Can you get Hp1 on the LGB 50940

[John Russo]

I just picked up an LGB 50940 and connected it to an MTS III.

No problems controlling it and getting to show Hp0 (Stop)

and Hp2 (Proceed at Reduced Speed)

Does anyone know if it has the ability to show Hp1 (Proceed) ?

 

[idlemarvel]

I think not, as supplied. Here is the LGB.com description:
"This dual semaphore signal is indispensable in stations to guide trains. This fully working model features two moveable semaphore arms and lights that change color in order to indicate “Slow” (Hp2) and “Stop” (Hp0). The signal mast is finely detailed with moving levers and counterweights. The signal comes with an LGB signal mechanism. The signal is easy to install and wire. It is designed for use LGB 51755, etc. Height 350 mm / 13-3/4“.
https://www.maerklinshop.de/en/lgb/gauge-g/accessories/signals/54279/home-signal-hp0/hp2
I think you would need to rig up a second motor to control each arm independently.

 

[idlemarvel]

If you think about how it works, a wire pulled and pushed from the motor goes one way to rotate the upper arm anticlockwise 45% from horizontal and the lower clockwise 45% (Hp2) from the vertical, and when the motor switches the other way the upper arm goes clockwise 45% and the lower anticlockwise 45% (Hp0). If you wanted to display Hp1 you need both arms to rotate 45% anticlockwise.

I can envisage some clever cam mechanism that could achieve this with a single motor - fire once Hp0, second time Hp2, third time Hp1 then fourth time some invalid position with upper arm at 90% lower at 45%, fire again back to Hp0, and so on. Or perhaps better a cycle of Hp0, Hp2, Hp1, Hp2, etc. But it would take some clever mechanical engineer, cleverer than me anyway, to work out exactly how to do this. It would be a good exercise for an engineering student.

 

[John Russo]

Yes, looking at the mechanism now I see that it cannot be done as is.

It would be an interesting challenge. I am surprised LGB didn't figure it out. They could have charged even more for the blasted thing!

 

[PhilP]

A second motor-drive (spare point-motor, or signal-motor) for each arm..
Same DCC address, each motor controlling one arm, would do it..

More expense though?
OR
Drive a couple of servo's from a decoder, to do same?

Going to cost to achieve, whichever way, I am afraid..

 

[Deleted member 4232]

Moved

 

[John Russo]

John S,

thank you for sending that.

I have been fiddling with some microprocessors, solid state relays, and other electronics. I was not aware of Massoths's stuff in this arena.

I see you have the ESP8266 logo posted. I was going to give that a whirl one of these days to try to control stuff via Pi or Arduino

Do you know about https://www.adafruit.com/ ?