Peco Switch Machines

[Anonymous]

I'm in the process of installing Peco switch machines and need to activate using a toggle , but am wondering what to use? I'm not that familiar with electronics but from what I see you need a momentary switch as anything else will burn out the motor. Do SPDT toggles offer this or am I looking for something else? I'd prefer a toggle as compared to a push button as I want to indicate direction of throw (even though I'm going to use LED's as well).
Thanks in advance.

[simon1966]

I believe that a momentary toggle will not give you what you need as they are held momentarily in one location and flip back when released.

[Anonymous]

The above would work well. A well stocked hardware store should carry them. I like the SPDP MOMENTARY switches since you only need one switch in a 1/2" hole. If you like push butons you would need 2.

[Anonymous]

P.S. to my earlyer post. A momentary toggle will spring back to center when relised so it will not show which way it was thrown last. The Atlas turnout switch has a slide then push switch, but is large in camparison to a toggle and the swith button can move to ether possition, but if you do not move it after throwing a tunout it will show the direction. I just use my lights.

[Seamonster]

You might want to check out the thread "Electrical Whizzes--Control Panel Questions".

[NZRMac]

Capacitor discharge is really the only way to make sure you don't burn out your switch machines, you only need one for a layout and it will run two turnouts at the same time.

Ken.

[Anonymous]

Check out "Easy Model railroad Wiring" by Andy Sperandeo (Model Rairoader Books). It has a way to to use "normal" toggle switches on switch machines by using it's Aux contacts to shut off power to the machine as soon as it moves.