Linking colour light signals to point control
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#105691
(In Topic #5579)
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Help needed for a non electrician!
I am about to start the positioning and wiring of 3 aspect colour light and ground signals for the layout. I plan to have three signal control panels (signal boxes) and will control the signals partly manually (in other words I will be the signalman).I will have some automation in that, for each signal, if the next one is set to red it will automatically be amber.
The complication now comes in at junctions where I want the signal feather to operate when the point is switched. In addition any lines that are now blocked as a result of the point being switched must have red signals!!
I have worked out a wiring diagram using Cyril Freezers book on signalling.
The issue that I have is that I need switches to operate the signals (either for feathers or to red) when points are switched. I thought about putting additional SEEP point motors in parallel with those being switched and mounting these on the signal control panels. I would then use the switch function on these motors. However, this is pretty costly.
I am going to use an independent 12v supply for signal control and I am aware that relays can be used but have no idea how I can use them, what type I need and where I can buy them. I assume that I need a relay that will switch when I apply 16v to the point motor coils.
I am using Eckon and Traintronics signals.
Any advice much appreciated. Also I promise to post some photos when I have done it!!
Andrew
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My suggestion would be to use relay logic. Look at maplins or rapid electronics for 12V DC relays.
You can get relays with up to 4 sets of change over contacts so the scope for switching signals, route indicators etc. would be better, less bulky and cheaper than using the seeps.
No doubt you will get other responses to this thread, but with out seeing you layout or signalling plan I can't off any specific wiring advice.
Cheers for now
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http://brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical-2.htm#Signals & Lighting….
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I have found that if you recommend using certain things like relays or other elecronic bits it is very helpfull if you go to somewhere like rapid online and post a link to the exact thing the person needs for example for the non electronic expert which most of us are there are literally thousands of relays on Rapid and you end up hitting a techno wall as you are really unsure what you should be ordering the same with things like diodes resistors etc.
Brian
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Stubby47's Bespoke Model Buildings
All photos I post are ©Stu Hilton, but are free for use by anyone.
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reg
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http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/PtIndicr.htm#POINT INDICATOR-RELAY
Basically it is a unit which is wired in parallel with the switches you have already connected to your point motors, so you don't need to get under the layout, just as long as you can access the connections on your point motor switches.
These units remember the point positions even when power is removed, but I think you have to go through an initial set up by switching each point once.
The outputs vary according to the model you use. If you look at the page it shows you an example of driving LED signals either directly or through one of their MAS signalling modules.
Several on this forum are using Heathcote modules, including myself and I have not heard of any problems with them. I have not used this particular unit, but I am sure it would do the job well.
Last edit: by Geoff R
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I have tried small microswitches to be activated via the tiebar & side mounted motors & sometimes they work & others no - each point is unique on how much tension in the spring & the moving blades.
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lol::cool:
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reg
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Now one from a website displaying the unit - no doubt Rapid in the UK have something similar
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?keywords=microswitch&keyform=KEYWORD&SUBMIT.x=15&SUBMIT.y=6
an example
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reg
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Does such a thing exist and where can I find a supply?
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reg
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Atlas Model railroad also make a latching unit
Snap relay https://secure.atlasrr.com/mod1/itemdesc.asp?ic=0200&eq=&Tp=
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reg
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