Emergency Stop Button with Cab 2 Remote

You could use one of those remote controlled outlets used to turn on a lamp with a remote control. Wire up the transformer to your layout, and plug this remote outlet gizmo in to your receptacle, and then plug the transformer into the gizmo. Press the on button on the remote to power up the transformer, and the off would work as an e stop or a convenient way to turn off the transformer when you're done playing.

This probably isn't a bad idea even if you're using a Cab-1 with a halt button if the kid is using the remote.

It's the right time of year to be looking for these things too, as a lot of people use them to turn on and off their Christmas tree lights.

J White

It isnt a bad idea but I was really hoping to use the CAB 2 itself.   It is too bad the TPC can't be set as a pass though for the power and still control the trains using the handles on the transformer.  

You can use something like an BPC to control the track power from the transformer.  It will disconnect when you use the emergency stop button.

Hi Jim,

As J White suggested, the remote 'outlets' work great.

I have two sets of three such outlets each, and installed the six outlets scattered around the layout. I use them to control the power supplies/adaptors for lighting and accessories.

Except for one of the outlets, which supplies the main transformers and power, and when I am running the trains, I keep the remote for that outlet in my shirt pocket. I hold in my hands just one train remote, either the DCS or the Legacy. If something happens, I reach for the remote in my shirt pocket and turn everything off. I have had to do this three times, and fortunately only once when guests where looking at the trains.

BTW, I have purchased those remote sets at Home Depot for about $20, but they only have them at this time of the year together with the Christmas stuff. Each of the outlets has a grounded outlet on the bottom.

Good luck!

Alex

not sure what type of power supply you use, but I think a ZW-L would have you covered.  Even when using the ZW-L in conventional the emergency stop button will still cut power I believe.  (the ZW-C might be the same as well?)

Why not? If you set the TPC at max voltage, and run your manually operated  transformer handle controlled power thru it, would "Halt" then cut the power?

I suspect the TPC will drop out at around 10-11 volts, that's one issue with using it to control the power in that fashion.

Well, if you want to use your Cab-2 only as an emergency stop and your transformer has a constant voltage output (or an unused "throttle") you can use a small control relay with your TPC to turn the track power on and off with the cab-2.

You would wire your constant voltage to the TPC input. Then you would wire the coil of the control relay to the output of the TPC. That would be all the connections for the constant voltage. For the track power you would tie your return to the outer rail just as it (most likely). The hot would go to one side of a normally open contact of the relay. The other side of the normally open contact (possibly labeled "common") would go to the center rail of the track.

When you turn on the TPC via your Cab-2, the coil on the relay will energize, closing the contact, allowing the voltage from the throttle to go to the track. Pressing halt (or otherwise turning off the TPC will open the contact, cutting power to the rails.

Kind of an expensive way to do it, but if you have the stuff already....

Hope this helps,

J White

Thanks guys.  I have decided that I will use a toggle switch for the TPC.   When I want to control the layout using the transformer my hand will be on the throttle already to pull it back to cut power.  When I am running via TPC or Legacy the TPC will be toggled and I will be able to use the emergency stop on my Cab 2.  I might consider the BPC but the toggle switch will be just a few bucks compared to the cost of the BPC.