Point Motors on a DCC Layout

QUOTE (Breaston @ 24 Nov 2007, 07:57) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi,
I am using Hornby Select control units. I know how to use Hornbys version of a point motor having to type in the number then select it etc gets on my nerves to be honest, so I would like to know is there any way I can wire up point motors to work with switches insted? if so, can anybody explain to me how to do this, please, and if possible, the cheapest method as once I get started I will use quite a lot.

Many thanks
Regards

***Yes, and its simple to do. Just connect momentary SPST switches to the coils of the point motor.

The simplest way is as follows. an explaination of the motor wiring / switch configuration first.

(1) a twin coil solenoid usually has three wires to connect, left/common/right.
(2) in some cases four terminals If it has 4 terminals - 2 on each coil, wire one form each coil together to make a "common" then it too will have a 3 wire left/common/right connection.
(3) There are TWO terminals on a momentary SPST pushbutton switch

the "common" wire that goes to both coils is wired direct to one side of a power supply (12~18 volts AC or DC)
Each of the other wires is wired to one of the terminals of a momentary push button switch.
The other terminal of the switch is wired to the other side of the power supply

TIP: You mention you want t osave cost. An old laptop computer power supply is excellent for point motors - and can ften be had free as laptops are regualrly superc4eded/replaced/break and their power supply is always still good as new.

A laptop Power supply is usually 3 amps at appx 18 volts - lots of good power for the point motors - OR an entry level DCC system!!

On a laptiop lead, when the plug is removed there will be two wires ...the centre or striped wire is usually positive.

Regards

Richard
DCCconcepts

QUOTE (Breaston @ 24 Nov 2007, 19:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks Richard, will print that out for when I get that far...

Can the power supply which goes to the Hornby Points Decoder be wired up to work these insted of a laptop power supply? I do have a laptop, but its no way near time for replacing as yet.

The point I currently have is a Hornby Point motor with Reg, Black and Green wires coming from it, with Black being common I assume as when wired up to Hornby point motor it works.

Many thanks

**8Hi

Yes, no reason why not.

But DO keep your eyes open for the power supplies - they are really useful if you can snaffle a couple. May be worth dropping into the local computer shop/serivce guy - I'm sure they write off a few and advise replacement to their customers / dump them when they are life expired.

Re your wiring question yes, black - common, red/green left and right - just the same as you wire to the point decoders.

As an aside I have noticed that Bachmann will be offering these points from January. They will be American standard in terms of geometry however this is an interesting developement:-

Bachmann American E-Z Command®Decoder-Equipped Nickel Silver E-Z TRACK® Turnouts

New Dec/Jan 44130 E-Z Command® DCC Turnout - Left £ 24.30
New Dec/Jan 44131 E-Z Command® DCC Turnout - Right £ 24.30
New Dec/Jan 44132 E-Z Command® DCC #5 Turnout - Left £ 29.70
New Dec/Jan 44133 E-Z Command® DCC #5 Turnout - Right £ 29.70
New Dec/Jan 44134 E-Z Command® DCC #5 Wye Turnout £ 29.70
New Dec/Jan 44135 E-Z Command® DCC #6 Turnout - Left £ 32.40
New Dec/Jan 44136 E-Z Command® DCC #6 Turnout - Right £ 32.40
New Dec/Jan 44137 E-Z Command® DCC #6 Single Crossover Turnout - Left (1/box) £ 40.50
New Dec/Jan 44138 E-Z Command® DCC #6 Single Crossover Turnout - Right (1/box) £ 40.50

Happy modelling
Gary

QUOTE Would this work, and if so, how would I wire this if for example i am using the power supply which came with the Hornby Digital points decoder with power clip and wire?
No. Do not use these as they are not sprung loaded to return to the centre off position.
If you did use one you will be allowing current to continuously flow to the motors coil and it will burn out in a few minutes. Use either Sprung loaded centre off toggle switches or a commercially made point lever switch such as those made by Hornby - R044 Black Passing contact switch
Hornby Point Lever
Or alternatively use two push to make press buttons like these
Push to Make Push Button Switches

You dont use the accessory decoder for point switching when using levers or switches. The accessory decoder is only for use with direct connection from the DCC consol and the point motors are called up on the consol. Levers or switches are not for use via DCC control but of course can be fed from the acceassory output termianls on the DCC consol, as this isnt anything more than a conventional ac or dc output.(Hornby uses an uncontrolled 15v dc output on its Elite of all non DCC operated accessories)

Wire switches like this Point motor wiring About 1/3 down the page is the Hornby type switch etc.