Tips for mounting TMCC "bricks"

[sgriggs]

Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for securely mounting TMCC bricks such as the Command Base or PowerMasters to a layout control panel or below a layout? I have four of these to mount (1 Command Base and eventually 3 PowerMasters) and I noticed that they don't have mounting tabs or keyhole slots on the bottom to facilitate mounting. I want to mount mine under my control panel and out of sight. I have thought of fabricating mounting brackets out of strip brass, but wondered if anyone had any other ideas. Thanks in advance!

Scott

[tgovebaker]

I have used the keyhole slots on the bottom simply to slide them over some slighty raised screws in order to secure them in place. They are placed on support beams under the layout.

[laz 57]

I have mine on the floor.
I guess you could use a wood box and mount the box to the side of your table.
laz57

[wrmcclellan]

sgriggs,

I do not recommend metal brackets for the TMCC Command Base. You might decrease its range for the handheld to link into it. There is an antenna inside the Command Base.

I built a wood pocket for ours and set it in vertically.

You can do the same for the PowerMasters, but since they do not have antennas inside (PMs receive signal from the common connection to the Command Base), you could use metal brackets.

Regards,
Roy

[Roger Bielen]

I currently have a shelve under my control panel for the bricks. On my previous layout I fastened them to the underside of the layout using, what I call, pipe strapping. Plastic strap with holes every inch or two, sold in the plumbing dept. at Home Depot and probably Lowe's.

[Anonymous]

I've used the mega sized cable ties and when those still weren't enough, used two strapped together to make a longer one.

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrmcclellan

You can do the same for the PowerMasters, but since they do not have antennas inside (PMs receive signal from the common connection to the Command Base), you could use metal brackets.

Regards,
Roy

PowerMasters do have antennas inside, & they do work w/o a Command Base for operation in conventional control. Actually, I'm not aware of any communication between PM-1s and the Base. In command mode, they just provide 7 amp circuit protection & shut-down with activation of the Cab-1 Panic Button(via the built in antenna).

Rob

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have a shelf under the layout with all the electrical components. The shelf hangs from the joists above. The skirt around the layout hides everything.

[BigSteam224]

I use 2" wide strips of velcro, adhesive backed. One half on the control panel, the other on the back of the powermaster and the command base. Works like a charm, and also easy to take off if you need to for any reason.

[tschmidt]

I keep mine in a cupboard under the layout. Everything works fine.

TomS

[wrmcclellan]

Thanks Rob,

I have never used a PM that way. Good to know.

Regards,
Roy

[sgriggs]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BigSteam224

I use 2" wide strips of velcro, adhesive backed. One half on the control panel, the other on the back of the powermaster and the command base. Works like a charm, and also easy to take off if you need to for any reason.

That's a great idea. I've seen heavy duty velcro-type material at Radio Shack, I think. The heavy duty stuff has a very high separation force and should hold the lightweight bricks with no problem at all. Thanks for the idea.

Scott

[Anonymous]

One caveat on the velcro technique. We tried this with some data communications equipment and found that the adheasive backing was sometimes the weak link, aka the velcro to velcro bond was extremely strong but adheasion to wood/cement block/metal wasn't as high. Wood you can staple into but concrete and metal were more problematic. I think the metal bond would have been find but the constant heat output of the devices, especially if mounted inverted, would soften the glue and the component would break free.