I am using Peco PL10E motors to control my turnouts. I was wondering if anybody knows a good SPST switch to us with these motors. I am using an Atlas generator to power the turnout motors. This unit delivers 3 amps of power at 15 VAC ( peco recommends at least 2 amps). I was thinking ot using a mini SPST from Radioshack ( #275-1547) which is rated to handle 0.% amps at 125 VAC, but I am not sure if these would be able to handle the current.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You could use either single-pole double-throw center-off toggle switches, or two single pole push buttons. Since most of these switches are rated for 125VAC, they should easily be able to handle 12 Volts DC at the current level needed to operate a turnout motor.
I have found that push buttons (especially the cheap, easily available type) have a tendancy to break down and stick, especially in the “on” position. I think some of that may be from overly-enthusiastic soldering.
Peco make a passing-contact switch that resembles (roughly) an interlocking lever. They also make a “stud and probe” system, where you have a small contact on the control panel (the stud) and a wire with a metal point (the probe), and you just touch the probe to the stud.
I accidentally just came across this link which should be of interest to those using Peco turnouts. It is PDF format file so you’ll need the FREE Adobe Reader to check it out.
http://www.peco-uk.com/grafix/stream3.pdf
Hope this is helpful to some of you.
The switches must momentary contact. AC or capactive discharge is preferred with twin coil machines. If you use DC, you should install shunt diodes on the switches to prevent arcing with the inductive load.
I have used Peco switch motors for over 30 years. I use a SPDT with MOMENTARY contact only. The ones from Radio Shack sound fine to me. Peco motors need a lot of power to throw. I use a Capacitor Discharge unit (I have 80 points motors and use about 20 per CDU. By using one of these if you do get a sticky switch you do not burn out a motor as once discharged they can not recharge until the switch is released. I have also used the old electric pencil (see Peco web site) for details however you will get some arcing on hitting the contact and with a higher power it is possible (I have done it) to weld the contacts together.
STEVE WEBSTER
Modelling the Canadian Pacific in Tropical Queensland AUSTRALIA