GARGRAVES UNCOUPLER GG-108

Any ideas here on how to figure it out?

 

thanks

Ralph

Hi Ralph   I do't know to figure it out but it does seem to draw a lot of power.

You might try giving Gargraves a call or send them an e-mail.

Maybe it has to be a lot to energize the magnet. I have a bunch of gargraves uncouplers that I have yet to install. I use Z 4000 transformers now with set voltage posts. Before that I would use the adjustable voltage levers on my old ZW's and place a car over the magnet then see at what voltage level, meaning the lowest, for the uncoupler to work. Also that was when I used Lionel uncouplers.........Paul

The magnet is 5-7 ohms.  Depending on your voltage setting, could be as much as 2-3 amps.

Ralph:  MOst multi-meters have an amp function that reads AC or DC.  If you use one of those, just be sure that it has the capability to handle at least 10 amps. 

 

Speaking of uncouplers.  The Gargraves uncoupler is supposed to handle Lionel style couplers.  I see a need for an uncoupler that handles Kadee style complers, that is; instead of pulling downwards, it should be designed to pull "outwards" like away from the center rail.  Don't think that this would require rocket science, just a redesigned electromagnet with it's poles, below the level of the track surface, but placed so that each pole pulls towards one side of the track.  If someone would make such a device, I would changeover all my freight cars to Kadee, or scale sized couplers.

 

Paul Fischer

Kadee makes an undertrack magnet that could be used for O scale Kadees.

Thanks all. Gargraves recommends 12-14 volts to operate it. Looks like this track uses a lot of amps even though it is only for a few seconds. I have a lot of them planned on the layout and trying to get the correct wiring and switch controlling to operate them from a control panel. I did email GG, but haven't had a response. Maybe they are getting ready for York.

 

Anyway, your help is greatly appreciated. 

Ralph

If you can find them the Atlas ones work good. Thats what I use with my Gargraves track. 

Do you mean the #57 momentary switches? The HO variety?

Ralph

Ralph,

 

You will also find that the GG uncoupler tracks will work better or worse, under the same voltage, with different manufactures couplers.  Weavers use of a thumbtack button on the coupler places the metal surface closer to the top of the magnet than say the bottom plate of a Lionel type. Coupler stiffness will also account for some differences. On a side note, I have about 4 or 5 new GG units that I will not be using that you can have on the cheap. I have changed over to KD's.

The Atlas uncoupling track sections work well with Gargraves track

Thanks for the offer. Two or so weeks ago I would have taken you up on it, but it looks like I'll be dropping mine as well later in the year.

 

I was planning on using one track per siding in my two large storage yards - twenty or so uncouplers plus six of the unloader types in the Industrial Yard. But the operating control is very large - 2"x3" - and this will occupy too large a footprint on my control panel. The yards have GG turnouts with Z-stuff machines leading into the siding tracks. I plan to operate the turnouts with micro-push-button momentary switches and I have those. The operate in the mili-amp range which is suitable for the turnout activation. I was hoping to find a similar solution for the RCS/OTC track or a Rotary Switch to work similarly in a small footprint. Finding and wiring a 3 amp switch into this mix seems daunting to me.  Onto Plan B as soon as I can think of one.  Super O or Atlas may work. 

 

Thanks for the info so far.  If there are other insights they will always be welcomed. 

Ralph

GG corrected it since but a bunch of their uncouplers got out with the magnet too high and would derail the cars, especially those with rollers for lighted cars.  Before you install them add some track to each end on your work bench and check running your cars over them.

.....

Dennis