Nice solution! You could simplify it by just turning the knob on the tester instead of using the two switches. You would have to modify the knob and add stops to control the amount of throw - a rod sticking out of the knob hitting screws at each end of the throw.
Jeff what dia. piano wire are you using? Is the tubing 1/16" O.D.? Do you have a link for where you get the wire and tubing from? Thanks, Sumner
That would work. I'll probably stick with the switches as they also power the LED's which I want and aren't expensive and wire in quickly. Thanks for the input, Sumner
As a followup .... .... I did finally setup a test using a servo mounted under 1/2" plywood and 1" foam board. By playing with the resistor values of the controller and .... ...where the piano wire was located on the servo arm I got it to work fine with.... ... the hand-built turnouts I'd made. More info here.... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Trackwork/page-8.html Sumner
I used Fastracks Bullfrog manual throws with 4" of foam. I mounted the Bullfrogs on a wide piece if 1/8" ply mounted to the foam with glue and 1-1/2" screws. My thinking was to give them a stable base from the side to side pressure created when the knob was actuated. Since it was a crossover one controller actuated both Bullfrogs and it worked great for years.
I also use the bell crank method for turnout and for switchstand. thickness is irrelevant with this method.
Hi Sumner - Sorry for the delay in responding. I used 1/16" O.D. brass tubing with 0.032 music wire (sometimes call piano wire). These are standard items at most hobby shops serving R/C airplane and car enthusiasts. Many such hobby shops have a display of tubing and music wire manufactured by K&S Precision Metals, a well-known supplier to the R/C hobby market. Their products are also available from Amazon, Hobbylinc, and other online vendors. - Jeff
Thanks Jeff, that is exactly what I ended up getting, so good knowing I ordered the right thing, Sumner
