electric uncoupler

[nicebutdim]

Hi all, just a quick question...how do LGB's electric uncoupler work? Is it constant pulse ac to raise the ramp then remove power so it drops, or similar to point motors, e.g. normal polarity to raise then reversed polarity to drop?
Many thanks, Tim

 

[bigjack]

It works exactly the same as a points motor

 

[nicebutdim]

Hmmm, that's a pain, was hoping it would be power raise, no power drop. Ok, thanks for your help there, some working out required here for my wiring.

 

[beavercreek]

Just as Big jack says. The motor raises the ramp and when sent another shot of voltage it drops it. The ramp stays up until told to sit down again....well behaved or what?

 

[nicebutdim]

Reason I was hoping to the other way is I have radio controlled my layout with a 3ch radio. 1 channel controls speed, 2nd channel controls the points at each end of the station (thats the two 'normal' channels used) leaving me with the 3rd channel which is either on or off, instead of backwards and forwards. Although useable to power the uncoupler, it may result in it being constantly powered up or down, which will eventually create a rather expensive puff of smoke. Or I may be able to use passing contacts...will have to delve deeper.

 

[beavercreek]

Mmmmm youv'e got me there Tim. Perhaps the use of en epl (point motor) and auxillary switch would be a solution to the way of powering it, then maybe that still does not cure the constant feed from the radio control prob, or maybe it does........... There are other brains greater than mine on this forum who have probably got an answer ready to fall out of their heads...

 

[Dtsteam]

If ch3 will operate a servo, why not consider making your own powered uncoupling ramp from a manual LGB one ?

 

[minimans]

Train-Li make a infra red controlled auto uncoupler saw it at a train show worked really well, not sure about outside though?

 

[steve parberry]

what about a change-over relay and two small time delay circuit's?
when you switch it on it powers the relay feeding the 1st time delay circuit and when you power down it would feed another time delay circuit.

Nobody said it would be easy but it can be done:wits:

 

[steve parberry]

Its easier than i thought someody makes the bits i one easy package

http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-C...module/61784/kw/Timers+&+Controllers#techspec

 

[beavercreek]

Its easier than i thought someody makes the bits i one easy package

http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-C...module/61784/kw/Timers+&+Controllers#techspec

By the cringe the answer in one neat little package
Worth two score points of any-ones money!

 

[nicebutdim]

I like the above ideas, but I've just managed to make a really simple method using an old tamiya mechanical speed controller. It has a wiper that passes over several contacts for controlling the speed and direction or an rc car and is operated from a servo. I've managed to make it so that the wiper breifly touches two contacts as it wipes from one throw to the other, sending an up pulse when the servo operates one way, and a close pulse when moving the other way. It works on a point motor, just need to order an uncoupler now. Jeremy a Dragon isn't showing any in stock, might ask if he can locate one for me.
Thanks for your help guys, saved me alot of messing about!

 

[steve parberry]

glendale have one in the secondhand section

 

[nicebutdim]

glendale have one in the secondhand section

Shhh, been trying to keep that quiet until I can magically make £30 go missing from our account!

 

[nicebutdim]

Its easier than i thought someody makes the bits i one easy package

http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-C...module/61784/kw/Timers+&+Controllers#techspec

By the cringe the answer in one neat little package
Worth two score points of any-ones money!

How do I award points? It doesn't give me the option, or am I missing something? :thinking:

 

[nicebutdim]

Train-Li make a infra red controlled auto uncoupler saw it at a train show worked really well, not sure about outside though?

The cats would keep triggering something like that, although it would be quite fun to watch them jump as they walk past and operate it!!!

 

[minimans]

Train-Li make a infra red controlled auto uncoupler saw it at a train show worked really well, not sure about outside though?

The cats would keep triggering something like that, although it would be quite fun to watch them jump as they walk past and operate it!!!

Blimey you've got infra red cats???????? I bet they look cool at night.........................

 

[pugwash]

Train-Li make a infra red controlled auto uncoupler saw it at a train show worked really well, not sure about outside though?

The cats would keep triggering something like that, although it would be quite fun to watch them jump as they walk past and operate it!!!

Blimey you've got infra red cats???????? I bet they look cool at night.........................

Armed moggies with night sights? Mice beware! And stoopid wimmins that put off-duty moggies in bins nphone:

 

[minimans]

Train-Li make a infra red controlled auto uncoupler saw it at a train show worked really well, not sure about outside though?

The cats would keep triggering something like that, although it would be quite fun to watch them jump as they walk past and operate it!!!

Blimey you've got infra red cats???????? I bet they look cool at night.........................

Armed moggies with night sights? Mice beware! And stoopid wimmins that put off-duty moggies in bins nphone:

 

[pugwash]

Who's having the fun? The feline or the rodent?