Ok my layout runs on DCC, however I am working on the turn table. I have DCC to the track but the motor that makes the bridge move I will need to use DC. I plan on using an Bachman DC power pack that I have. I will be running wires from this to a distribution block. (I have an oil pump I want to motorized too). Now my questions. What size wire to run from power pack to distribution block? What size wire from distribution block to momentary on/off toggle switch? How do I wire this toggle switch? It can turn on both ways. I want to use this to control the motor on the turn table. Thanks!
Usually, 16 or 18 awg wires are fine for this type of auxiliary bus. 20 - 24 will be fine for the feeders. Depending on how much the motor draws, using larger (smaller number) may be warranted. When you say “it can turn on both ways” do you mean the toggle is a double pole double throw switch? These would have 6 soldering posts on the back, which is what I think you will want, so you can move in both directions. This diagram shows how to wire the switch
Depending on the power requirements of your turntable motor, you might also consider using an inexpensive DCC locomotive controller. The turntable becomes a 'loco' that you can control the direction and speed of. We did that on one of our club layout turntables and it was much easier to align the bridge to the surrounding tracks and ease it into place by dialing down the throttle when it got close.
Finally getting around to this. Looks like I was using a SPDT switch. Need to find an electronics store close by. Hopefully the local hardware store has some switches and terminal blocks that I can use.
If you can't find anything locally, Radio Shack still maintains a number of privately-owned retail stores, so you may want to check at https://www.radioshack.com/apps/store-locator . If nothing is nearby, their mail order service is lightning fast and orders over $19 are shipped free. I've also had excellent results with purchases from https://www.allelectronics.com
Found a switch at a local electronics supply store. Now the problem I’m having is weird. I hook up the turntable motor to the accessory port on the DC power pack and all it does is hum. I hook it to the DC terminal for track and the motor works. The motor is a Walthers motorizing kit. Is there something I’m missing here?
Yeah it’s AC. I switched the wires to The DC side. Now I have a sound chip I was going to attempt to wire in to this. The chip actually has a 9 volt battery terminal on it. Good idea to cut off and wire into this or go a different route?
Are you locking the DC at 9V? If not, I would at least add a 9V regulator, or even use the AC side with bridge rectifier and 9V regulator. Don't want to fry your sound chip with the wrong voltage.
Yeah not sure how I want to do this one. I love adding the sound to my saw mill. But not sure about the 9 V battery it calls for.
Or, just bring out a 9V battery extender, and add an on/off (simple SPST on one wire), so the battery isn't always on.
