Gary: Thanks for all the info and experience. I too wanted a delay of about 5 seconds; the 555 timers worked fine in DC environment, but not around DCC noise. I will have to get some of those commercial timers you reference.
Also - the idea of using O-scale Kadee EM’s in series with 24 vdc is a great one. Many thanks.
Dick
Dick:
Some more info on my system and photos of the control panel:
The incoming 120 volt AC power is designated as “P” on the following photo.
The Digitrax DCC for the track power which is designated as “T”.
The uncoupler electromagnet power which is “U”.
The 120 volt power comes in at the back of the panel and goes to the switch at P1. When the switch is closed, the green light comes on and 120 volts is sent to the fuse blocks at P2. From the fuses, the 120 volt power goes to the Digitrax power supply at T1 and to the uncoupler power supplies at U1 and U2.
The Digitrax power supply at T1 feeds 15 volts to the Digitrax Command Station at T2. From the Command Station, the track power is on the green and white wires to the four double-pole-single-throw switches located at T3. The layout is divided into 4 districts, the north wall, the east wall, the south wall, and the center wall. Each district has its own switch which controls the power in that district (this is for two reasons, first, I can turn off all the districts except one and use it as a programming track, and secondly, it will make troubleshooting and finding shorts a bit easier). Beside each switch is a red lamp (LED) that indicates power in each district. From each switch, green and white wires go to T4 which are the terminal blocks for the external track wiring to connect to.
For the uncoupler magnets, we have two 24 volt, 4.8 amp DC power supplies at U1 and U2. Each supply powers two districts. (The circuitry is designed to allow only one magnet in each district to be energized at any given time, so the maximum amperage on each supply would be two magnets, equaling 3 a
I would like to see it. been looking high and low for such a thing. thank you for sharing. John
Hi John
I just want to point out that you have responded to a thread where the last post was made 5 years ago. There is absolutely nothing wrong with bringing up an older thread, but you should be aware that the likelyhood of getting an answer from the original posters is rather limited.
I’m not being critical. I just didn’t want you to be disappointed if you didn’t get a response.
The best approach might be to start your own thread on the subject. You can refer back to the old thread but that requires potential responders to go back and read the whole original thread which they may not be willing to do. Better to state your question clearly in a new thread. You will probably get more responses.
Just a suggestion. No criticism intended.
Dave
Well, I’m still here.
I have since installed a couple of the #309 beneath-the-track electromagnetic uncouplers. My previous unit, still in operation, is an old #810 between-the-rails model. The #309 takes a much heftier power supply.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that these strong magnets attract the Intermountain metal wheelsets I’ve used to upgrade my rolling stock. This can make uncoupling difficult, as the uncoupled car won’t stay put, but wants to roll back against the spotting engine.
Since the original thread, I’ve become a fan of bamboo skewers.
Oh… Look at those panels!
Somebody has more money than the LION. Here is what him builded:
LION inspectors are out in force. At least wiring of LION is CHEAP!!
ROAR
MisterBeasley
I’m happy you are still here!
I was speaking in general terms. I hope you weren’t offended.
Dave
[(-D] Actually, I find it amusing to open up an old thread and find my own posts there. Kind of like Googling for something and getting a link to something I wrote myself.