I plan on throwing all the turnouts on the layout that are within easy reach with my 'Hidden Switcher' ( HERE ). For the others I'll use servos and control them inexpensively with the controller ( HERE ). I wanted a bracket to mount the servos that I could 3D print with my Ender 3 Pro so designed the bracket on this page with Fusion 360. It was a pretty simple design and at this point using it on a test rig I'm really happy with it. You can find the files on my thingiverse account at the link at the bottom of this post under my name. I'll let the pictures do the talking and you can find a lot more along with a parts list on my site ( http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/3D-Printer-2/page-24.html ) Parts for the Servo Bracket: 1--Servo Bracket – My thingiverse account ( HERE ) 1-- SG90 Servo – Ebay or other sources 1-- Micro Limit Switch – See picture for dimensions. (Google 'micro switch kw11-3z' or 'MXRS SPDT 1NO 1NC Hinge Lever Momentary') You can find a couple links to possible sources for the limit switch on my site. 2-- #4 X 3/8” Pan Head Phillips screws (to mount servo to the bracket) 1-- #4 X 1/2” Pan Head Phillips screw (to mount limit switch to pad under it) 1-- #4 X 5/8” Pan Head Phillips screw (to secure the limit switch from turning – you might try without this if you can tighten the other one enough. I also made a couple tools that help to quickly locate and mount the bracket on the underside of the layout and will put them in the next post, Sumner
Here are the tools I designed that make installing the bracket simple, fast and accurate the first time. Next I'll add the steps using these two tools. Sumner
For a very inexpensive controller for the servo click ( HERE ). More pictures and info on my site here.... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/3D-Printer-2/page-24.html Sumner
Pros: 1--No assembly. 2--Small Footprint. 3--Cheap. 4--Has a place to mount limit switch that changes the polarity of the frog when thrown. Cons: 1--Need a 3D printer or access to one. (reach out to a friend and offer them a couple bucks apiece ) Sumner
That is super cool and it looks like it works well. I have always thought off-the-shelf machines like Tortoise are overpriced, so its good that there are alternatives. I like how you can change the angle of the limit switch to accommodate different throwbar travels.
Sumner, this is great, have you had time to make up the Control Panels that you mentioned? I have most of the parts now to try this. I printed off a few Servo mounts, right now have three servos being tested. Thanks
I've made most up but don't have them up on Thingiverse.com or my site. I'll try and work on that over the next 3-4 days and get back to you here and try and remember to send a PM, Sumner
I've spent some of the last couple days redesigning the 3D printed boxes... that throw the servo and indicate which track has been selected. Is this what you are interested in? I made number of 3D files for the tops that will hold the switches and LEDs and show the routes of straight and curved LH and RH turnouts in various configurations. I made the boxes square vs. rectangular so they can be put side by side or end to end in any manner that is needed to represent the track plan if one wants to use them to create a control panel. Is this what you are interested in or is it how to wire them? I took pictures the other day for a pictorial 'how to wire them' page I'll put up. You also wouldn't have to use the 3D printed boxes but could put the toggle switch and push button switch and LEDs on a control panel you made. I'll also put up a page on wiring the servo controller shown above. It is really simple using the 3D printed bracket. Only need to solder the two blue wires shown on and it is ready to plug into the control panel and the servo. I'll try and still get some of this up before the end of the day and will post a link here. Sumner
Well after a few days I finally got the files up on thingiverse and also a 'lot' of documentation up on my site. Maybe too much as it might look a little overwhelming to someone at first glance. I hope though that it doesn't discourage someone from trying this. Once you have it down you can have servo turnout control with all the parts needed for under $8.00 and about 30 minutes of work total. Lots of people are interested in using servos for their turnout control and other projects but are put off by having to learn how to use arduino's, writing or modifying programs for the control and in some cases needing to tweak the program for each individual turnout for proper throwbar throw. The other option is spending a fair amount of money for ''plug-and-play' commercial products. This option requires simple soldering skills and you end up with a toggle switch and push-button switch to throw the turnout and you adjust the pressure/throw of the servo by turning two pots, no computer skills necessary. Here is a video of the final product you can put together for less than $8.00 .... ... and a link to the web site page that explains it. http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Servo Control/Servo Control-Index.html I put the web pages together fairly quickly so please let me know about any mistakes or items that aren't clear, Sumner
Thanks Sumner, I will try these out in about three weeks after holiday. Again thanks these look great
