How long we have been waiting.
Envy we have for the other scales.
Imediate gratification we anticipate.
Satisfaction that Bachmann can deliver.
Long wait we have endured.
Extacy we are anticipating.
Repeat business securing Bachmans future.

This is being written for the self admitted electrically challenged members and visitors.

A multi meter will be on most long time modelers list of essential tools.

The following assumes you will be working with safe voltages, less than 20 volts.

The multi meter consists of 3 major parts, test leads, selector switch and read out.

The TEST LEADS transport the electrical source into the meter to enable measurement.

The SELECTOR SWITCH adjusts the input to a small direct current proportionate to what you want to know about the electrical source.

The READ OUT converts the small current into a visual calibrated display, analog (Needle on a meter scale) or digital (numerical read out created by an analog to digital converter)

A multi meter is capable of providing measurements of voltage, current, and resistance.

VOLTAGE-(Electromotive force (Pressure)) The meter utilizes a low current to deflect the meter in proportion to the voltage drop across an internal resistor. By selecting the size of the resistor higher or lower currents are sent to the meter in proportion to range selected. When measuring alternating current a rectifier is inserted ahead of the meter.

It must be remembered that resistance alone does not cause a voltage drop without current flow. When looking for power loss in a track layout a load (such as a test lamp) at the affected location will create a detectable voltage drop across the problem.

CURRENT-Amperes (Volume or amount of electricity) To measure current the circuit must be opened and the test leads inserted so that all the current to be measured flows through the meter.  All current flows through an internal resistor creating a very small voltage drop and sending the resulting low current to the meter.

RESISTANCE-(Ohms) Unlike voltage and current that use power from the circuit, resistance measurement uses an internal battery as a power source.

TURN OFF POWER TO CIRCUIT BEFORE MEASURING RESISTANCE, external voltage/current could damage meter on Ohms scales.

Calibration is required to achieve accurate resistance measurement and is achieved by shorting the test leads and adjusting a rotary control to "zero" the meter. You should note the resistance scale reads backwards because the higher the current the lower the resistance. The meter should not be stored in the resistance mode to avoid draining the internal battery.

The resistance scale is most useful to trace wiring; by locating zero resistance between the ends of a wire you know both ends are of the same wire.

The above descriptions are generic and exclude many factors such as auto ranging.

OK it's your turn to question or?

The following instructions will provide a hidden touch less latching on / off switch suitable for most scale track or battery powered model RR cars by utilizing magnetic biasing.

Material required for each car:
Magnetic reed switch (a glass tube containing contacts that close a circuit when magnetized externally)
Small magnet used to latch reed switch.

One only separate (strong enough) bar magnet (poles at ends) used to do the external switching.

The trick is to locate a small magnet close enough to the reed switch to hold the switch operated but far enough away as to not operate the switch by itself. These experiments are best carried out on the work bench before installation. The relative strength of the small magnet will determine its distance from the reed switch.

When correctly positioned the portable bar magnet can then be used to assist the small magnet to turn and hold the lights on or when the ends are reversed over power the small magnet’s field causing the switch to release and the lights go out.

It is suggested that all small magnets be positioned so the same polarity is used to operate all the switches and that the ends of the bar magnet are identified (Green & Red tape) and thinly padded to avoid damage from accidental contact.

I suggest mounting switches in a standard location such as next to smoke stacks in the ceilings.

You will now be able to go up or down your consist with the bar magnet turning the lights on or off to your hearts content.

Track side magnets can turn lights on and off when trains pass and the switches are mounted in a suitable uniform location.