- Easy Frog Polarity Control for the Peco Turnouts. (‘O’Gauge).
(I originally wrote this for the GoG magazine a few years ago thinking I’d discovered something original -of course I hadn’t so I withdrew the article). I thought I’d add it to my web pages just in case anyone isn’t aware of this idea.
This is an easy way to control Peco point frogs using an above-baseboard microswitch. The model I use is meant for the Arduino microcomputers but the beauty is that it fits exactly into the little brown plastic box that houses the return spring. For those who hate these springs and boxes(AKA ‘Coffins’) and remove them, then this idea is not for you - unless of course you consider using it in your fiddle yards
If there is no servo baseplate in the way underneath your baseboard there are
three ready-made gaps in the Peco housing that can be drilled for the three wires (see Fig1).
As I had a baseplate then I needed to drill three more holes as can be seen in Fig2 & 3.
The adjustment is quite fine. The best thing to do is to temporarily fit in place (it’s a good interference fit), operate the point by hand and make sure the microswitch clicks; then test with a multimeter and secure it and the wires with glue from a hot-glue gun. Allow to cool and check again.
Exit wiring etc to be covered by ballasting etc. The ‘coffin lids’ can then be replaced. (In the pics opposite you can see I will need to trim the operating wire -it’s toolong).
Parts: Gikfun Micro Switch Long Hinge Lever (Pack of 20pcs) for Arduino EK1713
Sold by: GikfunUK.£6.98 for 20 pieces. I bought mine from Amazon. (a few years back).
The springs can be left in place if you so wish.
