General > General Discussion
Dual Switch Single Track Wiring
TwinStar:
My Dallas Union Terminal module set is coming along nicely and I'm preparing to lay the six tracks that will serve the platforms. Free-mo setups typically devolve into a 'six tracks six trains' mentality. As such I don't want to have to listen to 18 sound equipped locos spewing out sounds non-stop. I want to install 'kill' switches that will silence a train as it waits for 'passengers to disembark and embark'.
Each track will be gapped and isolated. Each track needs two switches, one on each side of the module, and I would like for the switches (I don't really care about style) to be illuminated on when the track is live. Some of the lights in my house work with a similar setup so I know the concept is doable but I just don't know how to do it.
Any input on wiring or hardware would be much appreciated.
G8B4Life:
This is the same way as the light in your house (the isolated track being the light bulb) and uses two DPDT toggle switches as you want to switch both rails not just one as in the house wiring.
I don't think having the switches themselves light up is doable for most switches, you'd need a switch with separate light inputs (most just light up from the power they are switching) in which case you'd simply extend the bridge/LED (only one shown, you'd want one for each side of the module) to the switch instead of the fascia.
The bridge rectifier is of course required for when DCC is powering the tracks.
While this way is simple all that wiring might be tedious. I wonder of Alan could come up with a simple but way cool push on/push off system that works from both sides of the module?
- Tim
Alan:
If only two switch locations are needed then Tim's suggestion seems the most practical. Jacketed 4 conductor phone cable would work well. If desired, you could eliminate the bridge rectifier(s) by simply using two LEDs wired anti-parallel with one LED painted over so you don't see it light.
If in a similar situation you require many switch locations then it would make more sense to control a track power relay with a flip flop circuit such as this one found on Bill Bouden's site http://www.bowdenshobbycircuits.info/page9.htm#4013.gif. With this circuit controlling the relay you could use as many momentary push buttons as you wish all connected with a single small gauge wire pair. The schematic makes it look far more complicated than it really is. All parts are super common dirt cheap components and could easily be made on a little 2" x 2" breadboard for $5 or so.
TwinStar:
Tim and Alan:
Thank you both. I'm undecided where I want my kill switches. The Union Station tracks approach 20' and I'm trying to decide if I want kill switches located in the center of each side of if I want kill switches on each end of each side (4 then in this case).
Alan, is that schematic something that I'd have to build?
Alan:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC12V-Switch-Control-Relay-Bistable-Trigger-action-Circuit-Module/262613032443?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3Df5d9faaa1128461eaddf756a697af117%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D132703163629%26itm%3D262613032443&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
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