Perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to replace the Caboose ground throws witht he ones that have contacts built in. The next easiest thing would be to probably use microswitches instead of the SPDT center off switches you have. Third option would be the one I mentioned, replacing the Caboose throws with a homemade mechanism that uses the electric switches to hold the position of the throwbarr and conveniently providing contacts, but you'd probbaly want to swap them for versions that do not have a center off.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrebellTurnouts are thrown by Caboose industries high level switch stands.
rrinkerSPST is all you need for the frog power
SPDT, right?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
locoi1sa You can run the frog power lead to the turnout points. Just like the old DC turnouts like Sinohara put out. A couple of feeders from the points to the frog wire and the points will control the frog polarity. No switches to switch and automatic for your DC layout with almost zero cost. Pete
You can run the frog power lead to the turnout points. Just like the old DC turnouts like Sinohara put out. A couple of feeders from the points to the frog wire and the points will control the frog polarity. No switches to switch and automatic for your DC layout with almost zero cost.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
RREBELL,
I would go with Randys,suggestion,and use that slide switch to power the frog and use it to throw the points,from the center of the throw bar,leaving the targets connected where they are..According to what I just read on their web site,,,''provisions made so targets can be made to operate from below the table on electrically controlled turnouts,,modeler must fabricate own linkage''. So I WOULD SAY,,IT WILL WORK,RANDYS WAY..
Cheers,
Frank
Turnouts are thrown by Caboose industries high level switch stands. Can not do a throw with power. It is a walkaround layout. Everything works without the frogs being powered but I can not always crawl though a turnout. Doing a juicer with DC could be made to work but my lack of electronics knowledge is obvious (you can install voltage boosters, forgot the real name).
SPST is all you need for the frog power - now you need to figure out how to move them with the switch points. A very common mechanical method is to use SPST slide switches with a control rod to the fascia and a smaller hole drilled in the side of the slider to hold a piece of music wire to operate the switch points. Center off is probably NOT the best type for something like this, unless you have a 3-way turnout - there is no middle position on an ordinary turnout and leaving one stuck there will guarantee a derailment.
Too Bad,that you bought all spst,switches,,because you need,DPDT,switches,for that to work...What kind of switch machines are you using??
I do not think a 'Frog Juicer' type of unit will work(or even a modified one). With DC, you need to tie the polarity control to the individual DC throttle or turnout. The best way to do this is let the turnout control the polarity by using contacts on the turnout motor or a a separate switch. Caboose Industries has a ground throw(220S) with built-in contacts that will do this. Here is a link to the picture/description:
http://www.cabooseind.com/GroundThrows
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin