mswjr Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 Hi all, I have asked a question before , ref changing E M gauge turnouts, and the majority of answers were servo control. So my next question please, Where is the best place to buy all the components that i need for servo point operation, As i have no idea what i am doing in this , so it would be better to get all the parts from one suppler. Any help on this most welcome. Thanks Garry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold young37215 Posted August 27, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 27, 2023 Several choices, personally I only have experience of Megapoints which I use to control around 75 servos on my West Highland layout. There is a thread, the best thing that I like about them is the Youtube videos which have proven to be a really powerful aid to my understanding of how to use the kit. The Vendor has a good reputation for being helpful and I have first hand experience of this. Good luck with your research 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Vecchio Posted August 27, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 27, 2023 I use the system (Megapoints controller) on 2 layouts. But if you run your layout on DCC I would rather go direct with DCC. Depends on the controller you are using. If it is a pure numeric one like nce or lenz then the Megapoints controller is better than using DCC direct for point control. If you have a newer one with graphic surface like z21 or you think of computer control like itrain or similar then control from DCC is the way to go. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 My 0 gauge layout uses Tortoise and Wabbit for DCC turnout control. Actuation is via momentary push buttons on the fascia so no control panel. Tortoise (and Cobalt) are basically servos I think. My layout turnouts operate brilliantly (OK my opinion) and it just finished it's 4th show with high marks. What is the advantage to using servos? John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Max Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 Dingo servo can supply a good range of product at reasonable prices 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 I think a few Q's need to be asked first. How many Servos will you need to control. Are you using DC or DCC If DCC do you intend to use decoders on the servos or have a small panel with switches? Dave. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Bucoops Posted August 28, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 28, 2023 I've tested one of these and it works really well - https://chesterfield-models.co.uk/product/prima/ Only connection is I have bought from them. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted August 28, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 28, 2023 MERG, do Servo4, which controls 4 servos for around a fiver each, you will need some soldering skills to assemble them. A 12 Volt power supply, plus an on/off switch for each set of points. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jol Wilkinson Posted August 29, 2023 Share Posted August 29, 2023 If you want to use only one supplier than Megapoints is probably the answer. They are however expensive compared to some other suppliers. MERG kits are very good although you have to be a member to buy. If you need a lot of gear, then the membership fee would soon be amortised. I have built a number of MERG Servo 4 and 77R kits (a single servo controller with built in relay) without any issues, as has a friend. The instructions are excellent. You do need to be able to solder, have a 12v supply and good multi meter to test the kit when building it. The MERG Servo4 setting box is also excellent as you just plug it in and can look at the point or signal servo you are setting to set position/ throw and speed. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
samjb222 Posted August 29, 2023 Share Posted August 29, 2023 All, I'm happy to provide a trial of our Prima decoder to anyone wanting to tinker before committing.https://chesterfield-models.co.uk/product/prima/ Reach out via our website if you are interested or have any questions. Sam Chesterfield Models. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BachelorBoy Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 15 hours ago, samjb222 said: All, I'm happy to provide a trial of our Prima decoder to anyone wanting to tinker before committing.https://chesterfield-models.co.uk/product/prima/ Reach out via our website if you are interested or have any questions. Sam Chesterfield Models. This is the screen I get when I click on that link. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 On 27/08/2023 at 20:51, brossard said: ...What is the advantage to using servos? Price, servos are very cheap. Especially when you want DCC control the servo control can be built in to the DCC decoder combining two functions (such as when you use the ESU Switchpilot servo decoder or the Signalist SC2). Tortoise and Cobalt are not servos and cost a lot more - not specifically worse or better than servos, just different. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 On 27/08/2023 at 18:05, mswjr said: ...Where is the best place to buy all the components that i need for servo point operation... I would recommend CoastalDCC. You might not want to get all the parts from one manufacturer, but Coastal do stock a few different makes of equipment. You will need:- Servo Servo mount Servo controller/(decoder)/(frog switch) Extension cables There are two types of servo - digital (eg SG92R) and analogue (eg SG90) and some controllers work better with one type rather than the other. Servo mounts come in a variety of styles from a simple bracket to bolt the servo to all the way to a complete servo motor that is a drop in replacement for a Peco Solenoid. Servo controllers can be just the simple Megapoints that just operates the servo right up to the Signalist SC2 with integrated frog switching and DCC decoder. There are others in between like the Peco which has a basic controller with a range of add-ons to perform the other functions. You should mount the servo controller near the servos, you don't want long runs of servo wire, but sometimes you will need a short extension cable. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyRule1 Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 5 hours ago, BachelorBoy said: This is the screen I get when I click on that link. I got the same and discovered that you have to scroll down. Unfortunately their web site has a number of glitches which certainly show up on a Android tablet 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 5 hours ago, Suzie said: Price, servos are very cheap. Especially when you want DCC control the servo control can be built in to the DCC decoder combining two functions (such as when you use the ESU Switchpilot servo decoder or the Signalist SC2). Tortoise and Cobalt are not servos and cost a lot more - not specifically worse or better than servos, just different. Thanks Suzie, that was my suspicion. My Tortoises and Wabbits were holdovers from previous layouts so cost me nothing extra. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
samjb222 Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 13 hours ago, MyRule1 said: I got the same and discovered that you have to scroll down. Unfortunately their web site has a number of glitches which certainly show up on a Android tablet Hey, Thanks for highlighting this. I'll look into compatibility issues. In the meantime, any questions feel free to ask here. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
samjb222 Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 12 hours ago, samjb222 said: Hey, Thanks for highlighting this. I'll look into compatibility issues. In the meantime, any questions feel free to ask here. Resolved. Website caching issue 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 Using servos on your points dose not need expensive electronic interfaces. Look at the article in MRJ 296. All you need are sprung centre off switches and 1.5 volt (Battery?) supply. Gordon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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