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Wiring hand throws

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  • Member since
    June 2021
  • 6 posts
Wiring hand throws
Posted by El Tejon on Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:00 PM

I have several hand throws on my layout (HO). Is there a way to wire a signal to coresponded with the change in direction. Is it a reverse polaity thing? If so, how is that done?

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 542 posts
Posted by Tophias on Monday, June 5, 2023 9:50 AM

If you're talking about illuminating a LED signal (i.e. Dwarf or searchlight) many use a Caboose Industries ground throw with electrical contact. Pretty simple, easy to install and wire

  • Member since
    February 2021
  • 1,110 posts
Posted by crossthedog on Monday, June 5, 2023 11:36 AM

In several of my turnouts, I use the Caboose throw with the tiny pendant connecting rods for powering the frogs. I suppose it would only take a little extra wire to add signals, but I don't know how exactly that's done. (I think someone has put a diagram in a previous thread.)

What I do know is that the connecting rods in the Caboose throws are made to attach to the base of the throw in such a way that you only get one shot at it. The rods sort of plow their own groove in the plastic when you install them; there's a starter groove that is just a bit smaller, so the rod goes in tight. But if you later knock a rod out by accident, then you can't put it back in again because the groove is now already widened, and the rod will be loose. It's not an ideal mounting scheme, in my view, but I've learned to be careful and it works. Maybe solder leads to the rods before attaching them.

-Matt

Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.

  • Member since
    June 2021
  • 6 posts
Posted by El Tejon on Monday, June 5, 2023 2:19 PM

Thanks, just what I was looking for!

  • Member since
    June 2021
  • 6 posts
Posted by El Tejon on Monday, June 5, 2023 2:20 PM

Thanks! Any idea where I might find the wiring diagram?

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Monday, June 5, 2023 5:31 PM

El Tejon

Thanks! Any idea where I might find the wiring diagram?

 

See here:

https://www.azatrax.com/hand-switch-throws.html

 

  • Member since
    May 2021
  • 56 posts
Posted by dennis461 on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:24 AM

Go with Caboose Industries.

I connect the Caboose Industrieswires to a relay to enable more connections.

Caboose Industriesalone can switch one circuit. a relay can switch more e.g. frog and light

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:39 AM

Can you recommend a specific relay for those of us who are electrically illiterate?

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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