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Frequent poster 820 posts David Calhoun Frequent poster 820 posts
David Calhoun

I just converted switch machine controls on my existing layout to a recessed, lighted button type from Berrett Hill. An easy 10 minute operation and one where I will start from "scratch" as I work on the new West End of the railroad.

I opted for not making a diagram type as shown in their video and had great help from Kevin in their sales department. I converted and will install, as I am not the greatest when it comes to soldering thin wires in tight places. Berrett Hill offers essentially a "plug-n-play" system for non-electronics types like me.

OK, following along, the first picture shows the items you'll need and (in a shortened version) how the system works. On my East End conversion I did the following:

1. Took the DB 2,4 or 8 board and marked the attachment holes on the fascia.
2. Drilled the holes and reversed the board on the back of the fascia and attached with the recommended screws. Note that you can "chain" units to provide a central location to which to run wiring.
3. Dismantled the toggle switch location and drilled a 1" hole for the cup button unit.
4. Attached the 3-pin plug to the system board. You can order 3 ft and 5 ft extension cables to reach the system board from the button location if needed. It comes with a 1 ft pre-wired cable.
5. Ran the two wires from the Tortoise switch machine connection to the blue connector on the system board directly opposite the plug-in from the cup button unit.
6. Ran the 12v power cord from my nearby outlet under my layout to the system board.

Success! Lights light. Switch machine performs as advertised. The cup button unit is recessed so there is less chance of a switch being thrown by accident. And it looks neat too! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT. FAST. EASY. GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY.

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Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate
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Rob_C Regular poster 215 posts
Rob_C

Looking good!

Your install looks very good.  I've used these extensively and have had good results.  I don't use the toggle cups but prefer to mount them in a frame to create touch panels setup like a ctc board. 

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Either way they make a good user-friendly way to switch the layout. 

A couple things I've found:

I use a 16v power supply for a little better responsiveness from the touch sensor (espeically through glass).  It does make the tortoises throw faster, but it's still quite realistic. 

Don't try to wire them without the wiring acessories as I managed to fry one by switching the polarity accidentally.

You want a firm seal in the frame, so adding extra cardboard may help keep the sensors pressed against the glass.  Again, not applicable for the toggle cups you installed. 

It is a pretty expensive solution compared with a toggle throws, but the clean modern look and feel of the touch sensors creates a wow factor that might be worth it if you can afford to do this on a large scale.

 

Cool stuff!
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sanchomurphy Frequent poster 540 posts
sanchomurphy

Nice recessed control idea!

I am in the process of creating my own recessed toggles for my turnouts in 3/4" plywood fascia and am experimenting with multiple toggles. I personally prefer standard switches for the tactile experience along with the Rix rotaries, "I use touch screens everywhere else in life." I may have to try this for my layout lighting though!
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Jim at BSME Prolific poster 2,108 posts
Jim at BSME

A couple thoughts

Quote:

Don't try to wire them without the wiring accessories as I managed to fry one by switching the polarity accidentally.

I thought the design was +5v in the middle so if you accidently flipped the connector you didn't fry anything. You could cut the wire in the middle and the add the length of wire you need between the control base and the touch toggle that way you still have the color coded end to slip on the base. Of course you want to make sure you don't swap the colors when adding an extending cable.

Quote:

I am in the process of creating my own recessed toggles for my turnouts in 3/4" plywood fascia and am experimenting with multiple toggles.

Kevin offers a toggle cup suitable for miniature (I think 1/4" mounting hole) toggles that allows for recessing those as well in 1, 2 or 3 switch variety. http://www.berretthillshop.com/store/products/toggle-cup-fascia-mount/. Of course the advantage of the touch toggle is the built in indicator light.
- Jim B.
Baltimore Society of Model Engineers, Estd. 1932
O & HO Scale model railroading
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