help with toggle switches

[Anonymous]

so i've decided to get rid of all of my lionel switch controlers that line the edge of my layout and replace them with a simple control panel using toggle switches. i set out on this project knowing it wouldn't be easy, but i am at a standstill before i have even begun.
the problem is finding the propper switches. the only switches i can find lock into either the up or down position. this will throw the switch but it screws up the non-derailing feature on the switch (by the way i am using lionel 072 and 031 switches)
what i need are toggle switches that work the same way the lionel switch controlers work, they don't lock in up or down there is a spring i guess to re center it allowing the nondreailing feature to still throw.
has anybody built a control pannel for these switches?
am i taking on an impossible project?
i have 14 switches on a 8x16 layout i would really like to eliminate the lionel controlers cus they take up too much room

[csxt30]

I think you need what they call " SPDT momentary " toggles. I'm sure some of the other guys will be able to elaborate or suggest something else, but I think those are it, maybe you can check on them.
Thanks,

[Anonymous]

thanks csx, if any one can elaborate on those switches or direct me to where i can buy them that would be awesome!

[Anonymous]

Atlas O has them under their electronic section:

Switch Control Box, Item Code is 56

[Anonymous]

Radio Shack sells them I believe in their parts drawers. You need a center off monentary contact SPDT or DPDT toggle.

Dale Hz

[Birds]

You would be looking for a momentary on - off - momentary on switch. Often times this is abbreviated (ON) - OFF - (ON).

If you don't want any bulbs on the control panel telling you which direction the switch is thrown you can use a SPDT toggle. If you do want to have lights on the control panel to tell you which side is thrown, then you would need a DPDT toggle.

If you like doing mail order you can also try Mouser Electronics at www.mouser.com

They have a variety of toggle switches and you should be able to find one with a correct amp and voltage rating.


Enjoy,
Birds

[Anonymous]

Here's some thing that might help you. I have use them for many years with my HO stuff[img.nr]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db20b3127cce88916b407cba00000015100ActG7Ru0ZsWJg[/img.nr]

[Chris F]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062530&cp

Radio Shack describes this as an automotive switch, so you might be able to find a similar one at an auto parts store of even (gasp!) Wal-Mart.

[Anonymous]

thanks for the help everyone! i think i'll be in pretty good shape to get started now. i'll be back soon when i can't figure out how to set up the red and green indicator lights on the pannel.[:D]

[Anonymous]

Go to http://www.manquen.net/SwitchMaster_Switch_Controller.htm for a look at my control panel. It uses inexpensive miniature toggle switches and a red/green LED for each switch. The switches are Mouser #10TA345 for about $3 each. (www.mouser.com - no minimum order) The LEDs are Kingbright T-1 Mouser #604-WP937EGW for $.34 each. You also need two diodes and a resistor for a total of $.08 more. I guess that is about $3.50/switch. And you need the plastic snap-in bezel for the LED.

If you want detailed pictures and a schematic, email me at [e-mail].

By the way, a DPDT double pole switch WON'T give you an indicator lamp since the switch is momentary.

[Birds]

Tinker made a great catch on the momentary DPDT switches not being able to work with an indicator light.

Just a bump to make sure his words of wisdom are seen.

[lionelsoni]

You can duplicate Lionel's circuit for the indicator lights. They simply go from the turnout terminals to ground. They draw current from the switch-motor coil that is ready to throw the turnout next, but not enough actually to throw it. So the green light is wired to the same terminal that is grounded to throw the turnout to the diverging path, and vice-versa. (This does not work for O27 switches.)

I have suggested a number of times a simple scheme that is cheaper and takes up even less space than toggle switches. It is simply two studs embedded in a track diagram and connected to the turnout terminals. You touch one or the other with a grounded probe to throw the turnout. The studs can be no more than screw heads. You could put a stud and a small light together next to each other on the stripe that shows the track on the diagram (wiring each lamp to the other stud, of course).

[Anonymous]

after a little shopping around i picked up a momentary pushbutton switch and some led for indicators i'm going to experiment with these a little, i think it will work out good.