Does anyone have any ideas as to why I can't replace a postwar controller with three simple switches in a project box? 1) on-off for the magnet, 2) SPDT maintained contact for the rotate/ lift, and 3) SPDT center return for the spin/ lift. Seems I have to open up the one I have every few months and re tension those spring loaded contacts.
Ideas welcome!
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No reason you can't. I built just such a box for a friend who had assembled a crane from parts, but couldn't find a controller. I have seen repro controllers at York, if you want to stay original.
Just a suggestion, if you are building your own box, how about a pilot light for the magnet? Having one would help avoid accidentally leaving the magnet on for an extended period.
Maybe use a momentary on for the magnet...perhaps put it in a place where it is easy to hold on or under the other hand since you are building your own controller.
Hokie 71
Sure I don't see why not All three ideal are good.
I'm going to print out the schematic Just encase you have any further questions.
I will have the schematic instruction handy. 848-992-2157 on my cell phone.
Anytime after 12 noon.
Just encase you would like me to walk you thought it with you.
Good luck ,
John
The newer controllers will have a diode in them as the motors in those are DC.
The older ones have AC motors which is what the above diagram shows.
Thanks for the ideas. This is an old 282, love the suggestion on the momentary and pilot light. Wish I had thought of this when I was at York!
You might have a time delay for the magnet, pick a maximum on time and have a timer automatically turn off power. If you really want to be classy, then have a reset time to cool before you can turn the magnet back on. 
Great ideas, I plan to do the indicator light idea for the magnet and will get it done this week. However, John, I do have one of those timer modules sitting around from a past project. So I might get elaborate assuming that is working! (No KISS principle here.)
One puzzle I can't figure out, last week I almost bought a "282 controller" on that auction site. It only had a four wire conductor cable (instead of five) but the seller claimed he had sold many without issues. Could this unit be for the newer DC motor version? It was advertised for a 282 but I can see no way to take one of the 282 or 282r units down from five conductors?
Well, it only took a few years to complete this project but who is counting. (Did I say I would do it next week?) Here it is for the record.
Someone sent me this sketch and this is what I used pretty much. Switch A is a SPDT momentary, B is SPST and I did use a LED indicator for C. Pictures of the finished product are below. @Susan Deats and the slsprr information were very useful for tracking down the conntections on the crane to connect the new wire. I need to get out the Epson label maker now. BTW, terminal strips will be below the layout.
PS to GRJ: I did not add the timer for the magnet 
- I fear I failed the classy test on this one.
@hokie71 posted:PS to GRJ: I did not add the timer for the magnet
Ten lashes with a wet noodle for you! 
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