I’m now doing a large expansion & adding DCC with an isolated programable portion of track thru hobby desk. Thanks for this video for DPDT switches. I’ll use it to switch from main power to a Command Station when programming new engines. Also to switch from DC to DCC at control panel.
Hi Tom: Good stuff, I use the SPST for controlling blocks and lighting. Have 4 main lines, with 3 blocks for each main line. Also use these switches for blocks to sidings. I found my High School, Electronics book. Just a side bar, I am a retired H.S. Shop Teacher, 37 years.🚂 Gary from Michigan. 🚆
I use a DPDT switch on my test track to determine whether the track is powered by DC or DCC. That way I can test a DC locomotive before installing a decoder. It's wired in exactly the same manner as the program track in your video.
It's a Digitrax product that interfaces your Digitrax system to your computer. It's recently been updated to a PR$. I have not tested the PR4 yet, but it looks basicily the same with a few more features
Hi Tom! Thank you so much for the video. My table saw can be wired for either 120v or 240v. In my shop I have 240v but out in the field I generally hook up to 120v extension cord. Instead of rewiring this every time I want to change voltages, can I use a DPDT switch or something similar to toggle between input voltages? There would need to be 2 separate cords as the plug is different. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I would find a 3 pole double throw switch to carry the ground also, with a high enough amperage to handle the current. Put in in an water tight enclosure also.
For my purposes, I didn't want to reverse polarity. What I actually needed was to have 3 negative (black) leads on the left side and 3 positive (red) leads on the right side, or vice versa. Thanks.
@@TomsTrainsandThings Yeah, I'm surprised I didn't see more videos showing this wiring setup. They all seem to show you how to reverse polarity, which for my purposes I didn't need nor want.
Like the video and explanation for program track, my question is "how do you add bi-colour LEDs to that same setup to show when power is on or off to the program track"? Cheers
Terry, I've been trying to figure out why one would want a bi color LED to indicate track power on a program track unless you want to know where the source of the DCC signal is coming from. In this case additional circuitry will be needed since your only switching the source of the DCC signal which has no polarity as a DC signal has (only pulses of varying lengths). If you want to only indicate track power via an LED, you can always attach a 1K resister to the positive side of the LED and attach this across the tracks. I have read that this has worked for some modelers but I have not tested this approach.
I dont have a train set, but was wondering how I could wire one of these types of switches where it would reverse polarity. I was wanting to use a Rocker DPDT switch with an actuator.
@@TomsTrainsandThings actually that was a question 😂🤣. I forgot to put a question mark. But I figured it out. Run positive and negative from the two center blades and criss cross the other four with two wires from one end. So glad I was able to figure it out. I put a grading blade on the back of my mower and used a 12v actuator and needed the reverse polarity to go both directions with it. Now that I got the switch working, just need to run the wire
Hi. I was wondering if you can show me how a momentary foot switch works. I bought the pedal and it comes with three wires red,white and black. How do I wire it to make a tool run as I step on it.
Hi Tom, How would I incorporate a kill switch? I would like to use the DPDT to power a motor to lift up an appliance using a basic pulley system - One kill switch to come to a stop and vice versa to go back into its cubicle
If I understand what your trying to do it would require a set of push buttons, relays and a switch at each end to stop the movement.Similar to an automatic garage door. If you want total manual control, all you need is a DPDT switch with a center Off Position. That way you can stop movement manually and reverse direction with the same switch. You may be able to put a whisker switch at each end to stop the motion and then reverse it with the DPDT. It all depends on how simple or complicated you want to have it. Hope I didn't confuse the situation more.
Sir do you know how can I control pick up coils out put for distributors? I need some thing to control duration of pulses ore the 4 pin gm ignition module Im experimenting lot with engines so I wuld like to build me self variabel controled ignition timing . Im simply useing multipel engine types so I need some thing that does that task . Im even useing dual coils and dual 4 pin gm ignition modules only problem I have only 1 pick up coil so I need to ajust that for ich coil corectly.
Hi, i would like a video on S gage building structures, and how to use "forced perspective". How to use flat, low profile and full structures in S gage. Thanks. If no video, then a source on where to learn these techniques would be helpful.
