I need a hinged lift bridge between two large layout sections that will swing up out of the way to make for an easier walk-through. I would like to wire contacts to both the layout and the end of the bridge so that power can be connected only when the bridge is down and broken when the bridge is swung up. I would have separate contacts for 19V track power, switch power and 12V DC power for lights, etc. Has anyone tried this successfully? If so, what did you use for the contacts?
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Jim Barrett had a lift bridge like that on his layout. He used a micro switch fastened to the benchwork so that when the bridge was down it depressed the switch lever and the switch in turn energized a couple of relay coils. The relays then fed whatever power he wanted to the layout.
The switch is in the lower left of the photo. The two brass tubes sticking up to the right of the switch are guides to make sure the bridge is aligned so the rails meet when it is down.
I would use relays with multiple contacts. Then multiple separate circuits can be controlled through the conacts with one small low amperage switch which could work the coil of the relay. A time delay could also be put in so the power is delayed from coming on immediately after the bridge is placed down. That would give a little time to inspect things,such as alignment before the trains resume. A micro switch or reed switch would work to power the relay coil.
Dale H
Thank you, gentlemen. The twist in this is that there is only power coming from layout section "A". A switch and relay would work fine if there was already power on layout section "B".
To clarify: The intent is to run power from the hinged end of the bridge located on section "A" to contacts mounted on the unattached end of the bridge. Those contacts would then match contacts mounted on section "B" so only when the bridge is lowered onto the contacts would section "B" be powered. Did I mention I like challenges?
Stu correct me if I'm wrong but the way I follow it you want the bridge lift to actually be the switch that feeds power to everything. When the bridge is UP everything is off...when DOWN everything is on. Is this correct?
I would have separate contacts for 19V track power, switch power and 12V DC power for lights, etc. Has anyone tried this successfully? If so, what did you use for the contacts?
Some of the information at Access Bridges used as Switches may prove helpful. This is on my Run Room website that has several access bridges with electrical contacts.
Stu correct me if I'm wrong but the way I follow it you want the bridge lift to actually be the switch that feeds power to everything. When the bridge is UP everything is off...when DOWN everything is on. Is this correct?
Correct!
To clarify: The intent is to run power from the hinged end of the bridge located on section "A" to contacts mounted on the unattached end of the bridge. Those contacts would then match contacts mounted on section "B" so only when the bridge is lowered onto the contacts would section "B" be powered. Did I mention I like challenges?
If I read your paragraph correctly, I would NOT do it this way, as you would be depending on the bridge rails and contact points to carry all the power to rest of layout. Best bet is the microswitch controlling a heavy duty contact relay mentioned elsewhere here that switches power on and off to rest of layout tracks.
My two cents.
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