Tomix switch control, and Tomix control systems in general

[JNRModelsNick]

Hey guys. Figured it's well passed time I contribute to this forum apart from advertising our business. I was perusing the Tomix catalog the other day, taking particular interest in the control systems. Tomix and Tomytec offer some great stuff that we import to Australia, but to be honest I REALLY wish I could get better access to some English info on some of this stuff. I'm keen to get as much English info up on the JNR website to help dilute some of the jargon for people who want info on some of the Japanese products.

 

Anyway, I was curious if you guys could help me with some info. I'm looking specifically atm at the Tomix universal switch. I'm curious because it has 2 outputs on the back. I can't seem to workout how these are supposed to work. Is one momentary and the other a simple "this or that" style switch? Can it switch 2 things at once? I'm trying to get signal lights and a turnout working in unison, and the Kato switches don't offer that kind of functionality. Would appreciate any and all help from anyone that's had a play with these. Thanks guys.

[kvp]

This page might help you:

http://raicho.home.xs4all.nl/model/control/tomixctl/turnout.htm

 

Generally, the simple way to connect a turnout control switch and a signal switch is to connect them with a connecting bar, so they will move together.

[JNRModelsNick]

Ah brilliant! Thank you for that! Now I just have to work out how these signals work and I should be able to sort things out.

Now my next step is working out how these old Flieschmann piccolo signals I picked up work. I'm sure they are excellent but most of the instructions are in German and use Fleischmann parts *sigh*.

 

Has anyone tried controlling the Kato points with these switches? Do you agree that the Tomix system might help me overcome my signal controlling problems? I'm not a HUGE fan of the Kato point switches and would love to have a robust and separate control system for my points and lights.

[E6系]

Hello JNR Models

 

In Australia, I believe you need to find Mr Doug Coster.  If my memory serves me correctly, he has constructed several large layouts using Tomix products in the past.

[kvp]

I might be able to help with the signals, if you can get a picture of the original german documentation. Translating the bipolar signal of the tomix control circuits to the 3 wire red/green signals used by most german manufacturers shoud be easy. It's a bit harder with form signals, but they could possibly be driven with turnout switches.

 

The kato turnouts should be compatible with the tomix switches, but the voltage levels are slightly different, so the tomix power supply might not be the best choice to drive kato turnouts, but it might work.

Edited April 7, 2014 by kvp

[brill27mcb]

... The kato turnouts should be compatible with the tomix switches, but the voltage levels are slightly different, so the tomix power supply might not be the best choice to drive kato turnouts, but it might work.

 

I believe the voltage levels are the same (12 V DC), but the coil resistance and therefore the current drawn by the coils is a little different. That should not be an issue in mixing control switches between brands. The different plus and socket styles will be.

 

Rich K.

[JNRModelsNick]

I might be able to help with the signals, if you can get a picture of the original german documentation. Translating the bipolar signal of the tomix control circuits to the 3 wire red/green signals used by most german manufacturers shoud be easy. It's a bit harder with form signals, but they could possibly be driven with turnout switches.

 

The kato turnouts should be compatible with the tomix switches, but the voltage levels are slightly different, so the tomix power supply might not be the best choice to drive kato turnouts, but it might work.

 

Brilliant! I'll scan the diagrams and post them next chance I get :)

 

I'll still use the outputs of the Kato power supply and hardwire them into whatever system I use. OR I will find a different power supply if it proves too taxing on the control unit, either way I'll find a way to get the right kind of power into the turnouts no problem.

[cteno4]

There is also the bcd capacitor discharge circuit that lets you throw points with just a spdt switch. You can also add led directional indicators. Very simple circuit!

 

Jeff