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Using Rapido's RailCrew switch machines General discussion
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Regular poster 396 posts dperry Regular poster 396 posts
dperry

I am familiar with standard solenoid switch machines (like Atlas) and stall-motor machines (like Tortoise) and have used both.  The RailCrew machine appears to be a solenoid device but the documentation shows what looks like a dpdt toggle switch that does not use all of the contacts.  I am missing something here...

A friend has a single-ended staging yard using these and I'd like to set up single-button routing for him.  My first thought was a diode matrix with a sufficiently sized capacitor discharge unit.  My second thought was that I do not have enough information.

I'm looking for (1) more information about how these work and (2) and detailed guidance from someone who has actually implemented route selection using the RailCrew machines.

Thanks, David
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It's rather a shame that not everyone keeps it to themselves. That's my opinion.
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Logger01 Prolific poster 1,786 posts
Logger01

Rotary Solenoids

There are several types of solenoid mechanisms including linear and rotary. Atlas, Peco, LGB, etc. use linear solenoid driven machines, but Rapido uses rotary solenoids in their machines. Think of it as a DC motor that can only turn about 45°. Momentary contact DPDT switches should be used to control Rapido solenoid machines. They can also be driven with appropriately designed and wired capacitive discharge accessory decoders or controllers.

 

Ken K

gSkidder.GIF 
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dperry Regular poster 396 posts
dperry

Thanks

Thanks, Ken.

A bit more searching yielded this: http://www.circuitous.ca/RailCrewSwitchMachine.html,which shows a dpdt momentary contact center-off toggle, with 'x' wiring to reverse the polarity to the coil.  Rapido's documentation at https://rapidotrains.com/sites/default/files/2018/09/11_12-Two_Switches_sept2018.pdfjust says 'toggle switch',  has no 'x' wiring, and does not mention momentary contact at all.  A bit disappointing...

 
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It's rather a shame that not everyone keeps it to themselves. That's my opinion.
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Logger01 Prolific poster 1,786 posts
Logger01

Momentary DPDT Switches

The Rapido instruction sheet I have does show the use and wiring of a momentary DPDT switch ( RailCrew Switch Machine with Rotating Target). The RailCrew web page does note the use of "Momentary 12V DC power", but does not clearly indicate how this "Momentary 12V DC power" could be achieved.

Ken K

gSkidder.GIF 
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