multiple controls for accessories?

Don

You should use momentary push button switches.  The  power from the transformer should go in series to the push button switch and then to the accessory which should probably go to ground.  If you want a second operator station simply wire a second push button switch to the terminals of the first push button switch.  Either one of the push button switches will operate the accessory.

Yes, you can power the accessories from constant voltage transformer outputs which should be listed on the transformer.  Most accessories require a constant voltage like 14 volt.

Yes, if you phase the transformers you can use a common ground for them all.  On my layout I have three LW transformers for variable voltage for three train loops.  I also have a 14 volt transformer for switches and accessories and two 12 v transformers for lights and all are phases and have one common ground for the whole layout.

Hope this helps

Charlie

@Don Baird posted:

Also, the 1032 has four poles:  A, B, C, and U.  What is C for.

"A" is common on the 1032, A-B is 5 volts, A-C is 16 volts, and A-U you can vary from 5-16 volts for accessories that need fine tuning when being operated. If you have some street lamps that look nice at 11 volts, you can use B-C for that voltage, but this is only for accessories that wouldn't use your layout common return / ground or be in contact with grounded accessories.

The 1032 is rated at 50 watts continuous output at 4-4.5 amps, which is about 16-20 bulbs, so there really isn't much power there.

Don, take the Photo Tour of my Run Room Trackside Industries and see accessories set up for running by kids of all ages.  The controls are mounted on the table top or the fascia.

I never need to operate them from a control panel.  It seems the only time I get to play with the accessories is when I reset or repair them after visitors.  Besides that sometimes I cheat and help the logs, coal, barrels, etc.

Wow!  Susan I want to bring my grandkids to your place. It’s too bad you’re not somewhere in Ohio. 

I love your trackside controls. My layout is an L shape with 12 foot lengths on the two long sides and width varying from 3 to 5 feet. 
Where can I learn how to replicate the two button controller (automatic milk car, for example). My table is small enough that I’d still like to have controls next to the accessories (like yours) and at the central control panel.

I’m just finishing up my wiring and am about to place the table top on the frame so I need to figure it out now. At 74 I’m trying to minimize the time I spend under the table!

Don

Charlie,

Thanks. I just figured out (duh!) how to wire those push button switches to my sawmill. 

I’m still unclear about the accessories which have two  Button controls. I do have plenty of the flat four strand wiring if that helps.