Looking for simple controls for peco switch machines

[jwr_1986]

Hello all,

We are installing peco switch machines on a layout. We need a switch that will indicate the position of the turnout. We were going with SPDT switches and push button momentary switches.

The problem is that we set it up the same way we've done atlas twin coils. One push button provides power to multiple switches machines. Apparently Peco switch machines need a lot of current and with two or more running off the same push button they just can't do it.

Could I solve this problem with a capacitive discharge unit or does each switch machine absolutely need it's own push button.

 Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

Thanks

Jesse

[retsignalmtr]

Using a capacitive discharge unit will enable you to throw several switches together and will recharge quickly to throw more. Another benifit is if you have a pushbutton stick or keep the switch coils energized too long it will not burn out the coils. I used a Circuitron Snapper on my clubs layout where we could barely throw one Peco machine at a time.

[Seamonster]

Yes, Peco switch machines work better with a C-D unit. There is a problem with using ordinary toggle switches so that the handles can indicate which way the turnout is set and having one pushbutton to throw the turnouts, or multiple pushbuttons for groups of turnouts which is how I interpert your post. When you press that pushbutton, all the turnout coils connected to it will be energized--all the ones that you've previously thrown. If you have just one pushbutton then every single turnout on the layout will receive a shot. That would not only be unnecessary and hard on the switch machines, but probably beyond the capabilities of even the most powerful C-D unit. I may be mis-reading your post, though, and what you meant was to throw a bunch of turnouts all at once to set up a route in advance. In that case, ordinary toggle switches and one pushbutton for the group will work so long as you don't exceed the capacity of the C-D unit.

[MisterBeasley]

Yes, Peco machines need a CD circuit.  I built one for about $5 worth of Radio $hack parts.  Even one Peco really works better this way.

If you want positive feedback, get the little gadget that connects to the Peco machine and gives you a set of contact closures which stay connected to one side or the other once you've thrown the turnout.  They can be used to light control panel LEDs or on-layout signals, or both.

[tomikawaTT]

If you do go for indicators that show the actual routing, not just the way the panel switches are set, you can adopt the simplest, least expensive machine power system - hot probe and studs.  Absolutely guaranteed never to stick and fry a switch machine.  Works well with diode matrix circuits to power only the machine coils that have to be energized for the route selected.

An additional feature of indicators that show the actual position of the switch points - if a switch machine fails, the indicators will show the actual position of the points, not just the position of the panel control.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with probe and stud switch machine control)

[jwr_1986]

 Thank you everyone for your replies.

 

Our switches are grouped logically by their location. We have 3 at most together.

 

Hopefully the CD unit will work then.  Thanks again everyone.

 

Jesse

[JSperan]

 You might want to test one of these and see if it does the job for you.

Electronic Turnout Switch