Wiring electro frog points.

[AustralianLMS]

I get how to wire electrofrog points (well sort of)

I plan on cutting the electrical connection from the "moving rails" and the frog, and then solder wires from the "moving rails" to the main rails. The result will be both "moving rails" will permanently have the same polarity as the outer rails they touch. This will give a more reliable electrical connection. There will then be an isolating gap from the moving rails to the frog. As a result the frog will need to change polarity as the points are switched.

I was not planning on having point motors, but rather use music wire to set them manually. (I can put point motors in if it makes things easier)

So when I switch the points, I also need to change the polarity of the frog. What is the best way of doing this?

Is there an easier way?

Apologies about the terminology.

[Brian]

Hi
Firstly do not solder link wires to the moving switch rails. These link wires need to be fitted onto the solid non moving closure rail between the switch rails pivot and the gap in the closure rail, fitted between two sleepers.

Next, how the frog polarity is swapped over is up to yourself, use a micro switch possibly fitted close to one side of the point and allow the points moving stretcher bar to operate the micro switches actuating lever. If WIT is being used under the layout then it may be possible to fit a micro switch so as the rod or a crank arm can operate the switch. Or use slide switch and the point operating lever and then the contacts of the slide switch operate the frogs polarity and the WIT connects to the upper part of the slide.

[AustralianLMS]

Thanks Brian, Yes I figured that the soldering was to be on the non moving part of the switch rail.

"WIT" ?

Connecting a micro switch to the point switching rods is an interesting idea. ....... Thanks ...... I will need to think about this for a bit. I need to find a switch that has a throw that is comparable to the throw on the points. Either that or lever it somehow. The switch will also need to have a light touch. Food for thought. I might need to visit the local electronics store.

Thanks again.

[Brian]

WIT = Wire In Tube.
Micro switches... look for a lever operation e.g. Bitsbox item SW158 or SW114 etc https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?mai ... th=116_134

[AustralianLMS]

OK ....... So it looks to me that micro switches have two settings with a one of these being a spring loaded default. It looks to me like the three contacts on the switch are one common and two options to complete two different circuits. ....... That will work. Thanks, and once again sorry for the terminology.

WIT ...... Bugger I should not have thrown out those old worn bike cables when I replaced them. I could have some floating about.

[Rog (RJ)]

The common terminal of the micro switch (C) goes to the frog. The other 2 terminals (NO Normally Open & NC Normally Closed) go to the rails or power bus. You will need to experiment to find out which wire goes to which rail. If it's wrong you will get a short circuit.

[AustralianLMS]

I bought a couple of micro switches yesterday. They will work perfectly.

Thanks RJ .... Yes I figured that the (c) was the common. As for the other two terminals I might get a small light to test the circuits. And Yes I see the NC and NO on the switch.