Hey folks. I need EXTENSIVE guidance on how to install turnout control on my layout. I have 8 turnouts total on my layout and they are already installed and glued down. I was initially going to use Caboose Ground Throws but I'm leaning away from that due to how big and ridiculous they look in N scale. I'm also not interested in paying top dollar for Tortoise at this point. I have done some searching and research online, but I'm sort of confused on where to go, what to buy, and how to install... I found this link on servo-controlled turnouts: http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...cale-switch-machines-manual-and-remote/page2& The servos look to be $1.98 apiece on ebay, but the big dollar item would be the Hex/Tam Valley turnout control board. I have a few questions: -I'm using a Digitrax Zephyr DCC system, but I'm not planning on switching directly at the controller. Do I need a fancy DCC board? -I see Tam Valley has a nice system for servo controls, but is there a more universal, simple system to do this? Would plain old Atlas toggles work ok? -Anyone using the Tam Valley system? Do you need the frog juice in conjunction with the octopus system? -What is the suggested toggle switch for controlling the turnouts? -Once I make the necessary purchases would a Lehman like me be able to muddle through the installation? -Are there any good write-ups or how-to's (preferably with pics) on making a good functioning turnout control system? -Whats the suggested gauge of piano wire for this setup? Any and all help in this matter much appreciated!
The easiest route for turnout control via DCC is the Tortoise machine and the DCC Specialties Hare or Wabbit stationary decoders. The plug right into the bottom of the Tortoise machine, and can do lots and lots of things like auto-throw to prevent a locomotive from picking the turnout. There are excellent write-ups on this combination on DCC Specailties website and on Tonys Trains site as well.
I just started using these on my portable layout. http://www.handlaidtrack.com/BullFrog-Manual-Turnout-Control-s/2087.htm Very simple, I like that.
I guess your choice comes down to the following: 1. Pre-manufactured, manual throw, such as the Bullfrog (cited by Randy) or Blue Point type (http://www.ppw-aline.com/Blue_Point_Manual_Turnout_Control.htm). 2. Home-built manual throw using a DPDT slide switch under the layout with piano wire up to the throw bar. 3. Powered devices such as the Tortoise or Tam Valley Servo. I dislike the added wiring of the motorized units, even though they offer the possibility of routing through the DCC system. On my layout, I have a mixture of Blue Points, Bullfrogs, and home-brewed/DIY throws. All have advantages and disadvantages. In terms of overall execution, I prefer the Blue Points, but they are expensive. I think I've mastered the home-brew design and will likely continue to use it since it costs less. I used Atlas Code 55 turnouts and took advantage of the ability to power the frog. I consider this almost mandatory for smooth n-scale operation. I suggest actuating the turnout with steel piano wire of not less than 0.030". This is doubly true if you have "thick" subroadbed such as 2" extruded foam (like I do).
I have a number of turnouts in a yard at the rear of my layout and have decided to use these manual controllers. You may take a look at these. Years ago I used some choke cables, but the prices have increased to the point where these controllers are more cost effective. http://www.humpyard.com/
If you want something that will work from DCC the Signalist SC2 is a really neat servo solution. All the frog switching is built-in keeping the wiring really simple - just two wires to the track supply and a wire to each frog, plug in the servos and you are done. The SC2 has a connector to plug in a bank of local control buttons if you don't want to control it with DCC. Crossovers can be driven from a pair of servos connected to a single output with a 'Y' cable if required. Peco do a component based servo system with separate decoder, controller board and frog switches in their PLS100 range which is another alternative.
