O-22 switch questions

[lionelsoni]

Does this help?

turnout ground terminal----no connection
turnout straight terminal----stud for straight path----lamp for diverging path----ground
turnout diverging terminal----stud for diverging path----lamp for straight path----ground
ground----probe

[lionelsoni]

What I am calling ground is the common return for the layout, connected both to the outside rails and to the common return of the transformers. The three terminals on the turnout are connections to that common and to the two solenoid coils that throw the turnout.

The O22 has an internal switch that disconnects whichever of the coils has last operated the turnout. Each indicator lamp in the controller is wired between the coil terminal and ground. So they are in series with the coils. With one coil disconnected, only one lamp lights. The lamps do not draw enough current to throw the turnout.

In the scheme I described, the lamps on the diagram are wired just as the ones in the controller, between the switch terminal --same as a stud--and ground (not the accessory voltage nor the center rail). Since the lamp that will be lit is the one connected to the terminal that was not grounded last, the lamps on the diagram will each be wired to the other stud.

If you are using electrical switches to control the power to track blocks, they can obviously share the same diagram as the turnout-throwing studs and lights.

[msacco]

Scott's odd's and ends sell LED for the controllers if you're still interested. No conversion they just go in place of the traditional bulbs. I still use the 022 controller with handpainted bulbs for the true 50s look. All depends on what you're after.

Mike Sacco

[ben10ben]

Lionel's TMCC switch controllers were pretty much designed with O22 switch operation in mind. My O22s work great even with my finicky and technologically obsolete SC-1 controller.

[yallaen]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lionelsoni

The controllers are momentary single-pole-double-throw-center-off. They will be described in a parts catalog (like Mouser) as (ON)-OFF-(ON). However, a Lionel controller has lamps as well as the switch inside, to show the turnout position. The lamps connect between each of the individual switch terminals and the common.

However, you might like a scheme that doesn't use any switches. Make a (simplified) diagram of your track and put a metal stud (like a screw head) on the track for each of the two forks of each turnout, wired to the turnout terminals. Throw the switch by touching a stud with a "grounded" probe (one connected to the outside rails. You can also install lamps on the diagram to show the turnout position. (Each lamp will be wired to the stud for the other direction.)

Ok, so, what your saying it making a control box...with the stud on the main route for "straight ahead" movement, and a stud on the diverging route. Each stud goes to it's respective terminal on the switch (which terminal controls which, and which is the "ground?). Now, if I were to throw in the lights..I could just wire those in line with the stud. BUT< if my "ground" probe, as soon as I remove the probe, won't the light not work?

And what about TMCC with the switches?

[lionelsoni]

The controllers are momentary single-pole-double-throw-center-off. They will be described in a parts catalog (like Mouser) as (ON)-OFF-(ON). However, a Lionel controller has lamps as well as the switch inside, to show the turnout position. The lamps connect between each of the individual switch terminals and the common.

However, you might like a scheme that doesn't use any switches. Make a (simplified) diagram of your track and put a metal stud (like a screw head) on the track for each of the two forks of each turnout, wired to the turnout terminals. Throw the switch by touching a stud with a "grounded" probe (one connected to the outside rails. You can also install lamps on the diagram to show the turnout position. (Each lamp will be wired to the stud for the other direction.)

[yallaen]

I have several questions about these switches. I have several of them now, and they all cleaned up fantastically. Some of them didn't come with bulbs, and some of them didn't come with the toggle switches to make the move back and forth.

So...
1. What type bulbs do they use? I have some of the screw in, and some of the pu***wist type. I'm interested in converting them to the LED bulbs..can someone layout how the conversion works, and a good source for those? My new soldering gun is itching for a workout!

2. Where can I get the toggle switches for them? Is there an alternative that can be used (like a sp/dp switch from radio shack or something)?

3. Does TMCC control switches as well? What needs to be done to modify the old O-22 to TMCC control (if it does this)?

Thanks all...got a couple more paint projects..then I'm allowed to tackle the trainroom!