RailPro User Group
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: darryl.trains on October 24, 2016, 11:39:52 PM
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I was trying use the AM-1 accessory to run my NJ International switch machines or at least I made the attempt to with no fan fair. Not enough juice to work the machine. Now I tried my Tam Valley DCC booster which has more power and using the AM-1. Well, so far so good as the light on the AM-1 went to green and the booster showed some lights. Bummer, the switch motor kind of wanted to move when powered but alas the red light came on the AM-1... Back to the research board.
I just might have to use my old, really old, Scale Shops screw drive switch machines. They use very little current to make the screw move. Cheers, Darryl ###########
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Are those the old NJ Twin Coil switch machines?
Do you know what their resistance rating is?
From the manual: Snap switch resistance must be between 3.6 and 20 Ohms. Never use
a switch with more than 20 ohms unless it can have power applied
continuously without damage.
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Sounds like two small inexpensive relays is all you need.
Set the AM-1 for 3 wire snap switch. Run one output wire from the AM-1 positive to one relay coil and the negative to the other relay coil, with with the common to both relay coils. Supply one relay normally open contact in each relay with power from your power supply. Connect the other side of the contact to the switch machine, one relay to each coil. Supply a common to the switch machine common.
Now you can use the AM-1 to control the switch machine without over loading it.
I hope my explanation makes sense.
Small glass relays with sockets can be picked for cheap on E Bay or Amazon.
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Here's the thing, not to give up yet. I remembered I had a number of Ken Stapleton's ( Canada ) kits that were used to control with caps in the system to throw twin coils like NJ International switch machines. Although this system has a toggle switch on the board, that can be removed and just run wire to the AM-1. But the thing, where did I put those rascals?
I'll be back ####### Darryl
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I did find the system but in the process of searching, I found another system that surely should work. NCE ' Snap-It ' . I'll see how that works later on today as the wife has other plans for me to go shopping.
Cheers, Darryl
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I use the NCE Snap-it with RailPro. Check this thread. http://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,261.0.html
But you will still need a relay to act like a push button.
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Y'all
Okay, here is the thing, I need a good supplier/dealer for MP-1 as the one I tried in California has held me up on my order for 26 days and can't fill my order in full. I can use more of the little gems but where is a seller when you need one?
Any help would be very nice and most appreciated.
Cheers, Darryl
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Is this the place you got them?
http://www.modelrailroadcontrolsystems.com/mp1-switch-motor/
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according to the MTB website, this MP-1 product is "cancelled".
http://www.mtb-model.com/prodej/index.php?lang=en&page=produkty_detail&id=5
Looks like it is replaced by the MP-5
http://www.mtb-model.com/pages/mp5.php?lang=en
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Bill
Yup the same guy that I tried to buy from but he could not completely fill my order and other problems during that long wait, 26 days and counting !
How ironic, have money but no place to spend it at least with MP-1 or MP-5...... Just got to be another seller out there?
I just found out about the MP-5 and it will even be a better item for our use with the extra contacts plus the added adjustable throw from three positions to four.
"the road goes on forever"
Darryl
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Why not use a tortoise switch machine?
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Good idea as I thought about that switch machine but, and it is a big but, all of my wiring is on top of my layout, not one wire or anything else is under the table, nada, zilch, nothing except the wood frame and most likely I'll never have a need to look at it again.. I use two inch pink foam on top of a wood frame and I have cut trenches where wire must go and then covered it with scenery. I hide other things like the new MP-1 in buildings and some of the RP items there too. Hey it works for me and my body really likes that for no bending over or bumping my head and that does hurt or at least it used too. Ever find a nail or a screw the hard way?
So now since I have my hands on some MP-1s and they are easy to hide on top of my layout plus they really do work great, I am going to find who has the new MP-5s.
Anyone have a clue?
The old fardt in Oregon, Darryl
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One other alternative: Mini servers are easy to hide in the foam too.
