Electric Spring Switch

[Tim R]

Paul asked me for something about this. I haven't started it yet, but here's my plan as of now (subject to revision).

I'm planning to use a Signal LCC from RR-Cirkits connected to one of their BOD4-CP interface cards. I will be using a Tortoise switch machine on this. The BOD4-CP has four current sensing detectors and two drivers for stall motor switch machines. It's connected to the Signal LCC with a 10 conductor ribbon cable. The control logic will be in the Signal LCC.

That's as far as I'm willing to at this time. More later.

[Paul S.]

Thanks, Tim. I'm really interested in how this all comes together.

[JeffMutter]

How about a simple optical detector between the rails (one in each of the diverging routes), controlling the tortoise?

[JeffMutter]

Or, thinking about his further, use one ISE detector in the diverging (non-sprung) route, with the normally-open output set to throw the tortoise normal; the closed output set to throw the tortoise to the diverging route. Place the sensor far enough from the points that the tortoise will complete its throw before a typical train gets to the switch points. You could use a dpdt toggle to manually set the switch to the desired route when approaching from the points direction.