Servo Controlled Points

[PhilP]

Where did you source the rack and pinion on the servo, please?

PhilP

 

[The Shed]

Kitronik Linear Actuator Kit

The Linear Actuator converts the circular movement of the supplied servo into movement in a straight line. Ideal for robots, dioramas or train points switching.

kitronik.co.uk

 

[ge_rik]

There seem to be quite a few on Thingiverse

Rik

 

[JimmyB]

Just spotted this on evilbay

LGB PIKO Track G Servo Soft Drive | eBay

Dabei arbeitet der Weichenantrieb weitgehend geräuschlos. Das neue Präzisionsgetriebe aus langlebigem Kunststoff macht es möglich. Dieser Servoantrieb ist ein sehr kleines, 9 Gramm leichtes und kompaktes Gerät.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[ge_rik]

Just spotted this on evilbay

LGB PIKO Track G Servo Soft Drive | eBay

Dabei arbeitet der Weichenantrieb weitgehend geräuschlos. Das neue Präzisionsgetriebe aus langlebigem Kunststoff macht es möglich. Dieser Servoantrieb ist ein sehr kleines, 9 Gramm leichtes und kompaktes Gerät.

www.ebay.co.uk

Now that is interesting - looks like it's 3D printed as well .....

Rik

 

[dunnyrail]

Now that is interesting - looks like it's 3D printed as well .....

Rik

I bet you only buy one of any at all, why would you when you have cracked 3d printing?

 

[The Shed]

Rack and Pinion Linear Actuator for Micro Servo by alana314

This is a rack and pinion mount to turn a micro servo into a linear actuator. I used these products: Rack and Pinion kit: https://amzn.to/2WpTwNK Micro Servos: https://amzn.to/2BWgEdu Micro Screws: https://amzn.to/32ZL6PN The gears have to be sanded flat and then super glued to the servo horn. I...

www.thingiverse.com

34pcs Gearbox Toy Robot Motor Plastic Gear Rack Pulley Belt DIY RC Model Parts | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 34pcs Gearbox Toy Robot Motor Plastic Gear Rack Pulley Belt DIY RC Model Parts at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[ge_rik]

I bet you only buy one of any at all, why would you when you have cracked 3d printing?

As if I would consider contravening someone else's intellectual property rights!

Rik

 

[JimmyB]

I am thinking of some type of RC points and servo is one option, I assume if I have 3 points close together I could use a single Rx to control the 3 servos

 

[PhilP]

I am thinking of some type of RC points and servo is one option, I assume if I have 3 points close together I could use a single Rx to control the 3 servos

You certainly can..
Just remember you will need power for the receiver and servo's..

PhilP

 

[JimmyB]

You certainly can..
Just remember you will need power for the receiver and servo's..

PhilP

Power to the Rx I assume would around 5 volts dc, but I thought the power to the servo would be via the 3 pin plug into the servo.

 

[PhilP]

Power to the Rx I assume would around 5 volts dc, but I thought the power to the servo would be via the 3 pin plug into the servo.

It is (normally) especially if everything is local..
However, it is possible to run a single 'control' wire, to more remote locations, with a locally derived power supply. - For example, something derived from a solar garden light.

PhilP

 

[dunnyrail]

It is (normally) especially if everything is local..
However, it is possible to run a single 'control' wire, to more remote locations, with a locally derived power supply. - For example, something derived from a solar garden light.

PhilP

Hm that sounds good, points that only work in the sun. Currently cloudy and I am looking at 3 solar powered pumps totally inactive just now. However possibly with a back up battery charged via the solar cells when working may be fine.

 

[JimmyB]

It is (normally) especially if everything is local..
However, it is possible to run a single 'control' wire, to more remote locations, with a locally derived power supply.

Phil, I assume that is the top "signal" wire

For example, something derived from a solar garden light.

That would only work for people who are "fair weather" modellers - oh, that'll be me

 

[PhilP]

Phil, I assume that is the top "signal" wire


That would only work for people who are "fair weather" modellers - oh, that'll be me

Yes, the 'top' signal wire..

I would make the installation such that the electronics could be switched off between sessions.. Leaving the solar charging circuit active.

Even low standby current, combined with a little damp, is enough to cause pcb tracks to disappear, over time.

PhilP

 

[GAP]

I used a small solar panel connected via a charge controller to a 12V 5AHr sealed lead acid battery, output is via a 5V buck converter.
Power 24/7 to a 5V main power line that I just tap off where required.

Described in first part of this

Servo Controlled Points

Because I was having some issues with my Aristocraft and LGB manual points; The LGB points I had would not throw properly with a manual lev...

ringbalin-light-railway.blogspot.com

 

[justme igor]

Note: The VOLTAGE requirement! Exceed 4.8V at your own risk!

Dont forget the voltage drop in long (and thin) cables.
With 5v input in the beginning of the cable, after 10 meters you can have not even 4v left.
While 4.8v can be to much an a 8inch/20cm cable but after ten meters it can be to little voltage left
With best regards Igor

ps small side note: those chineesium volt meters are really good but check if they are tru on volt, it happens that there is a 0.2v difference between them and your meter.

 

[GAP]

I am thinking of some type of RC points and servo is one option, I assume if I have 3 points close together I could use a single Rx to control the 3 servos

Bit late in replying Jimmy I am running 2 servos off the one tester as part of a crossover.
I have added another to drive a signal as an experiment and no issue with all 3 moving at the same time (there are 3 outputs on each tester).

 

[GAP]

Dont forget the voltage drop in long (and thin) cables.
With 5v input in the beginning of the cable, after 10 meters you can have not even 4v left.
While 4.8v can be to much an a 8inch/20cm cable but after ten meters it can be to little voltage left
With best regards Igor

ps small side note: those chineesium volt meters are really good but check if they are tru on volt, it happens that there is a 0.2v difference between them and your meter.

Igor,
At present the furthest tester on my layout is 11 metres from the power source and works perfectly.

 

[GAP]

I have now identified an issue with the horns on my servos (with the help of a 6yo boy who touched when told not to) they are deteriorating in the sun, did a quick search on the net and have found some stl file to 3D print replacements.
I am using PLA filament and it is standing up to the UV very well, I have had 2 pieces glued together with "plastic magic" pieces lying in the experiment area for over 3 months and they are showing no sign of deterioration.