I have to replace a momertary push button switch that controls a lightning scene on the layout.
The package I will probably get contains 10 switches.
Do you guys have some suggestions for additional scenes using these extra switches?
Harold
A friend of mine has one on a welding shop scene.
Pete
There are two broad possibilities here. The first is actuation of effects directly; the second is to trigger a programmed series of events or an automaton.
For example, a welding scene might require an extended series of 'welds' with simulated arc or flame accompanied by sound. While you could wire this directly, it might be tedious to keep pushing the button to make the desired effect. A cheap old alternative is to arrange a motorized wheel with contacts around its edge, which is started by the push button and goes through part of a revolution before cutting itself off to be restarted with another button press; this gives (for example) several random sets of welding or lightning flashes without repetition. Multiple rows of contacts can coordinate different things. My grandfather had one of these driven by a clock motor to turn lights in a 'village' on and off in a pattern, and a similar approach with fiber optics is easy to imagine.
Of course the range of effects possible with a programmed device triggered with a normally-open trigger switch is much greater, as will be the number of 'programs' to avoid pattern recognition (or use of random timing elements).
One use for these switches would be to play 'ambient sound' clips -- cows, birds, jets, etc.
I like the last idea. I have a saw mill on the layout. This could work well with this.
Stay Safe
The most common use of these used to be for twin coil switch machines. Since the Tortoise became the standard, there are limited uses for them now.
A bag of ten might be a lifetime supply. You might consider buying one heavier duty button for the same price.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Triggering things is a generic answer - you could add more stuff. More action scenes, a sound player, etc.
There's a simple circuit that lets you use momentary pushbuttons with a Tortoise - which is a nice option when you want to control the same Tortoise from two (or more) locations, because just wiring multiple toggles in series results in all the handles not pointing the same way and so not as useful as an indication of which direction you are set for as it is when there is just one toggle.
I wish 10 pushbuttons was a lifetime supply for me - 10 won't even operate all the turnouts in my yard.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Ok Randy
Can you draw that circuit or tell me where to see it. I have several Tortoise controls at the rear of my layout which are connected to my panel which also had LED's showing direction of the points. When I have an operation session the operator has to tell me to throw those turnouts. If you use the circuit you are talking about will it also change the LED's.
This one from Rob Paisley will do the job:
http://www.circuitous.ca/556Stall08.html
I use mine for my engine sevice area and roundhouse and engine tracks. It does a couple good things in my opinion.
First it shuts down the engines and sound systems when parked inside the buildings. Having several engines thumping away all the time can get tiresome especially since my workbench is directly below the RH area.
Second it prevents accidental operation of the engines so they don't wind up in the turntable pit or running into the walls of the buildings or each other.
Not being into relays and other stuff I also use them to operate my crossing lights. Since I'm using DCC and walk with my trains it's no big deal to push the button when you get there.
oldline1
I use a few pushbuttons for electromagnetic uncouplers, but the do draw a lot of current so that should be considered.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyI use a few pushbuttons for electromagnetic uncouplers, but they do draw a lot of current so that should be considered.
You could pay retail for relays or associated components, of course ... if you have the money to burn...
How many of you have implemented, or wanted, interlocking logic in complicated switch plants, so that one button unambiguously sets a selected route, rather than jiggering switch by switch as America did before the 1850s? Relays greatly simplify this.
MisterBeasleyI use a few pushbuttons for electromagnetic uncouplers, but the do draw a lot of current so that should be considered.
I would love a commercial circuit that had a relay for current capacity and a 30 second timer for the Kadee electromagnet upcouplers.
Six wires, 2 for the button, 12V + and -, and two to the magnet.
I know I would buy a dozen just for the simplicity of it all.
There are a few out there, pretty simple to make. Or you could just use the Rapido Rail Crew uncouplers, MUCH less hassle to install than the Kadee electromagnets and they already run from pushbuttons