Zomboid Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 I feel I should point out that the mechanical interlocking was a joke... Interesting that someone would build it though. A full size mechanical interlocking is a complex and fiddly thing, I dread to think what a miniature one would look like... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium dhjgreen Posted August 4, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 4, 2016 Have a look at Megapoint controllers for micro servers, would be cheaper than Cobalts. Or if you are good at electronics, MERG do a self build kit. I was trying to tell you about servos here, but my typing let me down. MERG or Megapoints are alternative controllers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/401040191890 Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered one of these from Ebay. Later on, I'll figure out how to program (if relevant) or wire up the motor. For now, I will have one motor to test. I'm also going to order one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Multi-Servo-Tester-3CH-CCPM-Meter-ESC-Speed-Controller-Checker-Futaba-Towerpro-/221230011228?hash=item338256135c:g:fpgAAOSwQTVWAHcj and see if I can find a power supply or wire to connect to a power supply for testing the motor. I feel I should point out that the mechanical interlocking was a joke... Interesting that someone would build it though. A full size mechanical interlocking is a complex and fiddly thing, I dread to think what a miniature one would look like... Yeah, I've seen one at Castlemaine in Victoria (It's a 70? plus lever box) and it's a hell of a big box! I couldn't even begin to understand half the workings underneath it. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Multi-Servo-Tester-3CH-ECS-Consistency-Speed-Controler-Power-Channels-CCPM-KK-/251878977533?hash=item3aa5282ffd:g:Xp0AAOSwBLlVBCGQ http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/122040458260 I'm thinking of ordering these two using my old 5V power supply from the lights for Dunoon to power it. Any suggestions? Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold martin_wynne Posted August 4, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 4, 2016 I feel I should point out that the mechanical interlocking was a joke... Interesting that someone would build it though. A full size mechanical interlocking is a complex and fiddly thing, I dread to think what a miniature one would look like... No joke. Several modellers have built working mechanical interlocking lever frames, and there are kits available. This book explains how to design and build them: http://www.ianallanpublishing.com/railway/uk/trax-3-signalling-and-lever-frames.htm Martin. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Blue Streak Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 I've got to say Peter, that for a young bloke still in his teens. It seems like you are willing to take on things that would have many of us older blokes breaking into a nervous sweat. Good on you Mate, I for one am well impressed with your "have a go" attitude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 On the servo control use the Burnell models printed circuit board at about $9 ea and the servos can be had from HongKong for about 2.50aud landed! (Hobbyking is a supplier I used a few years ago) I prefer to use them for signal control rather than points as I have never really figured out the frog switching other than using a Micro switch! Yes you will need to use a micro switch which are cheap and extremely reliable. The micro switches can be glued to the servo, or screwed to the base board using part of the out of sight linkage between the servo and the turn out to operate the switch. I believe this has been covered on RM web else where. You can get circuit boards that will act as an interface between more than one servo at a time independently. I do not know what is available to you in Australia. Gordon A Gordon A Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 Well I have purchased the power unit to plug into the controller unit when I buy one. Currently, having spent all of the very little money I had on the motor, power unit and a new watch, I don't have sufficient funds to buy a servo testing unit. This will be purchased when funds become available, and I can then have a play around with the motor. I may even plug it into Cudgee Sidings to have a play around using proper points. The cheapest control unit I can find is this one - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Multi-Servo-Tester-3CH-ECS-Consistency-Speed-Controler-Power-Channels-CCPM-KK-/251878977533?hash=item3aa5282ffd:g:Xp0AAOSwBLlVBCGQ Peter So far I have - http://www.ebay.com....tm/401040191890 - Motor http://www.ebay.com/itm/122040458260?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - Power supply unit. This will be plugged into an old 5V supply I had to run the lighting on old Dunoon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightbe Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 A full size mechanical interlocking is a complex and fiddly thing, I dread to think what a miniature one would look like... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91529-loxborough-a-layout-with-signalling/?p=1639808 Rather lovely, in fact 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 Well I've decided to go down the Servo route. I will need to buy the servo circuits from Brunel, however given I can buy servos for under $3, the control unit is $7.50, and I already have the power supply, all I need is 7 more Servos, 7 PCB units and 8 microswitches (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Microswitch-15A-V-156-1C25-pin-plunger-snap-action-SPDT-Micro-Switch-WS-/321705842639?hash=item4ae72997cf:g:eboAAOSwPhdVEpD-) Considering total cost per turnout is $10.73 ($2.23 for the motor, $7.50 for the circuit board and $1 for the microswitch), and a Peco motor costs $17 from my local hobby shop, plus another $8 for the microswitch, I can get 2 turnouts controlled for the price of one, and I will be able to sell off the peco motors even though they are partly wired, and the microswitches. If I sold the microswitches and motors for half price, I'd still get my money back for the new servos and more for track and rolling stock. Peter 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 Well I've decided to go down the Servo route. I will need to buy the servo circuits from Brunel, however given I can buy servos for under $3, the control unit is $7.50, and I already have the power supply, all I need is 7 more Servos, 7 PCB units and 8 microswitches (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Microswitch-15A-V-156-1C25-pin-plunger-snap-action-SPDT-Micro-Switch-WS-/321705842639?hash=item4ae72997cf:g:eboAAOSwPhdVEpD-) Considering total cost per turnout is $10.73 ($2.23 for the motor, $7.50 for the circuit board and $1 for the microswitch), and a Peco motor costs $17 from my local hobby shop, plus another $8 for the microswitch, I can get 2 turnouts controlled for the price of one, and I will be able to sell off the peco motors even though they are partly wired, and the microswitches. If I sold the microswitches and motors for half price, I'd still get my money back for the new servos and more for track and rolling stock. Peter Now I think about it, I will only need 6 more motors and 5 microswitches - I can use one motor and one microswitch for the crossover at the end of the platform. Due to there being no need to cross-board joints, I can motorise one turnout, and have the other controlled via point rodding from the first, in the same way that I may use to have a catch point coming onto the main line however I am yet to decide on this. This way, i save $10 on motors/switches which can then be spent on rolling stock conversions. However I may eventually motorise the turnout as well and just have the rodding for decoration. