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Post by spud7378 on Jan 18, 2014 13:48:39 GMT -5
Hello all. I'm trying to put some lighting features in my cabooses and generator units. So instead of using track power. I was going to use a battery. My first thought was a mini slide switch on the under carriage. But then I was thinking about rapido rolling stock with they're magnet switch. Any one have any idea what kind of switch they use?
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Post by icghogger on Jan 18, 2014 13:52:47 GMT -5
Magnetic reed switch.
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Post by spud7378 on Jan 18, 2014 16:55:49 GMT -5
I thought of that too. But a reed switch only works with the magnet present. As soon as you take the magnet away the switch open or closes depending if you have a normally open or normally closed reed switch. I need something like that but will stay closed.
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Post by lyled1117 on Jan 18, 2014 21:28:00 GMT -5
There are latching reed switches. You have to be certain that is what you are buying if you do. You bring one pole of a magnet near it to open it, the other pole to close it. Here's another thought which may be practical in a few of your cabooses if they have a separate cupola. If you make it so the cupola is removable with just a little force, you can mount an on-off switch under it. Pop off the cupola to throw the switch and then set the cupola back on it.
Lyle
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Post by Mark R. on Jan 19, 2014 13:10:06 GMT -5
On some of my older cabooses, I installed a miniature push on / push off switch mounted directly under a lengthened smoke stack. Just press the smoke stack to turn the lights on / off.
Mark.
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Post by spud7378 on Jan 19, 2014 14:28:18 GMT -5
I like the idea of putting the switch inside the couplala. I also like the stack idea. Hmm ill have to try both! Thanks guys!
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rjm
Road Foreman
Iron Horses Forever
Posts: 92
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Post by rjm on Jan 20, 2014 15:40:36 GMT -5
On some of my older cabooses, I installed a miniature push on / push off switch mounted directly under a lengthened smoke stack. Just press the smoke stack to turn the lights on / off. Mark. Not wanting to Hijack the thread. Could you show how you made the stack moveable and what kind of switch did you use? Been pondering this for awhile for cabeese. Thanks Mark. RJ
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Post by Mark R. on Jan 20, 2014 17:17:46 GMT -5
Unfortunately that was many years ago and I don't have them any more. The switches I used were identical to these. Yes, they were DPDT, which isn't necessary, but they were surplus from something and dirt cheap .... I glued the switch to the floor directly under a piece of brass tube that was glued to the roof. The brass tube was just large enough for the extended smoke jack to slide in. Mark.
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Post by spud7378 on Jan 20, 2014 22:46:28 GMT -5
I've also found a reed switch that's a latching reed switch. Circuitron sells them part rs 2. So I'm gonna try to source cheaper price. But for the few I need I may just pay the few dollers.
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roypea
Probationary Member
Posts: 3
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Post by roypea on Feb 5, 2015 15:59:08 GMT -5
you might Google "Hall Effect Sensors". These guys do pretty much what a latching reed switch will do, are an electronic device, i.e. not glass, and are magnetically activated. Digi-Key has them for around a buck, I think you can get them for less and you can get them on THEbay. I've built a functioning circuit, just haven't got around to installing them on the intended passenger cars. I'm in an HO club and if everybody shows up with sound and lights, we can run low on power, so I thought I'd go battery. Hope this helps. roypea
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