I am looking for instructions for controlling N-scale Kato Uni-track switches with DPDT toggles with red/green LEDs. The Kato switches are just not very workable for a large layout and don't have LED indicators. Want to do yard "maps" so I can see the switch directions from across the room. Thanks guys!
Kato turnouts use a momentary pulse to activate. They do not draw continuous current. So they don't work directly with normal DPDT switches. Here is a simple way to hook it up. Hopefully other members can share some better ways. Introduce an additional push button momentary switch in between the DPDT and the turnout. You could use the DPDT to set the direction, and power the LED. The down side is you have to throw the DPDT and then push the momentary switch to change the direction. If you just throw the DPDT but not push the button the indicator is wrong.
Check out Mike's solution..... https://shop.fiferhobby.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16083 .............. if it is one that will work with the Uni-track switches you have (I have no experience with them) I can see a way to also control red/green LEDs but my solution would also requite a momentary push button switch. Similar to ... ... what I have on my servo switch boxes above in looks but not wired the same. If interested I could post the wiring diagram which is simple. Sumner
I use the same method, have used it now for over 5 years, works very well. You get used to pushing the button after flipping the switch. Fred
That's actually quite prototypical. Real CTC machines had a Code Send button that had to be pressed to initiate movement of a turnout or signal in the field after the selector switch on the panel was moved. Neat stuff.
It adds complexity, but you can also work it using a capacitive discharge circuit for each machine. These are panels I built. If you look around on the Internet and even here on TrainBoard under [Resources] I think, you'll find circuits to work this.
I used momentary push button switches and an Arduino to control the atlas turnouts and indicators. One relay is for the signal lights and 2 more are used to pulse the turnout for the direction . It's still under construction , but works good.
