers.
Thank you, these were some old metcalf platforms that i covered in plastikard to bring them back to life. Thanks Geoff
Hi Geoff, great video on lighting, very informative, thanks. (ps.the small bookcase in the signal box appears to be upside down)
Thank you, glad you found it informative. Ah is it lol, i will take a look and turn it round. All the best, Geoff
Hello and let me start by saying thank you for sharing this video. It was a great help and inspiration to what I am trying to do as well on my train layout.
I was wondering if you could assist me in figuring out something that I’m still a bit confused on???
So I have various sets of Lemax holiday christmas village light sets.. (see picture)
The set runs on 3 x 1.5 batteries (AA Batteries) for a 4.5V total - See pics
I purchased on Amazon, a regulated power supply as per the instructions on your video, and I would like to link up multiple lights all to various strands that ultimately will tie into the power supply so that I only have one connection… See pic of power supply as well
My question is… How many lights can I add together? I’m still a bit confused about the maximum amount.? How to calculate that so that I do not burn them out?
Hope you can help. 😊 and thank you in advance 5:06
Hi cant find a ebay listing for the square led 3v lights to use in buildings. Brilliant video found everything else mentioned I'm n gauge so wanting led lights for buildings and street and platforms hope you can help cheers rob
Hi Rob, try this: shorturl.at/zHLX9 Thanks Geoff
Hello Geoff, very informative video I’ve never considered lighting my layout but I might give it a go now. Will you be adding a Revolution trains class 92 to your loco stable.
Hi Graham. Thank you. Yes indeed I have had a sound fitted EWS version arrive 92036, lovely model I was hoping to include it running in this video but it was such a long video, next update 😉. All the best, Geoff
Thanks great video where did you get your label printer from
Thanks Carl! Here is a link to the one I use: amzn.to/49Bqsrq all the best, Geoff
Hi how do I find link to your connection block thanks for great advice and videos 😮
Great modelling as always, did you connect the building lights together and then switch them like you do with the street lights or keep them separate on different switches, regards, Colin.
Hi Colin, thank you. Yes that’s the way I do it so that I only have one switch for the ‘station buildings’. But you could light each building with its own on off switch. All the best, Geoff
Thanks loved video it helped me understand wiring lights. More importantly it showers me about wire colours and how to organise identify them.
Where did u get t better looking wire snips stripper.
Can we have more videos on things like how to organise your layout tools stock wires so can find when need and use better as I can’t and lose all sorts.
is there a way to save this video so I can find it when i come to lightning as best I’ve seen so simple. Have you do a how to on signalling what to get how to wire in to DCC for n gauge layouts
Hi Matthew, Thank you, i'm glad you found teh video useful. Here is a link to the wire stripper I use, its not the cheapest but it is very good (amzn.to/2Mp5zKx).
Yes you can save the video, there should be a save option right next to where the thumps up icon is.
I've done a video on automated signals, which you can find on my channel. But i'll be doing more more on this subject in the future. All the best, Geoff
What’s your label maker mine just dose likes not squares
When stripping back stranded cable, note the 'lay' of the strands. Twist the cable following the lay, this tightens the cable end. Twisting against the lay can cause 'bird caging', instead of 1 cable carrying say 1amp, you now have a number of smaller stands which cannot effectively carry the same amount of current, risking over heating. Perhaps not much of a concern at the amperages used in model railways, but every little amount saved helps.
Great advice. Thanks Alan!
Hi
Where do you buy your connector strips. They look way better than the standard plastic offerings!
Thanks
Hi Andy, I tend to pick up most of my electrical supplies from Squires Hobbies. They usually have a great offering at the bigger shows. Cheers Geoff
Hey Geoff, loving the progress on Pride Parkway! Is the signal box interior you're looking for a Ratio 224? If so, I've got a spare one that I'm no longer going to use. You're more than welcome to it. Send me a message if interested. All the best.
How wide are you stations and how long please.
where do you get your junction box
When’s any new content coming out Geoff? Great videos, we’ve missed you.
Great video, nicely explained. I’ve seen very similar label printers in Facebook ads, are they worth it? Thanks
Thank you. Yes great little printers, I was served mine in a Instagram ad and only paid about £20 for it from China. There is a link in the video to the brand I have on Amazon, it’s a bit more expensive but mine took two months to arrive from China so hopefully Amazon is quicker. All the best, Geoff
@@PrideParkway great thanks👍
MA means Milli amps
mA = Milliamps
Thanks for the information, but where are the links ?
Hi Marko, the links are all in the video description, if you’re using the CZcams app you’ll need to click the arrow to the right of the video title. Thanks Geoff
Ma means milli amp or 1/1000 of an amp
Thank you!
the electrical connecting block ,the blue component with terminals at the end ,where do i buy this item from ,thanks
Hi Anthony, this is available from Amazon - amzn.to/3r1PyJa (affiliate link) Many thanks, Geoff
@@PrideParkway . brilliant, bought them. I can now add lighting, excellent video, great for n gauge
your source of lighting, to buy from please
mA is milli amps Geoff.
Thanks very much Ron! All the best, Geoff
MA = Milli Amps
Thank you Peter. All the best, Geoff
Hi Geoff ive been thinking of a very simple way to explain what 'ma' means 'milliamp' and how you can use it to work out how many lights you can of your power supplies. 20ma for an LED is close enough to work with. Npw you have a 2250ma power supply so simply take 2250/20 = 112. So on paper you could run 112 lights on that power supply. In reality I would say around 100 would be a safe number due to heat lose and other factors. I know you love your LED strip lights above your layout and they typically have around 100 LED's on them and use very similar if not same rated power supply. Only differnce is the strip lights have resistors inbetween each little LED because they are 12volt. As for in series or in paerralel with lights its as simple as this, if you wire lights in series and if one fails all the lights go out. If you wire lights in parralel and one fails only that light goes out. Thats all there is to know about wiring lights and power supplies. With your terminal block and how you wired it, it is parrallel ;) so you should only ever lose one LED at a time and if you lose them all its the power supply. Great job and explaination mate keep up the great videos.
Hi Philip thanks so much for your comment, really helpful stuff and I now understand the difference between in series and parralel. Sounds like I got my maths about right on the power supply too. Thanks again! All the very best, Geoff
Suggesting that the only difference between series and parallel wiring is how it affects the failed lights is seriously incorrect. You state “That’s all you need to know about wiring lights” In this instance, without considering the correct resistance for your choosing option can result in lamp failure or resistance overheating. Also, there is no mention of polarity. While the excellent video does a great job in making things simple for the inexperienced, and can be safely followed, It is folly to think that this is the total picture, and this statement is inaccurate. Also, “heat loss” has nothing to do with electrical theory. I expect you mean to say current loss, because of the overall resistance. If you are using a rule of thumb 20ma. per led and deducting the total number of lamps by 10% to provide a safety margin, the remaining resistance is negligible, unless you have many meters of wiring.