Yesterday I bit the bullet and ordered Hex Frog-Juicers from Tam Valley. That’s the gizmos that will switch the supply to the powered frogs in almost instant fashion.
I’ll report, when installed, on how well they work.
BTW they can also be used for reverse loops and Wyes.
I had pictured a rotating device for extracting juice from frogs. We use Frog Snot at work to weather seal solvent prints. Wasn’t sure waht Frog Juice was used for.
I’ve used them in Z and G… I’ve tried the 2 amp ones for the frogs in Aristo #6, but I think I need higher current. We use them in Z scale also.
I know the owner and have been to his house and railroad here in San Diego.
Greg
Daktah John said:
I had pictured a rotating device for extracting juice from frogs. We use Frog Snot at work to weather seal solvent prints. Wasn’t sure waht Frog Juice was used for.
Like you, I could only picture the worst
A great name for what it does.
Never mind !
Not having to deal with mechanical contacts will be a relieve. Should work perfectly, since the currents on our layout are on the low side.
Frog Juicers arrived — I’m impressed with the service from TAM VALLEY. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Now I have to get my butt in gear and complete the wiring — no more devouring of Liza Marklund stories.
How will you weatherproof them?
Let me know if you test them on high amperage locos (not sure you have any)
Greg
Sorry Greg, no high amperage engines.
There’s only one unit that will go outside, enclosed in a proper el cabinet together with a bunch of other goodies for track detection and such.
Installed two of them in the garage (Samedan), are they ever slick. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Yeah, if you are ever down here, I’ll take you over to meet Duncan, he’s got some neat ideas that have not seen the public yet.
Greg
HJ,
In the MRH forum (and a few blogs I read) I’ve seen the smaller scales go in two different directions in terms of DCC and frog polarity. One is the “Frog Juicers” and the other is “Stay alive Decoders”. What made you go with the Frog Juicers? From what I’ve read some folks are trying to decide which method is better, and more cost effective.
See this thread if your (or Greg) is interested.
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2014-12-dec/publishers-musings
I haven’t tried any of the GoldCap capacitors, but generally they will take up extra room in the engine and they are not cheap, either. I would have to add them to each engine i.e. adding them to the small four wheel switchers could get very interesting if they are fitted with sound decoders.
The Frog-Juicers are just an add-on to the track work, mounted in plain view to get feedback if things are working as they should. I’m counting on them being more reliable than micro switches - no contacts to oxidize.
Time will tell!
I prefer a powered frog, especially long ones like Aristo #6.
Also, I don’t have to add extra cost to every loco, one juicer per frog and I’m fine.
Regards, Greg
Greg Elmassian said:
Yeah, if you are ever down here, I’ll take you over to meet Duncan, he’s got some neat ideas that have not seen the public yet.
Greg
Thanks, sounds like a plan, but it won’t happen this year.
One of these years we plan to do the Florida, Panama Canal, San Diego cruise and then take Amtrak to Vancouver. It’s on the bucket list. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Now it was time to do some test running; standard Tm 2/2 from LGB with the stock decoder from LGB. Running on speedstep 2 (128ss) without as much as a hesitation — that is after a polished the rails to get rid of the original gook from Llagas and whatever else found its way.
Step 2 is way slower than walking pace, video coming up when I get the urge. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-smile.gif)
