Hi. I have about 30 sets of points on my layout and want to motorise them. Should I power the system from a separate transformer? What ampage should I use and should I have a CDU and again what capacity. Useless at understanding the ratings. Thanks.

George,. ideally use a CDU such as described in this http://brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.htm#Point Motor Wiring.
One such CDU is this
The Model Shop for Big Imaginations | Gaugemaster

and this for the power supply for the CDU
http://www.maplin.co.uk/ac-ac-multi-voltage-1000ma-power-supply-43055

Depending on how many points you want to operate at the dsame time, you may wish  to add more than one CDU -  or mare capacitors to the existing CDU ,again it depends on the layout formation.

Thanks Sol

 

Found his CDU and seems to be up for the job I need. Only want to operate 1, 2 points at most at the same time.

What voltage should the transformer be set for points work? 12 volts?

I would input 16vAC.

Ok thanks, so the Maplin one at 15 volts would be ok.

Yes.

Hi, depends how many points you intend changing at once, if one at a time 12-16v is fine but if more with matrix's then 24v with a heavy duty cdu is needed.

Nigel:cool wink

If you want a cheap powet supply for points i reccommend laptop chargers as ive just used a 19volt output one with my points amd all is fine

[user=1523]trevthelegend[/user] wrote:

If you want a cheap powet supply for points i reccommend laptop chargers as ive just used a 19volt output one with my points amd all is fine

..indeed, if you or a chum have a power supply unit for an old-fashioned printer sculling about that would be fine, too. You know, the sort where it's plugged into the mains and a flying lead plugs into the back of the printer, I use one for my points. It's a 'regulated' 19 volts, which meant as the current/volt demand from the printer changes between functions like paper feed, print, etc the voltage is kept constant by the power supply unit's circuitry.

It makes no difference at all if the input to a solenoid point motor is a.c. or d.c..


Doug

I have used an old slot car transformer rated at 16 volts and wired this through momentary push buttons. I don't intend to change more than one point at a time and it provides plenty of power to switch without a cdu. By using momentary push buttons (one for each throw direction), the power isn't running through to the solenoid as it would with a single pole double throw switch.

Cheers, Gary.

I use an old transformer from the now redundant Battersea Power Station in London.  It changes all the points on every layout owned by every railway modeller in South East England, at the same time, plus it also lights up the town of Bromley.  Should I also install a CDU?
 
Terry

Tee-hee!!!

D