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

I have installed a Heljan Manual turntable with split ring wipers. My question is whether or not to use an AR1 from the approach tracks (2 of them) to the AR and then the output side going to the wipers.

If I understand the wiper function, they should be wired to the main power; the approach tracks wired to the main power; and the stall tracks (all lefts) and (all rights) wired to the main power same as the approach tracks. The engine should cross to the stall track correctly.

Turning the turntable by hand should "reverse" the power allowing the engine to go back out the approach track correctly thus eliminating the need for an AR1.

Is this correct? Thanks.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate
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HVT Dave Prolific poster 1,211 posts
HVT Dave

Turntable Wiring

@David,

Heljan builds the Walthers turntables so I suspect the electrical is similar.  AR's are typically not needed with a turntable that has split-ring electrical pickup.  If approach tracks are on the opposite side of the turntable from the stall tracks, position the pit so that the dead spot is half way between and wire the stall tracks in the same orientation as the approach tracks.

A picture or drawing of the installation would help us confirm the wiring.

Happy Holidays,

Dave

Member of the Four Amigos

 
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David Calhoun Frequent poster 820 posts
David Calhoun

Thanks

As I thought and what you said matches an article and drawing I had read. Approach tracks are wired as are the others in that power district. Will solder wires to the two spit ring tabs and run them to the power district. All the left side stall will be wired to a power strip and all the right side to another. These will then be wire to the power district the same as the approach tracks. 

Will test first by moving a loco onto the bridge; spin and move back out to the, then, "departure" track. This is primarily what the turntable will be used for as only one of the  three roundhouse stall tracks will be for "live" storage while the others will be for "show." Only two of the outside stall tracks are for live engine storage in-between revenue runs.

Thanks for confirming what I thought was correct.

Dave C.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate
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