Hi Robert, All my videos are in HO, but the techniques are the same. You can check out a few of my playlists where I work on some wood kits. ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTSi2z_MgP0ZPFIMqgtU3cj8c ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTSghp43kZX1v6oIoHfhXo82U ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTShiWUmqiDlk-kGyoYN_dnI8
Hi Tom; question: basic three wire magnetic switches (atlas/micro trains), how do I connect a dpdt center off, spring loaded switch for these type? I'm building a Z gauge with only 2 switches that I'd like to be switched at the same time by this dpdt.
I am adding trackside LED signals to my layout and they are three light signals so I purchased DPDT switches ON ON ON . Having trouble figuring out the wiring to make them work. Anyone solve this?
Hello. I would just like to ask please if it is possible to use this switch to turn on two independent circuits at once? Briefly I have a computer interface module to mimic keystrokes on the PC , however I would also like to have an LED come on the same moment the switch is thrown but because the LED's will be powered independently (from the mains) I do not want the power to go back into the interface card, or PC I would like the two circuits to remain independent of one-another. Many thanks in advance if Tom, or anyone else can help.
Good Day Tom, Angelo here, again, I just purchased two frog juicers for my peco electro frog turnouts. That got me to thinking that if I had three R/H turnouts in a row would the juicer flip polarity on all three. I am switching from DC to DCC and running into common wiring issues. That being said some one on Model RR forum suggested Peco SPDT switches. That in turn got me to thinking I can use toggle type SPDT switches any thoughts as which would be ideal? Thanks in advance for your help.
Angelo, I've never used the frog juicer so I couldn't answer that question. As far as the switches, it doesn't matter what brand you use as long as they're not the super cheap ones.
I don’t understand how the switch unit doesn’t burn out with a steady DC current applying switch pressure to the electro magnetic switch. Don’t all these double throw double polarity need “momentary” designed DPDT six lead switches? I’m confused!
No they do not. How else would you have a route for the current to travel unless you had a relay. Momentary contacts in power routing require a relay. A SPDT sw does not. You may be thinking about the momentary contact required on some turnouts. Turnouts with coils require momentary contact.
@@TomsTrainsandThings I’m still confused because for T-scale the manufacturer’s reference only 1/3 of a second of power to flip the turnout. I must be looking at different turnouts.
Really over-complicated explanation. Came here looking to see how to wire up a command controller to the layout and a program track. All you need to do was show us how you connect the wires. I gave up halfway through your advanced electronics lesson.
Thank you for that negative comment. There are modelers that need the detailed explanation and appreciate a video with this detail. If you were looking how to set up a programing track, you definitely were in the wrong place. Please keep your negativity to yourself the next time. No one wants to hear from bitter modelers like yourself
I’m now doing a large expansion & adding DCC with an isolated programable portion of track thru hobby desk. Thanks for this video for DPDT switches. I’ll use it to switch from main power to a Command Station when programming new engines. Also to switch from DC to DCC at control panel.
Glad to help
im doing a school project and this helped me figure out switches thank you so much
Your welcome Bunsri. Glad I could help!
good job TOM, almost like you know a lot about this field.
Maybe just a little bit Dave.
Hi Tom: Good stuff, I use the SPST for controlling blocks and lighting. Have 4 main lines, with 3 blocks for each main line. Also use these switches for blocks to sidings. I found my High School, Electronics book. Just a side bar, I am a retired H.S. Shop Teacher, 37 years.🚂
Gary from Michigan. 🚆
Thank Gary. There are a lot of uses for these switches. I only scratched the surface on their uses. Thank you for teaching our youngsters!
I use a DPDT switch on my test track to determine whether the track is powered by DC or DCC. That way I can test a DC locomotive before installing a decoder. It's wired in exactly the same manner as the program track in your video.
That's a good idea. Thanks
Thank you sir, your explanation is simple and lovely as ever.
You are most welcome
Thank you, Tom. Just the right video i was looking for!
Glad it was helpful!
THANK YOUUUU. This is the explanation I needed.
Glad it was helpful!
thanks tom! just what i needed to know!
Glad I could help.
Over 1700 subs. I remember when you hit 500. Good job Tom. Well deserved. You put a lot of time and effort into these videos. -Mark
Thank you Mark. I do what I like, and I like what I do!
