N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: weave on September 17, 2012, 12:41:50 AM

Title: Controllers in the sun
Post by: weave on September 17, 2012, 12:41:50 AM
Another daft question from the wonderful world of Weave.

Basically, can you leave a controller in full sunlight?

Have moved from loft to spare bedroom (layout that is, no rows with Swimbo!) and as south facing gets the sun. Have been moving the controller onto the floor when not in use but when I fix it in properly it will be right next to the window.

Should I cover it with something when not in use or will it be ok? Its a Gaugemaster model D, guaranteed til judgement day although smallprint might say 'unless you left it in full sunlight you pratt!'.

Thanks Weave
Title: Re: Controllers in the sun
Post by: weave on September 17, 2012, 12:59:33 AM
PS. No curtains as spent money on 3 sncf coaches. Might have to live in the loft!
Title: Re: Controllers in the sun
Post by: longbridge on September 17, 2012, 04:25:50 AM
Being in the Sun would make any difference at all Weave, electronics are at risk in very humid climates or where there is a rapid change in temperature but ordinary sunlight would not be a problem.
I had a Controller in direct Aussie sunlight through a window onto a layout the only thing that happened was the scenery started to fade, our Aussie sun is super intense so much so that we have become the skin cancer capital of the world.
Title: Re: Controllers in the sun
Post by: weave on September 17, 2012, 08:20:34 AM
Thanks,

Just thought of another potential problem when you said humid as the room is used to dry clothes as we don't have an airing cupboard or tumble drier (sounds like we don't own anything! :). Weather's ok at moment but when window is shut in the winter and using a portable radiator it can get quite steamy in there.

Locos live in our bedroom but might the controller suffer?

Cheers Weave



Title: Re: Controllers in the sun
Post by: Dr Al on September 17, 2012, 10:05:51 AM
It won't affect it. The controller is in a metal box, which will shield it from any warming up.

Cheers,
Alan
Title: Re: Controllers in the sun
Post by: EtchedPixels on September 17, 2012, 12:49:20 PM
If anything it'll bleach it that's all. Plastics are a whole different ball game.

If in doubt email Gaugemaster.