Why would you want to control a turntable using a DCC decoder??? The
turntable is presumably in a fixed location on the layout?
A direction switch and a pushbutton are all that is required. It doesn't
require speed control.
Greg.P.
The alure of a single point of control is strong. I've got a universal
learning remote to replace all the other remotes so I can have one point
of control of the TV system instead of 3. (Buttons on the console are
still very good things.)
Puckdropper
--
Wise is the man who attempts to answer his question before asking it.
To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm
Sure, but the alure of not being fixed to a central control desk
_should_ be even stronger!
Even for me, not being able to "walk around" it's neccessary to move
closer to the loco depot/TT when manouvering locos onto the turntable.
That's the spot for the TT controls.
Being able to operate everything from anywhere brings forth the
likelyhood of pressing the button time after time because XYZ doesn't
do what it should. Meanwhile the garage door is shooting up and down
behind you in time with your button pushing!
;-)
The OP could have a wireless controller and just control the turntable by
that. He doesn't have to take his eyes and hands off the controller,
just switch to the appropriate mode on the controller and go. (That way,
should he happen to glue his hands to the control after a repair... (-:)
This usually doesn't happen without you noticing what went wrong.
DAMHIKT. ;-)
Puckdropper
--
Wise is the man who attempts to answer his question before asking it.
To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm
It's a matter of positioning... because of some recent changes, the
turntable controls are now further away so I can't get close enough to align
the bridge by eye without shuttling back and forth between the control and
the turntable. I'm looking for an alternative to moving the turntable
control.
That being said, my question is still whether or not I can use a dcc decoder
and throttle to operate the turntable. Can anyone tell me if that can be
done, and if so, is it done the way I asked?
Carter
It definitely can be done, although precisely how would depend on how
the TT is designed to be controlled.
My own experience with TTs is with several of European design. These
have directional motor power and a solenoid/latch which needs to be
powered to stop the latch dropping into a slot at each track position.
When power is removed from the latch-solenoid the latch will drop into
the slot and power is cut to the drive motor through an inbuilt set of
contacts.
A loco decoder would cover motor power and direction and the solenoid
could be powered by a function output driving a relay. (depending on
current required by the solenoid, assuming it's greater than the
function output)
Alternatively, the turntable could be controlled by an accessory
decoder, using three outputs to drive relays.
(clockwise/anti-clockwise/latch)
Regards,
Greg.P.
AC motor?
An AC motor will run on DC.
Assuming fieldwindings and a bi-directional motor, all that's required
is a couple of 10c diodes, much cheaper than remotoring!
Regards,
Greg.P.
If the motor in question does not require voltage and current greater
than what the decoder can provide then yes, you can use this DCC
decoder to control your turntable. Just hardwire the red/black wires
from the decoder to your DCC track power and the orange/gray wires
from the decoder to the turntable motor. You'll use a mobile decoder
as a stationaly decoder. It is all in the semantics. :-)
But how precisely you'll be able to control the bridge remains to be
seen. Some DCC systems have a bit of a lag in response. But you'll
be able to control the speed of the motor just as you would if the
motor was in a locomotive.
This is the simple answer you were looking for.
Peteski
Yes, Petski.. that IS the simple answer I was looking for. Several of the
other group members were very helpful but thank you for cutting straight to
the point and giving me the help I was seeking.
Carter
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