Perfect video for my doubts.... Thanks. Keep it up
Your welcome
Excuse me what does PR3 stand for? Thank you for your excellent vídeo
Greetings from 🇲🇽
Pr3 was replaced with the PR4
It's a computer interface for the model railraod using Loconet
thank you
Your welcome
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure
Hi Tom. Thanks. Your videos are very informative. Being new to DCC I have a question. What is a PR3?
It's a Digitrax product that interfaces your Digitrax system to your computer.
It's recently been updated to a PR$. I have not tested the PR4 yet, but it looks basicily the same with a few more features
@@TomsTrainsandThings Thanks for your quick response Tom.
Hi Tom! Thank you so much for the video. My table saw can be wired for either 120v or 240v. In my shop I have 240v but out in the field I generally hook up to 120v extension cord. Instead of rewiring this every time I want to change voltages, can I use a DPDT switch or something similar to toggle between input voltages? There would need to be 2 separate cords as the plug is different. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I would find a 3 pole double throw switch to carry the ground also, with a high enough amperage to handle the current. Put in in an water tight enclosure also.
What is a good source for these dpdt switches? On Amazon, they all seem to be AC switches. Can these be used?
That's the rating. They can be used for both ac & dc
For my purposes, I didn't want to reverse polarity. What I actually needed was to have 3 negative (black) leads on the left side and 3 positive (red) leads on the right side, or vice versa. Thanks.
Well,, that's one I didn't think of. Just an on off to two different places. 😃
@@TomsTrainsandThings Yeah, I'm surprised I didn't see more videos showing this wiring setup. They all seem to show you how to reverse polarity, which for my purposes I didn't need nor want.
Like the video and explanation for program track, my question is "how do you add bi-colour LEDs to that same setup to show when power is on or off to the program track"?
Cheers
Thanks for your question Terry. Are you using a 2 or 3 pin LED? I have an upcoming video with more uses of LED's in different applications.
Toms Trains and Things thank you for your reply. I'm using both 2 and 3 pin
Terry, I've been trying to figure out why one would want a bi color LED to indicate track power on a program track unless you want to know where the source of the DCC signal is coming from. In this case additional circuitry will be needed since your only switching the source of the DCC signal which has no polarity as a DC signal has (only pulses of varying lengths).
If you want to only indicate track power via an LED, you can always attach a 1K resister to the positive side of the LED and attach this across the tracks. I have read that this has worked for some modelers but I have not tested this approach.
grate video Sir
I dont have a train set, but was wondering how I could wire one of these types of switches where it would reverse polarity. I was wanting to use a Rocker DPDT switch with an actuator.
Glad it was helpful. It works under any situation
@@TomsTrainsandThings actually that was a question 😂🤣. I forgot to put a question mark. But I figured it out. Run positive and negative from the two center blades and criss cross the other four with two wires from one end. So glad I was able to figure it out. I put a grading blade on the back of my mower and used a 12v actuator and needed the reverse polarity to go both directions with it. Now that I got the switch working, just need to run the wire
Hi. I was wondering if you can show me how a momentary foot switch works. I bought the pedal and it comes with three wires red,white and black. How do I wire it to make a tool run as I step on it.
Great stuff love it
Thanks Peter
ty
yw
Hi Tom, How would I incorporate a kill switch? I would like to use the DPDT to power a motor to lift up an appliance using a basic pulley system - One kill switch to come to a stop and vice versa to go back into its cubicle
If I understand what your trying to do it would require a set of push buttons, relays and a switch at each end to stop the movement.Similar to an automatic garage door. If you want total manual control, all you need is a DPDT switch with a center Off Position. That way you can stop movement manually and reverse direction with the same switch. You may be able to put a whisker switch at each end to stop the motion and then reverse it with the DPDT. It all depends on how simple or complicated you want to have it. Hope I didn't confuse the situation more.
Keep'em com'n!
Thanks John. have a lot more coming on this subject.
Sir do you know how can I control pick up coils out put for distributors?
I need some thing to control duration of pulses ore the 4 pin gm ignition module Im experimenting lot with engines so I wuld like to build me self variabel controled ignition timing .
Im simply useing multipel engine types so I need some thing that does that task .
Im even useing dual coils and dual 4 pin gm ignition modules only problem I have only 1 pick up coil so I need to ajust that for ich coil corectly.
Sorry, I do not do automotive!
hey there. im a noob in this kinda stuff. i have two pieces of electric table leggs. can i use this switch to power the leggs up and down ?
