Solenoid motors heating up

[Tricky Dicky]

I still suspect the switch and to check it out I would swap it with another that is working right and see if the problem persists. As I said in my first post and repeated by many I would install a CDU.

Once you get arcing on the contacts it is a slippery slope where it simply gets worse over time ending in either welded or burnt out contacts.

Richard

[WhyD]

Are you flicking the switch left or right then immediately letting it return to the centre.

Yes

[WhyD]

Why are you repeatedly switching the motors?

Are you 100% sure none of the momentary switches are remaining On even when the switch lever is in the sprung to centre Off position? A simple multimeter voltage check on each motor will quick prove this. Holding the switches lever over in either direction for longer than 1/2 second is too long

It may be beneficial to install a CDU in between the power supply and the first momentary point switch as this delivers the Beefy pulse of power needed but also virtually cuts off all power to the motor(s) as soon as the pulse has been sent.

I was repeatedly switching one because I had a problem with the point movement I was trying to figure out.
I was hoping to hear that this 'problem' is therefore a "red herring" and that under normal circumstances it's not an issue, but I am wondering whether they should heat up even if used repeatedly, hence wanting to ask.

on CDU - if I have 1 CDU for all points, doesn't that introduce a delay between switching 1 and being able to swtich the next (the time it takes the capacitors to charge)?

[Walkingthedog]

If you buy a decent one it will charge almost instantly and of course will change more than one set at once. It will definitely charge in the time it takes to move your finger from one switch to the next.

[WhyD]

I still suspect the switch and to check it out I would swap it with another that is working right and see if the problem persists. As I said in my first post and repeated by many I would install a CDU.

Once you get arcing on the contacts it is a slippery slope where it simply gets worse over time ending in either welded or burnt out contacts.

Richard

I swapped the switch already before, not the switch.
Also checked and the switch works as intended (i.e. not voltage when in middle)

[WhyD]

Switch contact arcing occurs when the contacts open (break) due to the Bemf from the solinoid coil voltage collapsing as the switch opens. A CDU will eliminate this as its discharged into the coil long before the switches contact opens. A pair of diodes connected in inverse to the feed polarity will also help stop the Bemf getting to the switch contacts, 1N4001 or 1N4002 will be adequate.

As I said previously in #6 and WTD has stated this too..... Obtain a CDU.

OK - the clear feedback is - get a CDU so I'll take head.
Ay recommendations here - 10 motors - 1 CDU is ok? any direction on what's worth investing in ?

[Walkingthedog]

Don’t buy the Peco version. Looks very nice but not very good in my view. Here’s a couple.

https://www.modellingelectronics.co.uk/ ... -unit-cdu/


https://www.hattons.co.uk/7157/gaugemas ... tockdetail

[Rog (RJ)]

I agree with the above ^ Peco CDU is said to be a bit underpowered.

[Walkingthedog]

You have time to make a cup of tea while the Peco CDU recharges.

[Tricky Dicky]

Don’t buy the Peco version. Looks very nice but not very good in my view. Here’s a couple.

https://www.modellingelectronics.co.uk/ ... -unit-cdu/


https://www.hattons.co.uk/7157/gaugemas ... tockdetail

I can vouch for the Gaugemaster CDU.

Richard