SPECIAL INSTALLATION IDEAS

One of the greatest benifits of using SwitchMaster switch machine is their power and ability to throw great lengths. These are measured in inches, not fractions! That means our machines are ideal for larger scales. You can employ bell cranks, choke cables, or other mechanical linkages that you might not otherwise consider with the more limited machines.

The power is achieved through the gearhead shown above (our motors have shorter shafts). The 800 rmp motor is geared down to 4 rmp and has amazing strength. The throw will be 3" with a 1-5/8" throwbar inserted into the shaft. The motor simply turns and pushes in one direction until it stalls out. Reverse the power and it turns and pulls in the opposite direction until it stalls out. No fussing with the exact postion, no worrying about it not being able to throw all the way.

TOO MUCH POWER!

If you are bending motor arms or cranks, or breaking the stops on RIX Rack mounting brackets, that's a sure indication that your power supply voltage is too high. Either get a lower voltage (12 vdc) or increase the resistor values. Tuning the motors to your particular power supply is fully explained in the instructions. Beware that applying too much power (voltage) can ruin the motors. Ideally they should turn a full circle in 15 seconds.

HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION

The motors can be mounted horizontally with a simple strap or pipe clamp and use a direct linkage as shown. Most 1-3/4" pipe clamps are too tight and 2" clamps are loose, but can be shimmed. The slot can be sized to accept the mounting tab so the motor shell will not rotate.

RUBE GOLDBERG DESIGN

Got a tight spot that you can't get a switch machine into? Think about using a long throw rod, flexible choke cable, bell crank or other mechanical means to transfer the switch machine's movement to the turnout throwbar and points. Extra long cranks can be used through thick roadbeds. Long rods through tubes can place the switch motor in a more convienent location. We'll be posting illustrations of these ideas a little later on.

AUXILLARY CONTACTS

If your turnout requires auxiliary electrical contacts for frog power or power routing we have a simple solution for you. Our PR-1 micro-switch can be conveniently mounted on the motor or benchwork to provide a SPDT circuit rated at 3 amps, not the fraction of our competitors. Stack as many as you need for additional circuits.

Mounting these is really simple. First, decide the placement. When thrown to one direction or the other you want to place the whisker so it's mechanically activated by the motor arm. You'll hear it "click". We can adjust it later by bending the whisker. We like to glue ours to the side of the motor housing with a dab of hot glue. In a moment you're done. Sometimes, in tight dark spaces, no, it's not so easy. Consider mounting the micro-switch before installing the motor, where it IS easy at your workbench. Solder color-coded wires onto the leads while you are at it. Insulate with shrink wrap and bundle them with a ty-rap. You are now ready to crawl up under the layout.

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