Large Scale Central

LGB 12030 supplemental switch question

General Discussion
#1

I’m sure this is easy, but I’m too electrically challenged.

I have two aristo #6 stainless switches, and am using two LGB remote switch motors to operate them. Works great.

The Aristo #6’s send power/switch polarity to the frog using a microswitch triggered by the point rails. It’s a bad arrangement–not waterproof, not 100% reliable. I’m also using the microswitch to trigger LEDs that indicate the direction of the switch. I made a couple signals from brass stock and am powering them from the track, using the Aristo micro switch to control which LED lights up. When the point rails go into the turnout, a light goes on. It’s not reliable because the Aristo microswitch arrangement is no good–the point rails don’t always reliably trigger the switch.

I also have two LGB 12030 supplementary switches.

Here’s what I’d like to do

A: use the 12030 switch in place of the aristo switch to control polarity to the frog
B: use the LGB 12030 switch to direct track power to the appropriate LED signal

This should be fairly easy, right? Does anyone have a schematic for the 12030 switch, or a set of directions? The little triangle markings on the switch are less than enlightening.

#2

Mike,

The 12030 switch is a double pole/double throw switch… The switch has 6 contacts, 1,2,3,4,5,6. Contacts 2 & 5 are the center poles of the double pole switches… Depending which way the turnout is thrown will determin which side contacts are closed… Hook 2 to the frog & 1 to a rail & 3 to the other rail… If you get a short, swap 1 & 3… Hook 5 to the power for your LED’s & repeat with 4 & 6 to get the right one lite… Hope this helps…

#3

Mike,
I have done this on several #6 switches. What I did though was duplicate the power supply to the frog using the six terminals on the supplementary switch. I usually duplicate all my power leads, relays, etc as a safeguard to minimise failure outdoors. If an indoor railroad then I would not be so cautious and would utilise the additional terminals for switch position indication, power routing, or signals.

    The switch is composed of two independent switches,  each with a central 'return' terminal and the power supply terminals either side of the central return.  As Bob has suggested, throw the switch and find the appropriate terminals.
#4

Thank you! I ought to be able to get it together now