Looks like a nice alternative but at roughly 80 bucks for only 4 turnouts its still a bit pricey. I need 8. Tack on shipping and I'm looking at about $200...yeesh
Regarding the Tam Valley products, I use them and like them very much. Since you don't care about controlling your turnouts with DCC, the Tam Valley Octopus III will do the job for you. One Octopus III costs $39.95 and controls 8 servos. Here is the link: http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/octopusservodriver.html Tam Valley's fascia controllers (pushbuttons with indicator LEDS) cost $2.50 each. Or you can make your own using toggle or pushbutton switches. The web page above shows how. Tam Valley also sells accessory relays for switching frog polarity. See the page above. One nice feature of the Tam Valley products is that they all connect together with ordinary R/C servo cables, which are readily available from any hobby shop that sells R/C products. The only soldering required to hook up the system is a wire connected to the frog of each turnout. Cost Using Tam Valley System -- 8 Turnouts Octopus III $39.95 8 eBay servos @ $2.00 each = $16.00 8 Fascia Controllers @ $2.50 each = $20.00 8 Frog switching relays @ $7.00 each = $56.00 TOTAL: $131.95 You can save a few dollars by building your own fascia controllers. Add a few dollars for the linkage between each servo and its turnout. I used brass tubing and piano wire. The following post shows the linkage I use: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?120581-Tam-Valley-Servo-Decoder-Mini-Review A less expensive alternative to the Tam Valley system might be to build your own servo controllers from scratch. A search of the web will turn up many suitable circuits. I considered doing this but decided that the time and effort to gather the parts and build the circuits made the Tam Valley products look like a good deal. It depends on how skilled you are and how highly you value your time. - Jeff
I'm also an happy Octopus user (and I've used a LOT) Check my blog here for a little movie of servo application: http://valleybeforesilicon.blogspot.com/ And, maybe you can save more: In place of these: 8 Fascia Controllers @ $2.50 each = $20.00 8 Frog switching relays @ $7.00 each = $56.00 Use a single DPST ( double pole single trow) switch , use one side as described in Tam Valley page for command the direction , and the second side to switch the turnout frog. SO total will be: Octopus III $39.95 8 eBay servos @ $2.00 each = $16.00 8 SPDT switches ( check Radio shack etc for a cheap model) = more or less $2.00 each = $16.00 Total $ 72.00 ( that divided by 8 means $ 9 each turnout )
If you look at the web site, it states that a power routing switch is supplied according to the web site. There is an e-mail address on the web site. If you have any quesions ask him. He is very good at returning e-mail.
I to am looking for guidance in this area. Right now I'm focused on manual type turnout control. Has anyone used the Micron Art Archimedean Ground Throws? They appear to be smaller than the Caboose type. I can't seem to find any detail information on them, only the product photo from their website. George
The only "review" I have seen for the Micron Art Archimedean Ground Throw is by Spookshow (Mark) on his web site: http://www.spookshow.net/layout5b.html Scroll about a third of the way down the page to find Mark's comments and a couple of photos. - Jeff
I emailed the manufacturer and they responded with a PDF package including a complete description, diagrams, instructions for assembly and installation as well as a list of recommended tools for the job. Their "archimedean" manual control occupies a 1/2" square area adjacent to the turnout "throw bar", a considerable space savings to other manual throws such as "Caboose". I was impressed enough to order a set on eBay, non withstanding the comments and cautions expressed by Mark in his "review". If you're interested in a new approach to N scale manual turnout control, I suggest you email Micron Art and request their information. I think that you will be pleasantly suprised!
Ok So I think I'm going to go with an Octopus III system. Anyone with one can you help me ensure I will be buying the correct power supply? The plug needs to be a US 110V DC plus measuring 5.5mm/2.1mm with a 6-24v range at 1 amp or better... I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Power-Ad...=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item2a3959bfc2 ...should be compatible right?
I have began ordering parts... (all prices include shipping) $43.90 ................. Tam Valley Octopus III board (Tamvalleydepot.com) $3.94.................... 10 pcs Mini DPDT toggle switches (ebay) $15.84.................. 8 pcs SG90 Servos (ebay) Total: 63.38 ($7.92/turnout) As I mentioned above, I need to supply a plug for the board (the one on Tam Valley's site is $17), I need to source some brass tube and piano wire, and I will most likely need plug extensions for the servos. This will most likely push the cost up to around $9-10/turnout. I'll update once I get a few more items ordered. THANK GOD I only have 8 turnouts.
Ok, more items purchased: $5.45.................... .032" Piano wire (ebay) $6.18.................... 1/16" Brass tubing (ebay) $3.60.................... 5 pcs 50cm RC Extension wire (ebay) $3.11.................... Irwin 1/16" x 6" Drill bit (ebay) Brings total to $81.72 or $10.21/turnout
That power supply will be fine, assuming its current rating is as stated by the seller. You will be cutting off the 5.5mm/2.1mm plug, because the Octopus III boards have screw terminals for connecting the DC power. All you have to worry about is getting the power supply's "plus" and "minus" wires connected to the correct screw terminals. The power LED on the Octopus III board will illuminate when power is connected correctly. The board has polarity protection on the power input. If you connect the wires backwards, no harm will be done -- the board just won't work. - Jeff
