Well, the sum of my question is if anyone already makes a switch that can control a stationary decoder. My layout is small (3x8) and only has about 9 turnouts. Because it is small, I'd like to have the option of manual controls to keeps hands busy and make it more interactive. However, I also would like to keep the option of controlling them all from my cab as well as I have designed it with the intent to expand. Any thoughts?
Most switch machines don't like to be manually operated, the best way would be to have a way to disconnect the throw from te switch machine but then you're going to need a way to throw the switch manually and also hold it in the thrown position.
Digitrax DS64, NCE Switch-it, and NCE Snap-it have the option of using local push-button control as well as throttle control. Actually they come with that feature turned on. User has the option of using it or not. There may be others. Those are the ones I have used for the same reason as yours. Martin Myers
I think he wants to use the switches with either the cab control or else operate them by hand - not by a switch located on a control panel & the cab so he's going to have to find a way to get the switch machine to move by hand or disconnect the switch machine from the switch - something like a mechanical disconnect that is easy to use.
Well in this case, a toggle switch would work just fine. With those leads I am going to look into the Wabbit and some Tortoises. I am considering making a control box with some scaled down ground throws. Just something fun.
I'm using DS64's, and I am planning to have a pushbutton switch mounted adjacent the turnout with the ground throw attached to it. I have tested this and it works well. You simply push down on the ground throw to activate the switch motor. It seems a little silly (why not just flip over a manual ground throw if you are physically interacting with the layout) until you consider the other requirements. (i.e. being able to throw the turnouts via throttle or in my case computer as well) I'm control-panel averse, and while I would prefer manual ground throws for most turnouts, (K.I.S.S. principle) there isn't currently one available that meets my requirements. If there was a good, small, working ground throw that would power route the frog I would probably decline to power anything but mainline turnouts. But, since that animal doesn't exist, I'm powering everything.
I think we were both confussed with his original question as further down he does want to operate the switch both from the cab and a contol panel so I guess you were closer than myself. He aslo states he would - if made prefer manual groung throws if the frog wiring was available on the manual throw - well there are a few companies making such a thing and also several write ups of people that have done this themselves. A good search of the forums/web should bring these up. Have a good one Jim
