Newbie again. This time it's electric points.

[Paul C]

I have been looking at installing elecrtic points and don't know the first thing about the subject. I am running a DCC layout on a board about 6 feet by 4 feet. i need to remotely control about 4 sets of points. I am using a Bachman EZ command controller which has no auxilliary power output. What kind of power supply would be appropriate to enable me to have electric points.
I would appreciate any help from out therre in N gauge forum land.
Merry Christmas
Paul C.

[swisstony]

Hi Paul,

You need a CDU (Capacitor Discharge unit) to run SEEP (Point Motors) :-
CDU Here on ebay

Or you could buy a PCU-1 from Gaugemaster (they appear on ebay from time to time for about £25) this is an all in one box which has transformer and CDU built in with a number of switches on the top to control the points ( if I remember rightly 7 or 8 ), then you just run two wires to each point motor from this box, Bobs your uncle etc...

I used a laptop PSU of 19V DC to power mine before I got a bargain PCU1 off ebay.

Paul

[1936ace]

Also try all components or modeled for capacitor discharge units they are built well and priced very well plenty of punch for multi turnouts. They do two model, one has more capacitors for extra punch. I bought quite a few for myself and mates from memory they were around 10 pounds.
Bart

[trainsdownunder]

Unfortunately, unless I'm wrong, your controller will only have power for operating the trains and so will not have any auxillary power out.

What track are you using ? and do you intend to have DCC control of these at some point as this will require extra units.

Either Seep or Peco point motors are the most common used and these require voltage supplied via a 12v power and also a CDU unit.

Have a look here :http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.htm for useful advice and diagrams that should get you through most electrical bits needed.

If you decide to go DCC control for your turnouts you will still need the point motors but then other items come into play which we will be happy to explain to you.

[justintime]

Please excuse me for butting into the thread.

Am I right in thinking then that if I buy a Gaugemaster PCU-1 Electric Point Control switch Unit, it has a 3 x 6 capability.  i.e. it can control up to 18 sets of points and all I need do is take 2 wires from each seep motor to the PCU-1 and I'm in business?

[trainsdownunder]

Not quite. Each switch controls either 1 motor or a group of motors ( up to 3 in a group).

From the manual

CONNECTIONS TO POINT MOTORS:
This unit is designed to operate up to six individual or sets of solenoid point motors in three groups. Each group is selected by the front panel mounted rotary switch. Hence any given point motor switch can operate three motors or three groups of up to six motors.

When sets of point motors are connected to one switch circuit (i.e. PCU1 terminals A & B + say common) they will operated simultaneously.

Three groups of up to six motors  or 6 switches controlling 3 motors each - This is where the figure 18 comes in.
I must admit a bit confusing at first.

Hope this helps clarify

Link to info sheet www.gaugemaster.com/instructions/pcu1.pdf

[justintime]

Thank you trainsdownunder.  I'm not sure which way to go now I will have 17 points on my layout.

[Jack]

I think I might be incline to get a second hand (flea-bay) Gaugemaster D controller or similar.

I've ran 30 odd points motors of the aux supply via one small Gaugemaster CDU. You would then have DC controller for test track to run in new locos being they're chipped.

Confusion comes with miss understanding the CDU/6 points. You don't need a CDU for every six points unless you are going to be throwing 6 point switches at exactly the same time which is highly unlikely.

[justintime]

Thanks Jack.  I have already got a Gaugemaster Combi Single Track Contoller for a simple 4 x 2 oval I am in the process of building for a test/running in track.

If I get a Gaugemaster D controller or similar, what else would I need to control the 17 sets of points for my main layout?  I am thinking of using seep motors but don't know which ones to get?

[justintime]

Thank you Jack, I have got "Wiring the Layout" Part 1, 2 & 3 on order, hopefully they will be here by the weekend and I can have a good read.