Click on photo to enlarge it. .
The numbered double terminals on the control panel are connected to the numbered switches, A "common" probe "momentarily" touched to either terminal, activates the switch. Is there some electronic way to have the LEDs on the numbered diagram, light up until the switch is activated "momentarily" to "switch" the turnout, in the other direction ? Or, must one use the switch points to light up the other LED ? Bob Hahn
Bob,
If I understand your circuit correctly (using snap switches perhaps?) you would need a "bi-stable latching relay" to run the LEDs when nothing is connected to a terminal. I think that Atlas makes some kind of "snap relay" that serves that purpose if you are using their switch actuators.
With tortoises I mostly just place a bicolor LED in series with one terminal so I have not tried this.
Perhaps others might have a better solution.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
Bob
The main problem having your LEDs functioned by the switch actuator selector is that said actuators have to be dead reliable, else you can get the indication, but with a switch mechanism out of selected position. By switch I refer to the US nomenclature for what I know in UK as a point.
As I use twin solenoid actuators, which can be fickle at best, I prefer to have the LEDs operated by a micro-switch attached to the point mechanism, that way you are indicated where your point switch blade is actualy at, not where you thought it should be when selected.
In the end the choice is yours - whatever suits you best.
Rob
Bob, while I don't think this is the answer for you, I often wonder why more people who are using twin coil switch machines are not using these.
Electronic Turnout Switch
They can be had in kit form for as little as $4 each I think.