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zomboid Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91529-loxborough-a-layout-with-signalling/?p=1639808 Rather lovely, in fact Isn't it? Engineering as art.Just need those working FPLs. And the block bells and indicators... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougN Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Ahh you found the Brunell circuit! They are easy to build and solder etc. now they do or did need a switch to act as the fire control. They also have some laser cut mounts. Still cheaper than pecos you might want to get some servo extension cable too. One thing to be aware of is the power source. It has to be a smooth dc supply any type of wave form the servos start to twitch! I have used 4 batteries which solved the issue! You don't need much power at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) Ahh you found the Brunell circuit! They are easy to build and solder etc. now they do or did need a switch to act as the fire control. They also have some laser cut mounts. Still cheaper than pecos you might want to get some servo extension cable too. One thing to be aware of is the power source. It has to be a smooth dc supply any type of wave form the servos start to twitch! I have used 4 batteries which solved the issue! You don't need much power at all. Alright. I have a 5V DC power supply which i just plug into the mains which I previously used for the lights on original Dunoon and that worked fine, so I'll have a go at using that and if it doesn't work I'll use the batteries. I don't think they have the switch anymore, I had a look at them yesterday on the website. Peter EDIT: I need to find the supply first... Edited August 6, 2016 by 60012 Commonwealth of Australia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 (edited) Having been away on school camp all week, I have now ordered a second Servo motor, 10 microswitches and a Servo motor testing unit. All of the items should have arrived by September 10, as they are coming from Hong Kong with free delivery. On another note, someone twisted my wrist during an activity on camp, so sadly I will not be able to do any modelling for a week or so, possibly more. Peter Edited August 12, 2016 by 60012 Commonwealth of Australia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 A twisted arm does not prevent you from planning and researching. I hope your arm heals quickly. Gordon A Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 A twisted arm does not prevent you from planning and researching. I hope your arm heals quickly. Gordon A Yep. I'm currently planning the buildings for Bonshaw. Mostly stone, as having been to the area where Bonshaw Tower is (north of Carlisle), most of the buildings are stone. Peter 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 13, 2016 Author Share Posted August 13, 2016 (edited) Well I now have 8 Servo motors, plus 10x 10cm long plug extensions, a power converter (2 wire 5V DC to 3 wire Servo plug) and a testing unit. So all I need to do now is wait for them to arrive! In the meanwhile, I can work on designing the buildings which I am planning to scratchbuild with one or two exceptions at first, most likely the station and goods shed being temporary kit-built structures. Hopefully by the time the Servos and bits have arrived, I'll have cork on the layout ready for track laying. Peter Edited August 13, 2016 by 60012 Commonwealth of Australia 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 Well the first thing arrived for the Servos today - the power unit. Basically, it can be connected to a power supply between 5 and 23V, has a capacitor and pcb to turn it into 5V 3A, and then has wires to a Servo plug. This way I can solder it to the 5V supply I have, and plug it into the Servo testing units and I don't have to modify anything. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Have you thought about your cable runs and colour codes so that trouble shooting can be made easier? Gordon A Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Bogie Posted August 18, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 18, 2016 Having been away on school camp all week, I have now ordered a second Servo motor, 10 microswitches and a Servo motor testing unit. All of the items should have arrived by September 10, as they are coming from Hong Kong with free delivery. On another note, someone twisted my wrist during an activity on camp, so sadly I will not be able to do any modelling for a week or so, possibly more. Peter Twisted wrist on camp - that has to be one of the most original excuses I have heard yet for putting off modelling. It also makes me very old! Here's to a speedy recovery! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 Yep. Had a physio appointment on Wednesday. I get the wrist brace off today but have to have a thumb-splint on for another two weeks Twisted wrist on camp - that has to be one of the most original excuses I have heard yet for putting off modelling. It also makes me very old! Here's to a speedy recovery! Have you thought about your cable runs and colour codes so that trouble shooting can be made easier? Gordon A All the servos are standard - black for negative, red for positive and yellow for the signal. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Servo test unit arrived today. All I need now is the motors! One of the motors is estimated to arrive on Monday, so will have fun testing it then! Really happy with the Servo Tester, it arrived 11 days before estimated arrival! Nice and small too! I will be doing kit-building and R-T-R Modification demo's for the BRMA stand at the Caufield expo on Sunday from opening to around 1:00pm, so if anyone here is going say hi! AND I have my first BRMA meeting tomorrow as well! Going out tonight to buy supplies for the expo. Peter 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougN Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 We look forward to meeting you Peter. I guess you might have a bit of time heading to SRmans place.... I live not far from him! I may even bring a P4 loco or 2 for you to have a look at! SRman runs OO and I run a OO but build to P4 when time allows. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60012 Commonwealth of Australia Posted August 20, 2016 Author Share Posted August 20, 2016 We look forward to meeting you Peter. I guess you might have a bit of time heading to SRmans place.... I live not far from him! I may even bring a P4 loco or 2 for you to have a look at! SRman runs OO and I run a OO but build to P4 when time allows. It's about 20 minutes for me. I'm about to leave. See you there Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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