Capacitor discharge unit.

[Walkingthedog]

My loft layout was large ish and I could only reach a few points so the majority of them were motorised.


My new layout is a lot smaller around the walls of an 8x8ft spare room. Still has over 30 points but all within reach so I change them handraulically, using my finger.

[Ron S]

In other words, digitally controlled !!

[Walkingthedog]

Absolutely, the only digital thing on my layout.

[footplate1947]

These cap discharge units (have not used them before) do you control with DCC controller to use them as you said they were digital. John

[teedoubleudee]

These cap discharge units (have not used them before) do you control with DCC controller to use them as you said they were digital. John

I think the reference to digital was a joke(?) about the digits on his hand John. Don't humour them

[footplate1947]

O............. I missed that,....... because I had not read the thread through. Just the last bit. Sorry folks I have headache running nose and feel rubbish am not ioo% or even 50%. Was not trying to humour anybody I really did not know . I am starting to lay the new layout and when installing the points I have always before used PECO motor with PEC point motor DC with a centre off two way switch. So was asking why use these cap discharge and are they DCC or can you use them on DC which is what I have. If the old two way switch with centre off return does the job what is the advantage using cap discharge at all. ..........................John

[Rog (RJ)]

The CDU gives a short sharp burst of current to the point motor for more reliable operation. It also protects the motor from burning out due to overheating if a point switch goes faulty, allowing constant current flow. The CDU will only allow a small, relatively harmless current to flow under fault conditions.

[footplate1947]

Thank you Roger are these DCC equipment or can you use them with DC. I must say I have used point motors for many years and never had a faulty switch. Must have been lucky..

[footplate1947]

Thanks Rog have found some info about it somewhere else so have the answers I needed.

[Walkingthedog]

Methinks the word digital doth confuse.