Servo control manufacture choices

videobruce Sep 14, 2021

  1. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Here is the entire panel with the Servo bases attached minus the cables with room for expansion (one more controller will be needed & a programmable unit for track selection for my hump).
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 30, 2022
  2. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    videobruce likes this.
  3. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    Hi, I am considering the Tam Valley servo controllers. They are available again. Did you contact Duncan McRee about the failed Octo III? If so, what did he say? Were you using ONLY Tam Valley components or did you have your own components in your arrangement? I'm not understanding your arrangement when you say "touching the jumper pins to switch from toggle to pushbutton". Not challenging you, just wanting to understand what failed and what was inadvertantly touched between two components? Thank you for any clarification!
     
  4. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Rick; the US equivalent cost would be $54 each plus shipping.

    No I didn't try to contact them based on what was posted in their web site. Between not being able to even build them due to parts shortage which appeared to be a long time problem and the fact it looked like it was a 'dead end' anyway. I never expected them to be magically available again (supposedly). The whole order about these servos has left a really bad taste in my mouth to put it bluntly. (n)
     
  5. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    To answer your question, there are no other 'components' other than the servo & a pushbutton or toggle switch other then their programmer. IIRC the set of terminals I was connecting to at the time was for the toggle. My fingers slipped and I inadvertently touched the contacts. I'm not positive it was those exact pins thou. Frankly it's hard NOT to come in contact with any of those pins since there are so many and they are relatively close together. I only had one servo connected on my bench at the time. It wasn't even on the layout.
    I remember the servo 'buzzing' briefly when I bridged those contacts.

    BTW, I did have a anti static wrist strap on so it wasn't 'zapped'.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2022
  6. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    Sorry if my post hit you wrong. You are obviously free to make any/all choices, I was just trying to understand what happened with the OctoIII. Thank you for the clarification.

    Yes, I was surprised as well when Duncan went into remission and they decided to bring back the product line. I have a couple email exchanges with Duncan and I believe he would have told me if ordering through them was a no-go. We'll see what the future brings in regards to TVD and the supply chain issues slowing their ability to produce/ship products to their resellers and direct customers.
     
  7. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    Yes, I have contacted the company and am familiar with the total price of their product to my location. I mentioned them because: a) they were not included in your list and b) they do fill a niche. In my case, I will be building 5 small control panels instead of one large one. All that is needed for each panel is access to power supply + LED's + toggles. Pretty easy to set up a control panel using these boards plus they have a built-in servo aligner and very clear instructions. There's always tradeoffs, in this case, ease of installation + ready access to aligner at each panel are big pluses for me.

    In your plan, Berrett Hill is significantly less expensive with purchasing just their 8-servo controllers and rolling your own toggle+LED. I'm curious to learn how you are wiring the toggles + LED's to your panel and connecting to the servo controller.
     
  8. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Your post didn't hit me wrong.
    No LED's on my panel even thou I originally planned for a single G/R LED.
    Position is determined by the flat handle of the toggle which I bought purposely; down normal, up reverse.

    Unfortunately I can't edit the OP or I would add that link for that company.
     
    Rick Norell likes this.
  9. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    So with Berrett Hill, you simply wire a toggle between the 5V and ground on the controller to each servo, correct?
     
  10. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Not quite. Did you see my post on that closeup of the mini PCB adapter?
    Here is the circuit; 2 resistors.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    Thanks, VB! I did go back and find the PCB adapter. Nifty solution!

    I had originally dismissed the BHS system out of hand as being too expensive. After using an Arduino-based system, I quickly realized that I did not really enjoy using that system with its steep learning curve. Cost per servo can not be the only deciding factor on which system to use, my error! Yesterday, I spent more time reading through the Berrett Hill website. I am intrigued by their control panel design + touch toggles. Easy to implement with clearly written instructions. A real big plus is the ease of modifying the panel if I made changes in the layout. Ease of implementation is now my top priority and BHS provides that in spades! Extra dollars to avoid frustration is money well spent in my book! Plus my switching layout is relatively small and will be built in sections over time.
     
  12. Ron Petrich

    Ron Petrich TrainBoard Member

    16
    33
    4
    Has anyone been able to reach Kevin at Berrett Hill lately? I have been trying to ask some questions before I hit the PayPal button, but he hasn't returned phone calls or emails for the last several days.
    Ron
     
  13. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Yes, I have with no returned calls either.
     
  14. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

    37
    11
    2
    Yes, I sent him an email on Saturday evening and received a reply on Sunday. The difference was likely the fact that I was a new contact...
     
  15. Ron Petrich

    Ron Petrich TrainBoard Member

    16
    33
    4
    I am as well...
     
  16. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    My reply should of been worded No, not yes, I haven't had any response either.
     
  17. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Shortly after I typed the above post I was able to contact Kevin. He has been very busy lately getting behind with things which is why he wasn't responding. Small companies don't usually have tech separate support people.
     
  18. Ron Petrich

    Ron Petrich TrainBoard Member

    16
    33
    4
    I finally placed an order last Friday (4/29) and received an immediate acknowledgement that the order was received. also my bank account was immediately charged. Since then, however, I have been unable to reach Kevin with regard to prospective ship date or tracking. frustrating...
     
  19. videobruce

    videobruce TrainBoard Member

    386
    32
    15
    Patience is a virtue. :sneaky:
     
    MK likes this.
  20. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

    1,502
    638
    41
    Well, the last two days were the weekend.
     
    MK likes this.

Share This Page