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Post by riogrande on Mar 6, 2023 13:14:38 GMT -8
I bought a bunch of single throw, double pole switches so I can power down blocks in my staging yard. That way DCC engines won't be sitting there sucking power when sitting in staging.
Any recommendations on how to mount them on a panel? I've never done that. I need to mount maybe 14 or 15 switches so I can connect the bus to all those blocks.
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Post by Mark R. on Mar 6, 2023 13:41:51 GMT -8
Just a suggestion .... instead in mounting 15 individual switches to control all the tracks, a rotary switch would be a much neater install. One of many options that can be found online. .... www.electronicparts-outlet.com/en/home/4892-rotary-switch-lorlin-4-position-3-pole-pcb-mount.htmlWhat I did in my staging was to utilize auxiliary contacts on the switch machines so that power was only fed to the track the turnouts were aligned for. Required quite a bit of extra wiring, but the control is completely hands free. Mark. |
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Mar 6, 2023 13:43:27 GMT -8
Toggle switches? I'm guessing not, as these usually come with a nut on a screw thread (such as the first two in this image) so you can just drill a hole into a panel to mount them in.  |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 6, 2023 14:27:10 GMT -8
Typical hole size for a toggle switch is 1/2". If you're mounting them in 1/4 ply or masonite, don't use a regular twist drill. It tends to tear up the material. A spade bit like this one, with those cutting prongs out on the edge of the bit, would likely make a clean hole--drill from both sides.  For your "control panel", make it so it's easy to "read". Since it's a staging yard with presumably no scenery, you can just put a number over each track and a number next to each switch. I also recommend going nuts and getting the right installation tools. In this case, a nice proper-sized combination wrench for the outer (upper) nut would likely make life pleasant. Especially compared to all the other tools you might use instead. Ed |
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Post by riogrande on Mar 7, 2023 6:43:13 GMT -8
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Post by nebrzephyr on Mar 7, 2023 7:27:54 GMT -8
OK, admittedly more than you would want, but here's how I controlled an 8 track yard using a keypad on my old layout. Selecting the track by pressing the corresponding number on the keypad. And as Mark stated, used the TORT contacts to only power the track selected. A lot of design and work just for the "cool" factor. 
Bob
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Post by Mark R. on Mar 7, 2023 8:14:53 GMT -8
Doesn't matter what material you are going to use for your panel, that's going to be a lot of work cutting 15 accurately sized rectangular holes for those rocker switches ! You would be much further ahead using the miniature toggle switches as shown in the picture above. They only require a 1/4" hole to mount and would take considerably less space on the panel. Mark. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 7, 2023 9:20:26 GMT -8
They appear to be "miniature rocker switches", with a hole mount size of 1/2" x 3/4". A too-long (for myself) search for a hole punch or a pre-fab mounting plate didn't turn anything up.
I expect there ARE pre-fab plates out there--finding them?
Perhaps contacting people who sell this kind of thing and asking? Digikey?
Ed
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Post by Christian on Mar 7, 2023 10:39:01 GMT -8
Search for rocker switch frame. You might be better off finding someone who does laser cutting to prepare custom frames. From your switches, you can determine the thickness of the plate needed for the switch to snap in. Me? I'd put the rocker switches into the big box of "oops" and buy panel mount switches that only require drilling a hole. |
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Post by riogrande on Mar 7, 2023 10:40:06 GMT -8
Well, they were cheap enough. Never mind.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Mar 7, 2023 12:24:03 GMT -8
Well, they were cheap enough. Never mind. I reckon you could get a quite accurate fit by drawing exactly where you want them on a suitably thick sheet of styrene and then cutting them out. But quite a bit of work. Get some toggle switches instead; like you say, it won't break the bank. |
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Post by glenng6 on Mar 7, 2023 23:24:17 GMT -8
Jim,
I just finished wiring my extension and used a similar switch. I am not ready to mount them as yet as I need to shakedown for a couple of months. I anticipate using polycarbonate sheets to create a facia. I will paint it black, then pinstripe my track layout, in white, over the black. Did this 30 something years ago for two control panels and they still look like new. For those two I used normal SPDT switches that had bats. I can't use them this time because the aisle is narrower and the bats would be subject to accidental activation, or damage. Since my switches are round I will just drill holes. As I said earlier they are all wired and working but I want to put some milage on them as I have never used this type of switch before. They have LEDs that glow green when power is applied and no light when open. Glenn
These are the toggles I bought. I tried to load a picture but got an error. The pic is only 903k and isn't too large.
<https://www.amazon.com/APIELE-Pre-Wired-Position-KCD2-102N-Wired-Multicolored/dp/B08YWQWF2J/ref=rvi_sccl_6/130-2223633-7794633?pd_rd_w=7yX1r&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=0190FFZQMJBF7856E2MD&pd_rd_wg=JAdNr&pd_rd_r=e53f96fb-8c87-48d5-86db-a808c2148e24&pd_rd_i=B08YWQWF2J&th=1>
I tested the link and it works. Don't copy the less than and more than signs.
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