I'm actually building my N scale layout and will be installing two Peco Double Crossovers that will both have four PL-10 twincoil motors for activation.I know that the PL-10 do require a fair amount of current so my question is..."are the available CDU's strong enough to actuate four PL-10 simultaneously or will I need to either use two or more or build a stronger one?"
Also,I have a bunch of Atlas Snap-Relays that I plan to use to power frogs and eventually for signalling as the layout progresses.However,these require very little current to react wich raises another question.Will these fry if connected in parallel with the turnout motors because of the high CDU power?Is the very short application of CDU power enough to do so?And if so,can a resistor be installed in the Snap Relay supply,so that the PL-10 still get a good jolt?
It is highly possible that other members have better ideas,si I'd welcome them.I'm taking all the time and effort needed to have reliable operation.I don't have an unlimited budget however so I'm trying to do with what I have on hand.Thanks.
Buy the Circuitron Snapper. Do a Google search for circuitron snapper. The link will show up first.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
In addition to the regular PL-10, Peco also has a low current switch machine that is supposed to draw less current. I used a couple of them on a module for two double crossovers powered by a DS-64 connected to my DCC track power buss. You shouldn't have any problems with the PL-10's with a CDU.
I used to have a Circuitron Snapper when I had older Kemtron type twin coil machines, and could throw 4 of them at the same time with no problem. The 'recharge' time was under 2 seconds IIRC. You can find them on the net for around $25 - I do not think you could build one for the price. I used an old Troller power pack for the power source.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
You should be able to handle that many at once with the Snapper.
As for building one, the parts should be under $20 even at Radio Shack's inflated prices. Actually, comes out to $14.74 plus tax including a heat sink for the transistor and a piece of perfboard to build it on.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I personally would only activate two turnouts / switch machines at at time on each crossover. Activating all four still doesn't clear the tracks because of the crossing in the middle of each crossover, so I don't think you gain that much.
Just activate the pair that would go from one side to the other, not the two on the same end.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Jacktal Also,I have a bunch of Atlas Snap-Relays that I plan to use to power frogs and eventually for signalling as the layout progresses.However,these require very little current to react wich raises another question.Will these fry if connected in parallel with the turnout motors because of the high CDU power?Is the very short application of CDU power enough to do so?And if so,can a resistor be installed in the Snap Relay supply,so that the PL-10 still get a good jolt?
Most twin coil snap machines store power in a capictor. When you throw the switch, this capacitor allows for a very high current for a very short period of time. Current is determined by V = IR. (or I = V/R) The resistance on the twin coil snaps is typically very low, hence the high current. Hooking a low power switch device to the same power supply shouldn't cause issues because low power switch motors have a very high resistance, thereby restricting the current. (Providing the current is in spec)
While you theorhetically hook other machines to the same switch supply, I would recommend against it. It sometimes takes a couple seconds for the capacitor to fully charge. Hooking them up in parrallel cuts your current by the number of switch machines. For example, 3 twin coil switch machines = 1/3rd of max available current to switch at once. Your manual should tell you the maximum number you can hook up at once.
You could also just try it once or twice. If it doesn't have a enough juice to throw 4 switches at once, then you won't break anything. Just buy another switch power supply if it fails.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!