Capacitor Discharge System (CDS) How to needed, especially helpful in addition to diagram would be any pics of such system, and place to get the parts (and part numbers??)
To show you how stupid I am does the Discharge system only work with AC or will it do DC also? I am wiring twincoil switch machines (yes I know about tortoises) for a staging yard. Already had machines given to me so that is what I am using.
While I am in the begging mode, does anyone know where to get rotary electrical switches that will set up the staging, and light an led on track diagram to show which track was selected? What would that be, at least 3 or 4 contacts per position?
First off, a capacitor discharge unit is only needed if you are using twin-coil switch machines. It is a DC device, which will not function with a pure AC input. The basic ingredients are a moderately large capacitor and a line resistor to hold charging current to something that won't overheat the switch machine coil if the activating switch or button fails to open. Parts are available at any electronic parts source.
Multi-deck rotary switches seem to have become an endangered species. You might try a Google search for (X1)P(X2)T rotary switches, where X1 = number of tracks and X2 = number of contacts that need to be used for various purposes. Expect sticker shock.
I personally select tracks with a stud-and-probe system, and light the panel indicators through the contacts on the switch machines. That way I can be sure the lamp indicates the actual track selected, not just the rotary switch position.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
A good place to start is Rob's website. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html
He has a lot of switch machine info.
Tom
The Circuitron Snapper is the easiet way to do this. Feed in AC or DC.
Rotary switches at maybe some online surplus shops.
http://www.oldradioparts.com/2a28fl.txt
DIY circuits
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=27.html
http://www.hmrg.co.uk/techtops/bigcpu.htm
I use the below with a diode matrix for a three way turnout.
http://www.awrr.com/cdsupply.html
I assume you know what you are doing with electronics.
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.
HII used the CDC that Rich listed, indicated below and left off the ready circuit because it only takes a second to recharge anyway. The CDC will fire more than two motors so a cross over only takes one push to operate. The whole point is, it won't keep powering the switch motor and burn it up if you hold the button down too long or lean across a panel to work on something. I use the Atlas control buttons and motors, since installing the CDC they have been very reliable. The CDC gives the motors a sharp spike of power and then won't recharge until the button is released.
Good luck
Lee
Go with the one recommended by Yankee flyer. I am not electric smart and built one using a transformer from radio shack and other parts from the local owned electric supply house.No question when the switch snaps .I stuck the parts through a pref board and made the connections one at a time as shown at the bottom of the instructions, like him i left out the ready circuit. I think it works great.
STP Jerrold
Thank you to youall who have taken your time to help me out. I think I can take it from here on CDS for the switch machines.
Still haven't found a 10-12 position rotary switch for track selection yet.
Huron&VirginianRy Still haven't found a 10-12 position rotary switch for track selection yet.
Mouser Electronics lists over 80 different 12 position rotary switches.