mini toggle switches on the new layout

To be sure, there are many inexpensive 10 amp relays that you could place under the layout and switch them with the mini switches. Even as a modification later if you smoke a mini switch.

I use lighted automotive rocker switches to switch sidings.

CJACK - do you have a link to the 10A relays you use - are they AC or do you use a bridge rectifier ?

Thanks.

Going to 10 amp toggles would eliminate all your worries. I have used inexpensive 3 amp toggles and they would get warm. If any block is being asked for more than 3 amps at a time you will get heat generated at the toggle. 

Here's some with a contact rating of 10 amps, plenty for this task.  Relays for 35 cents each.

Search eBay: 182525752544, 10Pcs SRD-05VDC-SL-C DC 5V Rating Coil SPDT Miniature Power Relay Blue, $3.53 shipped free.

Richie C. posted:

CJACK - do you have a link to the 10A relays you use - are they AC or do you use a bridge rectifier ?

Thanks.

Here're some really inexpensive relays that have 400 ohm coils. These can actuate with AC thru an inexpensive full wave bridge power supply. You only need to provide one 12 vdc supply to supply any and all relays thru your mini switches. There are many other choices, and prices.

https://www.allelectronics.com...pdt-relay-10a/1.html

I am using these SPST toggles 6 A/ 125V rated.

RSJ... do you have a source you can send me on those toggles.  Pre-wired... BONUS!

Troy

Actually most of the mini switches are rated at 6 amps when used at 125 vac. They are rated at 3 amps at 250 vac. You are only at about 18 vac. But if they get warm, that's not so great.

Here are some...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-PA...?hash=item35e3df628e 

and  https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.htm...125vac+toggle+switch

Good call CJACK!  That's why I never had trouble with them.  They are rated at 3AMP but I'm not running anywhere close to the 250VAC.  I totally locked in on just the amps.

However, I do like the pre-wired option.  That would save a lot of time.  I have several more control panels to build.  Looks like a bulk order is in the works.  I wonder if anyone makes a "lighted" AC version.  I see lighted DC toggles, but not AC.

Thanks!

Troy

You can use DC rated switches for AC of course. DC is harder on a switch than AC. There is an issue with the light though if it is lighted with the voltage you are switching. Not a problem with TMCC which runs at a steady 18 vac, but is a problem with Conventional running since the voltage varies. There are also issues if the light is an LED. Many lighted switches do not protect the LED against the reverse half cycle of AC power. That would just require a diode however.

Installation.  Metal Plate/panel. 

Or installed in the layout. 

Pictured is a double pole, double throw,  center off, momentary switch.   Add a cross over connection, it is used to run my turntable.  Push and hold, Clockwise, Counterclockwise.   Click on the triangle to access a video.  

Have a great day.     Mike CT. 

Crazy J RR posted:

RSJ... do you have a source you can send me on those toggles.  Pre-wired... BONUS!

Troy

I found them on that big auction site. haven't bought any in a while but I'm sure if you search the amperage and voltage you can find them.

This was the seller

https://www.ebay.com/usr/ennis...p2057872.m2749.l2754

and what I paid for them.

MikeCt  what are you using to index your turntable it's stopping perfectly every time . Is that a Ross or Millhouse system?

E-UNIT-79 posted:

MikeCt  what are you using to index your turntable it's stopping perfectly every time . Is that a Ross or Millhouse system?

The Turntable is an older Diamond Scale. There is no indexing.  It usually can be jogged, with a quick switch move to the correct position.   There was indexing available, but the TT pictured was used from another layout, didn't have it.