First full mechanical test with new bracket parts was less than rewarding.
The mounting holes on the servos seem to be of two types. In some cases the hole in the servo is a pass-through size so the provided screw needs to tap into the bracket. In other cases the servo holes are smaller, so a pass through hole is needs in the bracket. I have broken two screws trying to tap them into the aluminum bracket. This is not good. Ordering some #1 machine screws and nuts. to mount the servos.*** Edit. Turns out the hole in the servos are all the same size; All of the screws are not the same size. This is good.
It is hard as hell to mount the bracket getting the control wires in place all at once. It's hard on the test stand. Will see how it goes on the layout.
Because of the size of the widget holding the EZ-connector in place and how much bigger the 3/8" hex head is than 3/8" I had to make the short end of servo arm longer. Changing everything and using 2" angle for the bracket still not what I wanted. I wanted max rotation of the servo for better granularity. I got about 1/2 of what I wanted.
Raspberry Pi software to drive the servo for testing (and calibration) is funky . Time to add a GUI package to python libraries. I want it for later so might as well start here.
When I get internet back I need to order:
#1-64X3/8" machine screws and nuts. Will need 112 to mount servos.
#4-40X1/4 machine screws. I'm about 60 short. Additional screws needed to mount the small circuit board on the bracket.
Today I decided that "Design" and "Design Details" should be above "The Process" in the TOC.
Cut material for two more clusters.~ 12 arms and 6 brackets/angle. Step 2 buggered 3 arms before I figured out that the end mill was "passed its best by date."
Ordered drill bits and end mills to make sure breakage/dull points don't stop production.
Looking at how the simulator sets signals I made two minor changes in the simulator:
Noticed in the "Display" graphic the bottom of the 'by' in the copyright line is cut off. Moved the line up 4 pixels.
On the initialization page, added a radio button to return the labels displayed to the default (Track Legend, Train Legend and Display Signals).
Moved a cupcake pan to the playroom to hole small parts.
Brackets for three 'clusters' assembled (9 brackets) - minus one arm. Also built one LED circuit board. Installed the bracket for signal pole #4.
If the first bracket installation is indicative, I may not live long enough to finish this part of the project.
