Lost my supplier of spring contacts for power to track, used for lift out bridges. Any suggestions, links? Thanks tt
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Instead of re-inventing the wheel, why not use off-the-shelf micro-switches, also known as limit switches? They come in a a myriad of mechanical configurations, and contact arrangements and ratings. Once you decide on the right one for your application, you just "set it and forget it".
clickee
clickee
Just to expand on what Arthur says,you can use a light duty micro switch to power a relay coil,then have the relay contacts power one or more circuits carrying heavier amperage. Using timer modules and more relays you could even automate the bridge. This way you can get away with a very light spring for the micro switch..
Dale H
Dale H
Are you talking about Fahnestock clips? If you are do a Google search and you'll find a ton of suppliers. Amazon has them for 1.50 for 6.
Ron
Ron
quote:Are you talking about Fahnestock clips?
No, we are talking about limit switches. See the link in my first post.
Thank you for the response, however I must not have asked the question clearly.
I use micro switches to protect the track on either side of the bridge. That is not my area of concern.
My concern is to power the locomotive while it is on the bridge.
I have been using spring clips somewhat like the contacts between MTH sectional tracks to provide electrical power to the actual bridge rails.
Need to supply electricty to the bridge track.
I use micro switches to protect the track on either side of the bridge. That is not my area of concern.
My concern is to power the locomotive while it is on the bridge.
I have been using spring clips somewhat like the contacts between MTH sectional tracks to provide electrical power to the actual bridge rails.
Need to supply electricty to the bridge track.
On an old layout, I once used blades, and their mating contacts, removed from knife switches. I believe that they are still available in several ampacities.
HERE are 10 switches to a pack, for $30.00 There are two blades per switch, so the price is $1.50 per contact set, and you get 20 extra female contacts to get lost in your parts box for eternity.
HERE are 10 switches to a pack, for $30.00 There are two blades per switch, so the price is $1.50 per contact set, and you get 20 extra female contacts to get lost in your parts box for eternity.
Arthur, thank you. I would be concerned with long term alignment degrading. I was using a neat thing for lift out bars. Rather basic brass tabs which when in contact had a "S" profile to them much like MTH track contacts. Too low tech I guess to stay in production.
What I did with my lionel track was have 3 track pins sticking out on the table ends and on the bridge tracks cut the bottom off and shape it U shaped. So the bridge has U U U facing down to track pins o o o been using this for 15 years train never lost power weight of train see's to that. Very simple saw this in old Popular Mech. mag. from the 50's.
The 3 U U U form a plugin type connection with the 3 o o o track pins.
The 3 U U U form a plugin type connection with the 3 o o o track pins.
TEETEE:
The nice thing about copper or bronze blades and mating sockets from knife switches is that they use a concept called "wiping" which simply means that the clean themselves off every time they come together. Technically, they exhibit a concept known as "contact follow" which means that there is a bit of springiness (as you pointed out in your invention) that ensures that the mating surfaces bend a little when mated. This helps the wiping action.
The nice thing about copper or bronze blades and mating sockets from knife switches is that they use a concept called "wiping" which simply means that the clean themselves off every time they come together. Technically, they exhibit a concept known as "contact follow" which means that there is a bit of springiness (as you pointed out in your invention) that ensures that the mating surfaces bend a little when mated. This helps the wiping action.
