Is a LGB electric switch throw able to throw aristo wide radius switches? Does the LGB switch throw need their specific equipment to operate or will it operate with standard electronic switches and power supply? Lastly what type of power (volt/amp) do they operate on?
Thanks for any help!
T
If you are referring to the AristoCraft 10-foot diameter turnout, yes, and I have three done like this.
No you don’t need the LGB equipment. You just need a momentary spdt and two diodes (for half wave ac) or dpdt switch (for dc) and a ~16-24 volt ac for half wave ac or a ~12-18 volt dc source.
They can pull between ~0.5 and ~1 amp under load depending on how “jambed up” they are (i.e., the turnout and its muck, the supplemental 1203 dpdt switch, and the optional lanterns).
thanks for the info.
T
thanks for the info.
T
Hi Terry,
My club, the Central Connecticut G Gaugers Modular Group uses Aristo wide, # 6s and Ys, most of which I installed LGB electric actuators onto.
The main yard has 4 lines that that go into two # 6s, two back to back Ys then out onto either of the two main lines thru Aristo wides.
Under the 2nd of 12 yard modules is a small sealed 12 volt battery connected to the control panel. The switches on the control panel are DPDT on (off) on momentary spring loaded to center off. The LGB actuators are a very simple partial turn motor and when the polarity is reversed to them, they will reverse. Some minor modification is needed to make the LGB actuators work on Aristo turnouts. The switches need to have two jumper wires crossed over so the polarity can change to operate the actuators. There are several different LGB actuators but have the same LGB number on them. They have a slightly different length of stroke from each other, but not a problem.
I have pics of this but for some reason I’m not able to post them. Many of the crew here know about doing this with Aristo turnouts, possibly someone can post some pics.
Sounds good. Thank you.
What size wire do you guys use?
T
16 gauge “malibu” (low voltage, direct burial) wire.
Since the LGB EPL drives are low current, they will work fine from bell or telephone wire.
You can run all the EPL drives from one pair of diodes. Just add the diodes to the open contacts off the MOMentary switch and then the common to the EPL drive.
You might want to qualify the use of bell/telephone wire. Over long distances, the current delivered will probably be marginal.
To get a nice pulse of current to make the throw positive, on long runs, I would go with Todd’s suggestion.
Now, if you have old computer Ethernet cable, you can tie some wires together, so turn the 8 wires into 2 will help.
Regards, Greg
I guess I now have to figure out how long is long.
My telephone wire is no shorter than 25 feet, bit one needs to remember there are 2 wires so the current flows at least 50 feet.
This is controlled by the Aristo 55475 which creates approx 18 volt pulse (it is power sourced from the old Ultima 10 amp supply which also runs 2 tracks).
These LGB EPL drives at the end of the wires have been outdoors for 12 years and never failed.
Will larger wire be better, sure it will, but this is working just fine for me.
That’s why I said: “qualify”, “long distances”, etc.
Also, some people keep their switches cleaner, i.e. throw with less friction.
If I was to recommend a new installation:
For the small additional cost, vs the chances to replace or repair, my recommendation is “bulletproof”
Greg
since about 25 years, on my layouts i use normal household cables. (1.5 to 2 mm diameter).
it is a no brainer for me - household cables i can buy in the local hardware shop.
and they are avayable in many colours.
and nobody told me yet, that a cable can be too thick.
and, if i hook on a cable with anything, they dont tear so easy.
longest cables on my layout are about 30 foot.
Greg, I prefer built proof. Thats the way I tried to design my railroad.
Korm, I see that I am not alone there. I have even picked up those things (we cal them extension cords) at the dollar store. Those ones I do not use as intended, since the plugs on them are suspect, But once I cut the plugs off I have some real nice wire, cheep.
My longest run will be 5 feet. All indoors on my storage yard. I went with 20 gauge stranded wire. I’m thinking I’ll be OK.
Terry
Terry Burr said:
My longest run will be 5 feet. All indoors on my storage yard. I went with 20 gauge stranded wire. I’m thinking I’ll be OK.
Terry
You will be fine using 20 gauge wire indoors for just a short length, 22 gauge wire is rated a 5 amps which is slightly smaller that the 20 gauge wire. The switch machines only needs a short pulse usually about 1 amp in current.
I am using some 32 gauge wire, about 6" long, on some LGB switch motors and is working fine.
Have fun with your layout.
Dennis
If it had been stated in the OP that this was indoor use, I would not have suggested heavy insulation.
Helps to set the stage first.
Greg