Alternative to Lionel O22 Switch Controller?

You only need SPDT center off "(on)-off-(on)" momentary switches, you can pick from a myriad of options to suit your need/desires/druthers with a Google search.

For the lights, the 022 will still supply the current, just like with the 022 controller, to illuminate LEDs. The only modification is that each LED have a dropping resistor and rectification for their low voltage / low current DC requirements. There are sources that package this all into a single device for each LED(red & green in this case) needed.

Mike M,

    If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pa area attend one of our many trains shows, and pick up any kind you want, most times dirt cheap.   I would not bother building them, when you can pick up originals in great working shape at such low cost.  The only ones that might cost you some real money are the old 711 Cast Controllers, if you happen to decide to use them.  I further recommend replacing all the old bulbs in your controllers with LED's, it works out great, and keeps the voltage draw way down.

PCRR/Dave

Dave, since he lives in Arkansas, do you want to modify your recommendation?

Like Rob says, you just need a momentary SPDT center off switch, they're quite common.  You can do a very nice panel with the switch and the two LED's for position for each switch.  If you want to get fancy, you can use a red/green LED so you only have one indicator. 

Rob
PCRR Dave
John

Thanks to all for helpful suggestions and electrical tips bout Lionel O22 switch controllers. I loved the combo red/green LED suggestion!  I (wrongly) assumed a DPDT switch would be required (one set of terminals for activating the swivel rail of a Lionel O22 switch and another set of terminals for the indicator LEDs). You helped me understand that the O22 switch provides the connection for power to indicator bulbs; so a SPST control switch would suffice.

I surfed the Web for Lionel O22 switch controllers. Some looked good, but many are very rough -- wiring that would have to be replaced and with chipped cases that I would dismiss as too ugly.  Such items might be considered "junque" by many hobbyists but also a challenge to a makeover craftsman with time and energy to invest.

The suggestion to cruise the vendor tables at train shows is well taken. Although Conway, AR, is not "in the boondocks," there is no local train show here. The nearest train show is in Pine Bluff and the next-nearest event is a half-day drive to Springdale in NW Arkansas.  Both venues provide a reason to travel in the Natural State on a quest for Lionel O22 switch controllers in good condition! 

With appreciation,

Mike
mottlerm@conwaycorp.net

Since the switch controller gets AC across the connections to light the bulbs, for LED's you simply use one diode on the common cathode lead of the red/green LED on the ground lead and a 1K resistor in each of the other legs of the LED for the red/green indication.  Easy peasy.

Mike:

I assume you're not using command control which would eliminate the need for any switch controllers?  How many controllers do you need?

Bill

Even with command it's handy to have the switch controllers with the position feedback on a panel.

Mike,

   Did you see Bill's last post, I believe he can cure your problem at the wave of his hand, you only need to ask him for his help.    It's one of the big advantages of the OGR, knowledgable helpful members from all over the world. 

I never looked at your location, when you live in this area you get to thinking every runnier  has to live some place near Pa.

PCRR/Dave

John
Bill
PCRR Dave

Second responses ...

John:  The diode and 1K resistor suggestion seems easy to do for the functionality I'm seeking. Thanks for that tip!

Bill:  You're right. The emerging layout for the grandkids will not be equipped with TMCC;  just LionChief.  As for how many control switches I'll need, the total layout will require fourteen Lionel O22 switches (a mix of LH and RH units).  I have about 20 Lionel O22 switches on hand, but only three Lionel O22 switch controllers. A close inspection of them may show some of them are faulty.

PCRR Dave:  I have visited your fair city and met David Newman, the Prime Mover of the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers Club. His basement layout is a marvel, and the club's massive O-gauge modular layout is a show-stopper. It would be worth re-locating to PA because so many train hobby orgs and attractions are based there. Like going to train heaven, but without a requirement to die first.

So you know what I'm planning, attached is a PC software first draft rendering of the L-shaped track plan. Some tubular track sections don't match-up to each other, so a "fitter" piece will be placed there.

Mike
mottlerm@conwaycorp.net

Mike H Mottler posted:

Bill:  You're right. The emerging layout for the grandkids will not be equipped with TMCC;  just LionChief.  As for how many control switches I'll need, the total layout will require fourteen Lionel O22 switches (a mix of LH and RH units).  I have about 20 Lionel O22 switches on hand, but only three Lionel O22 switch controllers. A close inspection of them may show some of them are faulty.