It can work with anything if you know how to wire it
Hi, i would like a video on S gage building structures, and how to use "forced perspective". How to use flat, low profile and full structures in S gage. Thanks. If no video, then a source on where to learn these techniques would be helpful.
Hi Robert, All my videos are in HO, but the techniques are the same. You can check out a few of my playlists where I work on some wood kits.
ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTSi2z_MgP0ZPFIMqgtU3cj8c
ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTSghp43kZX1v6oIoHfhXo82U
ruclips.net/p/PLjjhnrIKSTShiWUmqiDlk-kGyoYN_dnI8
Hi Tom; question: basic three wire magnetic switches (atlas/micro trains), how do I connect a dpdt center off, spring loaded switch for these type? I'm building a Z gauge with only 2 switches that I'd like to be switched at the same time by this dpdt.
Thanks for your question John. If you can email me at tomstrainsandthings@gmail.com I can send you a diagram for your application.
Hi how can stop the pops and clicks when using the switch I can here it in the speakers when i do on off?
Your getting interference from somewhere. Are your speaker wires bundled with control wires?
I am adding trackside LED signals to my layout and they are three light signals so I purchased DPDT switches ON ON ON . Having trouble figuring out the wiring to make them work. Anyone solve this?
In the center position, which contacts are activated. You normally have an ON-ON or an ON-OFF-ON DPDT switch.
Hello. I would just like to ask please if it is possible to use this switch to turn on two independent circuits at once? Briefly I have a computer interface module to mimic keystrokes on the PC , however I would also like to have an LED come on the same moment the switch is thrown but because the LED's will be powered independently (from the mains) I do not want the power to go back into the interface card, or PC I would like the two circuits to remain independent of one-another. Many thanks in advance if Tom, or anyone else can help.
It's explained at 3:50. Yes
@@TomsTrainsandThings Tom thankue so much! finally I know how it's done! Subbed.
Good Day Tom, Angelo here, again, I just purchased two frog juicers for my peco electro frog turnouts. That got me to thinking that if I had three R/H turnouts in a row would the juicer flip polarity on all three. I am switching from DC to DCC and running into common wiring issues. That being said some one on Model RR forum suggested Peco SPDT switches. That in turn got me to thinking I can use toggle type SPDT switches any thoughts as which would be ideal? Thanks in advance for your help.
Angelo, I've never used the frog juicer so I couldn't answer that question. As far as the switches, it doesn't matter what brand you use as long as they're not the super cheap ones.
Thanks Tom. I am sorry to be a bother. I work an off shift and live in the boonies so I don't have many people to bounce ideas off. Thanks again
I don’t understand how the switch unit doesn’t burn out with a steady DC current applying switch pressure to the electro magnetic switch. Don’t all these double throw double polarity need “momentary” designed DPDT six lead switches? I’m confused!
No they do not. How else would you have a route for the current to travel unless you had a relay. Momentary contacts in power routing require a relay. A SPDT sw does not.
You may be thinking about the momentary contact required on some turnouts. Turnouts with coils require momentary contact.
@@TomsTrainsandThings I’m still confused because for T-scale the manufacturer’s reference only 1/3 of a second of power to flip the turnout. I must be looking at different turnouts.
Yes you are. Those are using coils that need only momentary contact. Use push buttons on those, or the suggested switch for your brand of turnout
@@TomsTrainsandThings WOW that would be a close call! Thanks no burning out coil switches. 👍
Magnificent
Welcome to Jurassic Park.
please show how to made a dpdt switch
Not sure what you mean, but I buy them at an electronics store.
No need to make one my friend as they are very cheap to buy!
This is best
Nice
Oooooooooh 😆😁 .... thank you!
Your welcome Robert
And one more “bugger” ..... how to get an LED to hold their glow on a momentary two way toggle.
Arduino. Watch my series
Best
Over 12 minutes to say something that should have been said in 4 !!!!
Glad to help
Really over-complicated explanation. Came here looking to see how to wire up a command controller to the layout and a program track. All you need to do was show us how you connect the wires. I gave up halfway through your advanced electronics lesson.
Thank you for that negative comment. There are modelers that need the detailed explanation and appreciate a video with this detail.
If you were looking how to set up a programing track, you definitely were in the wrong place. Please keep your negativity to yourself the next time. No one wants to hear from bitter modelers like yourself