Turntable index control

[PRR Photo Hank]

I'm looking for a controler to index the turntable for my HO layout

[fkrall]

I'll soon be doing the same thing and will look forward to replies to your question.  I've found the PTC controller but don't know how it compares.  It appears highly capable, but it may also be overkill: 

http://nyrs.com/ 

Rick Krall 

[topcopdoc]

I am using a wafer or rotary control switch, which consists of turn able knob with a large number of contacts on it. One wire attaches to each of the roundhouse tracks and to the switch contacts. The other wires go to a common ground.

 

 I turn the turntable with a small power pack until the tracks line up then engage the rotary switch to give it power.

 

I have a small diode on each track, which lights green if the track has power. It is simple and foolproof way to power each track.

 

Doc

 

[jrbernier]

  The PTC controller may be overkill at $375!  My Walthers $300 turntable indexes fine and includes everything in a single package(except power).  I have seen the PTC in operation and it is sweet, but a little too rich for my blood!

Jim

[MisterBeasley]

Pray tell, which turntable are you using?  They're not all the same, and they won't necessarily do best with any one indexing system.  This is mine:

Beneath the scenery, it's an Atlas.  No external indexing required.  So, watcha got?

[TomDiehl]

I'll second Jim's comment on the Walthers Turntable. I have the 130 foot model installed and operational and setting the indexes was a snap. And the self zeroing feature if you need to pull the bridge for cleaning makes this a reliable and simple to set up unit.

[PRR Photo Hank]

I have a Heljin 98' W/a Walthers drive #942-472. I think the rotary index probaly will work but does any body have a schematic on how to do it??

[PRR Photo Hank]

Hi Doc

Do you have a schematic to your rotary switch control I've dabaled with enough that I could prob. build something.

                                                                                                          Thanks Hank !!!

[DieSteam]

How much depth does the Walthers turntable require?  I have 1" foam on top of plywood.  Would I need to cut into my plwood or or is 1" enough depth?

[topcopdoc]

Hank,

As soon as I convert the diagram I will send it along.

Doc

 This is my first try making a diagram in Microsoft Word so forgive my crude attempt. Solder red wire to yard lead track on plus side (+) and other end to wafer switch. Solder red wires (+) to each tab on wafer switch and other end to plus side (+) on roundhouse tracks. All the ground (-) sides can be soldered together using black wire. To power a particular roundhouse track just turn knob on switch to that position. Doc