Automatic Push-Button Control

[toojags]

[font="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"]Hope this is the correct forum. [/font]

[font="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"]Does anyone know if it is possible to acquire an analogue device which would permit visitors to a Fun Day (especially young children) to operate a locomotive and rolling stock on a small oval of track by simply pressing a push-button? Ideally the train should stop after 1 minute or so. It is probably a relatively straightforward application but my knowledge of electrics is virtually non-existent and any help would be much appreciated.[/font]

[font="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"]Thanks in anticipation.[/font]

 

[nicebutdim]

This circuit will do what I think you're after http://www.maplin.co.uk/555-monostable-switch-kit-220009 < Link To http://www.maplin.co.uk/5...able-switch-kit-220009
It's a kit and you'll need to assemble it. There may be ready made circuits on the market, but I've never seen them.

 

[Neil Robinson]

A time delay circuit could be built with a 555 timer chip in monostable configuration powering a relay.
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555time.../www.greenbrook.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=TLS < Link To http://www.greenbrook.co../proddetail.php?prod=TLS
The down side is that they are designed for mains operation, however I guess if you get a pneumatic as opposed to electrical/electronic activation version the voltage shouldn't matter so you could put it in the output from the speed controller.

 

[nicebutdim]

The second link looks good that Neil gives. You could build the switch into a box and have it power the controller that could be hidden away?

 

[dutchelm]

The pneumatic timers are often found in museums where kids can push a button & make things work. Whilst the contacts are AC they will be OK on DC limited currents. I wouldn't say they are indestructable but are almost.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/columbus-pneumatic-time-delay-switch/68088 < Link To http://www.screwfix.com/p...ime-delay-switch/68088

 

[toojags]

Thanks to all who took the trouble to reply. I will follow up on the solutions proffered.

 

[funandtrains]

The pneumatic timers are often found in museums where kids can push a button & make things work. Whilst the contacts are AC they will be OK on DC limited currents. I wouldn't say they are indestructable but are almost.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/columbus-pneumatic-time-delay-switch/68088 < Link To http://www.screwfix.com/p...ime-delay-switch/68088

You beat me to it Mike!

 

[dutchelm]

The pneumatic timers are often found in museums where kids can push a button & make things work. Whilst the contacts are AC they will be OK on DC limited currents. I wouldn't say they are indestructable but are almost.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/columbus-pneumatic-time-delay-switch/68088 < Link To http://www.screwfix.com/p...ime-delay-switch/68088

You beat me to it Mike!

We used to put these on emergency lighting circuits. OK on 110v DC if you only had a couple of 60w lamps.

 

[dumpy]

Whilst idly browsing I came across this thread. What a brilliant idea. Never thought of it. I live down a rural lane which leads to two campsites and holiday cottages. Am always being asked to run trains when am outside and its not raining. (So not this year!!) With this I can sit smoking my pipe and drinking wine and tell the folks to push the switch. I particularly like the Maplins Hand Clap switch. Must investigate. I feel a trip to Maplins in Harrogate coming on.

 

[Philbahn]

Most electrical wholesalers have occupancy switces a similar thing
page 2 pla400
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/r...+switch&Ntx=&isRedirect=true&originalQueryURL =

 

[Steven.T]

If you go to the likes of RS components they sell timers which you can wire in so that when a button is pushed, it starts the timer operating which then drops out after how ever long you set the timer to. You should be able to get these for whatever track voltage you have, then just wire it all through the push button, timer then the track.