LION and his control panel...
The levers activate the smallest, (cheapest) microswitches I could find. Some of the levers are interlocked to prevent conflicting alignments but I did not attempt to build a proper fully interlocked matrix such as this GRS model-5 interlocking plant would use.
I use Tortoise switch machines and so constant power to the motor is correct and also provides an efficient wiring system that can also contol signals relays and track power.
Levers similar to these can be used to activate momentary switches that will work your machines, and leave the lever in the position that the switch is in. Ok, and you do not have to build BIG levers, you could make them the size of a pen and will still operate momentary switches as it passes from one position to the other.
There are many things that can be done, but according to the LION, Tortoise machines are still worth every penny that you pay for them. And remember: LIONS ARE CHEAP!
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Ok, Need Momentary switches for these switch machines, and I have found these:
http://www.citrelay.com/Catalog%20pages/Switches/BT%20Series%20Catalog.pdf
Will these work... and if they do, then I have to figure out where to get them from... I am finding alot of these dual LED switches hard to find
JW
Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm.
Jay Dubbs66 Ok, so I am getting to the point in this layout that I need to start wiring the control panel to operate the turnouts. I have seen some very nice light panels and I was thinking about integrating that with push button dual color LED's to turn the switch one way or the the other. My problem is finding the actual switch that will do this. I have found one, but cannot find anywhere they are in stock or even give me a price quote on them. http://www.citrelay.com/Catalog%20pages/Switches/DG%20Series%20Catalog.pdf If anyone has an idea where I can find these and order them, that would be great. Or if they will not work for what I want them to do, that also would be helpful. I am using Peco switch machines to control the Peco turnouts. Thanks for the read... JW
Ok, so I am getting to the point in this layout that I need to start wiring the control panel to operate the turnouts. I have seen some very nice light panels and I was thinking about integrating that with push button dual color LED's to turn the switch one way or the the other. My problem is finding the actual switch that will do this. I have found one, but cannot find anywhere they are in stock or even give me a price quote on them.
http://www.citrelay.com/Catalog%20pages/Switches/DG%20Series%20Catalog.pdf
If anyone has an idea where I can find these and order them, that would be great.
Or if they will not work for what I want them to do, that also would be helpful. I am using Peco switch machines to control the Peco turnouts.
Thanks for the read...
So you are using the momentary switch machines, but you want some sort of an indication on your panel telling you which way the switch is thrown. The best solution is a latching relay that will control your indicator light. Here is one from Digikey that may work for you.
You will use either two push buttons or one (on) off (on) toggle switch that will operate both the switch coil and this relay that will operate a light on your panel.
You may be able to use Atlas Snap Relays for the same purpose, this may be cheaper, and will certainly use less current so that it will not drag down your turnout coils.
(Of course LIONS use Tortoise switch machines and any sort of a toggle switch for control)
I am in the process of rewiring my layout switches from the ugly Atlas spdt switches and hand drawn diagram to an acrylic covered photopapered diagram and using SPDT toggle switches http://www.mpja.com/SPDT-Momentary-Off-Momentary-Mini-Toggle-Switclh-UL/productinfo/5009+SW/ (I was planning on posting what I have on this weeks WPF).
I would look over MPJA site and see if they have something that will work for you. But I think if you want lights on all the time indicating the direction of the switch you will have look at using a Tortoise or some other kind of stall motor.