signals and switches

[Ontarioeastern]

wondering if anyone has a setup for controlling switches , so that the signal shows the correct setup, and how did you set it up?  I am looking an display panels as well, but when there is more people, perhaps switches and signals can be controlled by a dispatcher

[Alan]

Haven't gotten to building a signal control system yet. It is in the plan. Occupancy detectors are installed and operational in preparation for such. Tortoise machines are controlled by a flip flop circuit that is triggered from the fascia controls. The Tortoise control circuits have logic level outputs to indicate turnout position, also in preparation for signaling. Additionally, the Tortoise circuits drive bi-color LED switch stands for visual identification at the turnout (plus they look cool  ).

Occupancy detectors: http://www.lkorailroad.com/circuit-breaker-and-block-detection-design/

LED switch stands: http://www.lkorailroad.com/switchstand-fun/

Working on fascia mounted control panels at the moment. While I have no immediate plans for having a dispatcher, I have configured the panels with duplex connectors to allow for an alternate control point such as from a dispatcher board or through a network interface for PC. Leaving my options open although I suspect fascia control points alone will keep me plenty happy.

Several posts detailing the control panel builds start here: http://www.lkorailroad.com/control-panels-part-i/

[William Brillinger]

@Ontarioeastern

Was it your intention to control switches from the HC, or from a button on the fascia or a panel?
Your post/question is a bit vague on that.

[Josephbw]

Alan, as usual an awesome professional video. When I first started watching the video I assumed you would be using some fancy circuit of your own design and built boards. A few seconds into the video I got to thinking relays would work if they latched the power after you let up on the button. Then BAM!!, there was the relay on top of the tortoise. I like it, cheap, simple, and pretty much bullet proof. Thanks for the idea. Now I have a bunch of new DPDT toggle switches to figure out what to do with. 

Joe

[Alan]

Thanks Joe. Necessity is the mother of invention!

Actually I did end up making circuit boards. Not complex ones though. It made the relay installation on the Tortoise so much easier and reliable. The board also incorporates a resistor for the panel displays and screw terminals for Tortoise connecting. A much better solution than gluing the relay to the Tortoise. Two pieces of 14AWG solid wire are both conductors and rigid mounting for the board to the Tortoise. Works great.

The board screen is available if you want to make your own.

http://www.lkorailroad.com/tortoise-printed-circuit-boards/