Double slip - strange point motor action

[RogerB]

I am trying to put solenoid point motors on a double slip. When off the point the motor works perfectly and the tie bar moves correctly. On the point and under manual control the motor moves fully in both directions but will only move fully in one direction under power. When I attempt to fire it the other way it moves a little in the proper direction and then goes back again - a sort of shimmy!

I have tried the Hatton's PM-01 motors and the Peco PL-11 ones. Both behave the same. I am sure I am not tightening them up too much and they are properly aligned. I have a 12v 1A PSU and have wired the points up to a choc block. To fire them I am just touching the appropriate terminals on the choc block - very briefly.

Anyone got any ides?

R-

[Steve M]

Are you using a CDU? If not that supply probably isn’t giving it enough ‘oomph’ (technical term).

[Mountain Goat]

It is normally the case that the solenoid movement is not quite the same direction as the movement of the tie bar. I used to get this at times when I mounted Peco solenoids directly underneath the Peco points. If they were not quite 100% pushed into their slots, they could on occasions give the symptoms in which you have described.

[RogerB]

Are you using a CDU? If not that supply probably isn’t giving it enough ‘oomph’ (technical term).

I did wonder about that but also thought that 12V @ 1A would be sufficient. I will get hold of a CDU and have another go.

Thanks.

R-

[RogerB]

It is normally the case that the solenoid movement is not quite the same direction as the movement of the tie bar....

Surely it is, but anyway if it were the wrong direction it should still be the full amount of travel.

If they were not quite 100% pushed into their slots....

This has got me a little confused. Can you tell me where the slots are you describe please?

R-

[Walkingthedog]

I think a CDU is essential.

[RogerB]

It appears so - I know there's one around here somewhere. R-

[Steve M]

MG, Roger is using surface mounted points PL11 not the type that fit under the board.
As I said it’s more likely to be the lack of a CDU that is the issue although alignment can sometimes be an issue.

[Mountain Goat]

Peco points have four little slots which four pointy tabs on the point solenoids fit into.

[Steve M]

Peco points have four little slots which four pointy tabs on the point solenoids fit into.

But neither of the motors Roger is using are of that type!