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Darryl, If you really want the MTB motors, you may have to go overseas for them.
I suggest contacting the sellers on the MTB Dealer Page:
http://www.mtb-model.com/pages/prodejci.php?lang=en
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Hi Bill
I've chased down every possible way to find a seller in the USA or CA other than the one in Northern California. NONE... I guess I'll have to see if he will try to bring the MP-5 into the States? Hey ! You care to be a dealer for these? I would but I retired over 25 years ago besides I don't need the money, who said that?
So if this method of switch control MP-1,5 is hard to get, I will try something else. No problem here.
Chat later, Darryl
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How about the switch machines at Proto 87 Stores? Tiny and top mounted.
http://www.proto87.com/Switch_machines.html (http://www.proto87.com/Switch_machines.html)
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Dean
I saw those some time ago but I looked at the description and it said you had to assemble them. And if you wanted contacts for controlling frogs or something else, that was an extra cost making the deal being quite a bit more that MP-1, 5... The MP's look like they are half the size too?
Of course all this information that you and others provide just might help someone else so that is a positive thing. I really thank you for this info.
Me? I'll stick with the MP's as for myself, find these the best in my operations and heaven knows, I looked or tried most of switch machines ever built commercially. Anyone need brand new in original plastic cases, Tru-Scale switch machines/motors as I have a few left over from the last sale of these? Just saying, not advertising here. Look for them on eBay. :)
Onward ######## Darryl
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Last news from the Northern California seller or the only seller in the country.
" I do not know when I will receive more although it seems likely that I will eventually receive more
· There is a data sheet for an “MP-5” out there:
o It has a DPDT auxiliary contact and two power outputs for indicator LEDs
o It may or may not completely replace the MP-1
o I don’t if I will be able to buy them at dealer cost
o I don’t know what it will cost
o I don’t know when it will be available
I will be happy to let you know when whatever MP-x becomes become available. I suspect this is a manufacturer problem as I've received inquiries from all over the world the last couple of weeks. "
Sure is something as there is a pretty good demand but lack of product. Say, might China get interested? Just a thought.
Looks like this pursuit of the MP-1 or 5s has gone sour. Oh well, I don't know if I'll ever try ordering them from Europe. I see the MP-5s are listed at 2 for $32 .
Happy holidays y'all, the old fardt in Ory-Gun
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Fellers
I received another email tonight from the seller.
"I talked with the distributor/importer this morning:
I haven’t received any MP1s since late October
I am out of stock except for a few engineering samples , as is the US distributor
I do not know exactly when MRCS will receive more... It seems likely the MP1s will arrive within 60 days
There is a data sheet out for a newly announced MTB 'MP5' Switch Motor:
The MP5 has a DPDT auxiliary contact and two power outputs for indicator LEDs, adjustable 3mm to 12mm throw, and a plug-in screw-terminal connector.
It may or may not eventually replace the MP1; currently they are both in production.
The US Suggested List Price and the MRCS price point for the MP5 have yet to be determined, but it will be higher than the MP-1. "
That is the extent of my contact so I surely will not wait up to maybe 60 days to get anymore from that source. I'll order them from Europe if I decide to buy more. Sure is a shame for a very nice product not being available on this side of the pond.
Back to my fiddling with some Miller Engineering electronic signs/billboards. They are most interesting and other than the maker, available by the train load so to speak, on eBay...
Toot toot, TOF
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All,
Last week I contacted MTB directly about the availability of their MP1 and MP5 and received this response:
Hello Michael,
we had low drop out in production of new MP5 due to exhibiton season here in Europe etc, we wait also for DC motors delivery.
This production will be restarted next week, then we send some goods also to USA, to Richard Brenan, California.
So pls for time.
Regards Vitezslav Bana MTB
So it would appear they will be available here, but is a matter of when. I for one am willing to wait for them as the other more popular motors just don't fit my needs.
Michael