Posting this for forum member 'tupsters' who seems to be having difficulty finding the correct place to post this. As it appears to concern operating a DCC-enabled switch on straight DC, I think this is the appropriate place to pose it; moderators are welcome to move it as desired.
Hello, I have a Piko #55272 under the table turnout. I read the directions and noticed that part of installing this unit, it requires a Piko #55274 switch decoder and a #55262 control panel. I was hoping to just use a toggle switch and hook it to a power source (AC or DC - not sure which one) to operate it. I see 3 wires (with a female prong conector) coming out of the 55272. Is is possible to just wire it as I suggested, or do I need the other 2 items?
Thanks - John
It appears the Piko 55272 is a servo. I get the mount is made specially for a Piko turnout, but the first link I hit has that prices at $23. Frankly insnae price for a servo.
And yes, since it is a plain servo, just the 3 wires coming out, +, -, and control signal, it needs a controller/driver to operate. While it might be slightly more mechanically complicated to mount, there are far less expensive options that include everything you need, including the buttons and indicators.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkerthere are far less expensive options that include everything you need, including the buttons and indicators.
One optuion is Tam Valley Depot:
Micro Singlet with fascia controller 15.49
SG90 servo $4.99
Servo mounting bracket $5.95
That's all you need for a single turnout. It does do DCC, but it will also run on DC, nothing additional needed, unless you need longer wires, then you might need some servo extension cables.
The Piko items the list are:
#55262 control box for analog $21.99 (controls 4 servos)
#55274 Switch Decoder for Servos $65.99 (controls 4 servos)
#55272 Servo switch machine $22.99
Total is $110.97 but expandable to a total of 4 turnouts controlled bny adding 3 more #55272 servos.
Apples to Apples, with Tam Valley components:
Quad servo decoder $39.95
4x fascia controllers @4.50 each $18
SG90 Server $4.99
Servo mount $5.95
Total is 68.89, expandable to a total of 4 turnouts controlled by adding 3 more SG90 servos and 3 more Servo mounts. For just one, you don't need to buy 4x fascia controllers - I just included 4 because the Piko box controls 4. For just one and never any more, the Singlet is the better option.
(all prices are prices listed on the respective manufacturer's web site, before tax and shipping)
Randy’s way is probably the easiest. If you go with China Rip Off Arduino stuff a lot cheaper, UNO $5, SG90 servos $1.50, any control switch. You would have to make the servo mount. Mel Servo MountYou won’t be sorry with a servo drive switch machine, they work super nice and you can set the point closure speed.
Actually the Pico stuff looks very nice, I like it.
Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
There's a super cheap way to do it with a cheap servo tester, but I was assuming the originator wasn;t looking for anything to solder together, rather just plug in and go.
THe Piko mount is nice, but that price.. ouch.