In the real world of railroading, manual switches/turnouts on CTC controlled track are locked. To go into a industry track or a spur, the crew has to unlock the switch with a key before they can throw it. When the switch is unlocked, a signal is sent to the CTC, telling that the block is occupied. This controller simulates this situation on a model layout.
On many layouts manual switches are thrown by a motor (Tortoise or similar) because you don't want to stick your fingers onto the track and risk breaking small details. To throw the switch/turnout, you operate a DPDT-switch on the fascia or control panel. This circuit only allows operating this switch if it is unlocked by a key. Once unlocked, you can operate it freely. When you have finished working in the spur and leave, you lock the switch and take the key with you. If you have forgotten to set the turnout back to the safe position, the circuit will do it for you.
The Switch Lock Control is a simple circuit with easy-to-connect terminal blocks, which connects to a key-lock switch, LED indications of "Locked" and "Unlocked" positions, input/output to a DPDT-switch, output to the motor and an open-collector output to the CTC-system.
It is sold as a complete assembled circuit board and a key-lock switch with 2 keys and 1' of wires or as a kit with the printed circuit board and the components needed.
You need one control board for each switch/turnout, but the key-lock switch can cover several control boards (e.g. several spurs branching from the same main or siding)
Assembled Switch Control board with Key-lock switch #SWLC-A
Price: $ 39.95
Switch Control board, kit (PCB & components) #SWLC-K
Price: $ 19.95
Key-lock switch # KSW1050
Price: $ 6.00
Summit USA, LLC - 512A Ford Street - Lake Charles, LA 70601 - (337) 436 8481 - pbl@summit-usa.net
