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How Can I Eliminate Solenoid Buzz In Operating Switch Tower?

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Posted by ballastbob on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:44 PM

 Thanks, Bob.  I'll try that and see what happens.

Bob

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Posted by lionelsoni on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:34 PM

The next step would be to put some capacitance in parallel with the coil.  That's going to increase the voltage at the coil however; so you don't want to use more than the minimum that quiets it down.  You'll have to do this by trial and error.  I would start with about 100 microfarads and work up or down from there.  It's also a good idea to lower the AC voltage into the bridge rectifier to the minimum that will operate the accessory reliably, to keep from overheating it.

Bob Nelson

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Posted by ballastbob on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 8:49 PM

 Pete,

Maybe we can get Bob to help us a little more on this one..  I tried his approach and isolated the light bulb and then wired the rectifier into the circuit the way he explained. Yes, it works but the buzz is not eliminated, only lessened somewhat.  I wonder if there is anything else that you/I could do to further reduce the noise level.  Bob - any thoughts?

Bob

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Posted by brianel027 on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:04 PM

Pete, there's one more way also if you happen to have one around: Use a HO type DC power pack. Or even one of the plug-in DC power transformers often used for small appliances. With one of those, you'll need one with a suitable power output to power the switch tower. It's amazing how many folks can have these laying around. For momentary operation accessories, they're a good source of power to eliminate solenoid buzz. Again, you have to test them with the accessory you have. They work find for me with some of my K-Line accessories like the crossing gates and switch tower. I've been using them for many years with good results.

Just another suggestion. Though if you want to use your existing transformer set up, the bridge rectifier is the way to go.

brianel, Agent 027

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Posted by Texas Pete on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 2:15 PM

 Hey Rob - Thanks!  How I missed that yesterday... I don't know.

Pete

 

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Posted by ADCX Rob on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 1:52 PM

 Your answer is here...

Rob

Rob

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How Can I Eliminate Solenoid Buzz In Operating Switch Tower?
Posted by Texas Pete on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 11:00 AM

I recently acquired a Lionel #2324 Operating Switch Tower.  It works well but it emits a loud buzz when activated.  I think there's a way to eliminate, or at least reduce, the buzz by using a bridge rectifier but not sure exactly how.  I've not been able to turn up anything from a forum search.  Bob - You out there, amigo?

Pete

 

"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light."  - Edward Abbey -

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