Mike
mottlerm@conwaycorp.net

 

So you need at least 11 and possibly 14, is that right?  Contact me at the email address in my profile.

Bill

 Bill

I hope this reply gets to you.  I'm a new user of the OGR FORUM and I don't yet know how to find your profile with your e-mail address.  About O22 switch controllers ... I'm a member of LCCA, and a club member and friend noticed my posting, called me, and offered the Lionel O22 switch controllers I need; all are refurbished, re-wired, and have new bulbs.  I intend to follow through on his offer.

Thanks for your responses to my posting!

Mike
mottlerm@conwaycorp.net

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Since the switch controller gets AC across the connections to light the bulbs, for LED's you simply use one diode on the common cathode lead of the red/green LED on the ground lead and a 1K resistor in each of the other legs of the LED for the red/green indication.  Easy peasy.

I like your thoughts on this  in lieu of the 022 Lionel Controller .. I have (32) 022 turnouts on my layout and I tried your suggestion of the LEDs and as you state they do work great .. thanks.. FYI .. I did put the 1K ohm resistor downstream of the diode ahead of the LED and tag that into the 'ground' and then direct wired the other legs to the 022 switch position and that works well and only needing (1) resistor .. Now I can use  mini momentary spdt toggles and a red/green combo led with a much smaller footprint (less heat,  current draw and ambient light) than 32 light bulbs.. I tried the LED screw in light bulbs... waste of money. Thanks

Added note .. when I used 3mm LEDs I put the the resistor downstream of the diode then the resistor to the cathode then took the anode of the led directly to ground,, there was a little bleed thru to the LED that was in the 'off' position very slight but there .. when I used a 5mm LED, it did not care (no bleed) .. so for the sake of an extra 1K resistor. I will go with your original thought or suggestion and have the diode on one side of the led and a 1K resistor on the other.. again thanks for the thought and the how-to.

Following up on this thread.  I want to replace the 022 controllers that I have surface mounted on the outside edge of my layout.  I find myself banging in to the handles to often and leaving a blood trail on the floor! 

Would a DZ1002 work for this application (if I could actually get some) or would the current draw on the 022 switch be too high?  If anyone has a suggestion for a SPDT lighted momentary contact surface mount switch I'd love to hear a source.  I can't seem to find that type of switch in my searches.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Years ago I used doorbell buttons, they did the job but you need 2 for each switch. One for each direction. I'm sure there are some good 022 controllers out there.

Here’s another alternate to Lionel controllers. When I made this panel in 1989, I just replicated Lionel’s wiring schematic, and all was well. But when I revised the layout using all K-line Super Snap track and switches in 2006, the panel buttons worked in one direction only. ??? K-line, for some reason had used a different circuit than Lionel. After tracing that and altering the panel wiring accordingly, all was well again.  Dual function was provided so that the switches can be controlled by the panel buttons, OR, the Cab-1l and Cab-2 remotes.

Before you buy a used Lionel switch controller, make absolutely sure how long the attached wire is.   I bought some on line that came with only 4 inches of wire!  When I e-mailed the guy to complain, he said "That's what terminal blocks are for." 

Mannyrock

I have plenty of the 022 controllors.  In fact they are almost coming out of my ears.  What I need is a lighted (red, green) surface mount SPDT momentary contact switch similar to the DZ1002 (or at least know if the DZ1002 will handle the 18V AC current that is going to the 022 switch).  I have a feeling these will not handle the AC and that voltage but I'm not an electrical expert.

The turnout is activated by a monetary ground to one or the other solenoid to change the route.  Power to the turnout comes in from track center rail or via the plug on the side direct from the transformer.  The 022 Remote Switch applies a momentary ground that throws the turnout, and the contacts inside the turnout make up to keep the lamp on at the remote controller indicating its last position, and also disconnecting the AC from the solenoid that was just activated to throw the turnout, since now there is a constant ground applied to one side for the lamp.  Simple, inexpensive push buttons, https://www.amazon.com/DIYhz-N...Button/dp/B07BD2D96W  can be subbed for the controller, and as mentioned before, LEDs on the control board, much like the one OddIsHeRu displayed, keeps your trackage layout present with all the turnout positions lit up like CTC.