Bo P

MP1 - many thanks for posting this link and they certainly look the business at that price.

 

I have downloaded the instructions, and I am no electrician, but I do not quite understand the wiring diagram. I am much more used to the step by step instructions from the likes of DCC or Circuitron!

 

That said, DCC are about to release a surface mounted point (stepped-)motor  (as far as I can work out, it is not a solenoid) for not much more than this price.

Well, Mike - I am not a whiz at the elecronics bit either, but it actually is very simple. One set of 3 connections (poz1, poz2 & COM) for the switch action (I used a DPDT toggle switch for this). The other 3 connections are for routing the frog power. I got it right the first time, so I guess pretty much anybody can also.

Hi,

Some comments from a new member...

Saw this thread as I was looking for more info on the Peco smart switch, and by all accounts here I would probably discount it, on several counts.

I have been looking for a robust, simple but small motor for quite some time, to be used in a 3-track hidden siding on an N-scale layout.

I recently came across a new type of point switch which came highly recommended - the czech-made MP1.

Link:

http://www.mtb-model.com/pages/mp1.php?lang=en

I grabbed one, and did test setup for both N-scale and H0-scale points - and both worked beautifully.

It looks to be a stall-type device (means easy to wire up to a simple SPDT switch) - it is extremely compact - and it's designed to be mounted below the trackbed.

It has outputs for frog polarity - alternative other uses such as control panel feedback or whatever. Feeds off AC or DC.

It can be set up with different throw lengths - 3, 6 and 12 mm, of which 3mm works fine with N-scale, and 6mm with H0 scale points.

It moves slowly (but still only 2 secs or so), but very very quietly.

And when I checked pricing just now, it goes for 12-13 euros - I guess around £10-11.

I will be installing these for the hidden sidings shortly, having bought 3 more - 

Personally I think these beat everything else on the market - only unknown is how well they will last.

And in case you wondered - no, I have no interest in the company or its products :-)

Happy railroading

Bo

Denmark

US prototype fan