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SwitchWright Servo Driver, DCC Decoder and Relay 


A compact and versatile board for controlling turnouts. It includes a builtin relay (switches at mid-point) for frog power or switching an accessory.  The board has a DCC decoder built-in but ca also be switched using the fascia controller port.
Arduino users - The SwitchWright Servo decoder uses 5 volts and can be powered directly from an Arduino.

Skill Level: Intermediate - servo installationis similar to stall motor and to use relay funtion you need to understand how to wire a frog.



 

SwitchWright Board-  Versaltile board for driving a servo complete with with DCC and a DPDT relay for powering the frog and other accessories.  Can be controlled with a ready-to-mount fascia controller with indicator LEDs or use a toggle switch.  Control panels are simple with our plug-in controller - no soldering needed.
Want DCC control?  A builtin DCC stationary decoder allows you to use DCC, a pushbutton or both.
The relay switches when the servo gets to the mid-point of its travel.  The servo turns off when it gets to the endpoint to prevent buzzing and drawing excessive power (or you can force it to stay on with a jumper).  The servo can be set to run at 4 speeds from slow to fast.  The amount of servo throw can be set to 2 values - about +/- 15 degrees and +/- 30 degrees.  A jumper is used to center the servo and keep it powered while installing to make it easy adjust the servo position.
The DCC address is simple to teach - put on the address jumper (LED on fascia controller will blink), issue the switch command from your throttle at the desired address and the board will remember this address (LED will stop blinking). There are no CVs to set.
Multiple Fascia Controllers?  Just use a Y cord and you can add a second controller.  A second Y cord and you can have 3 controllers.
Aruduino fans will find this works nicely for them.  It uses a 5volt power supply.  While you can easily drive servos with an Arduino this board allows you to seperate all the complex code of running a servo, setting the positions and activating a rely from the rest of your code.  All you need is a simple Digitalwrite statement and a single output from the Arduino. Another advantage is that the Switchwright can prevent servo buzzing by turning off the servo and restarting when needed.  This function requires special hardware not normally available on an Arduino.
Crossover and passing sidings with single button control?  You can use a Y cord to add a slave machine that will move in parallel so you can move two turnouts with one button.   Ideal for controlling crossovers and passing sidings.  Double crossover?  Just add 3 more slaves with Y cords and all 4 points of a double crossover can be controlled with one pushbutton.
The board will mate with the SwitchWright servo bracket for which you can find files for 3D printing your own here.

Download the SwitchWright manual.


SwitchWright with Relay/DCC
SwitchWright DCC/Relay version Bare Board 

Just the bare board for making up your own machines.  The board includes the servo drive circuitry with builtin DCC decoder and a DPDT relay. To make a complete turnout installation you will need: a servo and some sort of mount; a fascia controller or a toggle switch; a power supply; and some jumpers for setting the options (included).
Must use with 5Volts DC Power (see below for recommended power supply).
SWR006  $19.95 USD







See also Fascia Controllers

A SwitchWright and a slave unit driven with a Y cable make a perfect drive for a crossover.
Here is how you can use a SwitchWright to drive a second slave unit (made up from SRV002 and SWR001 on the Servos & Accessories page) and power a crossover.  Press a single button or issue a single DCC command to run both turnouts of the crossover at once.

How to wire a frog with the SwitchWright Machine
SwitchWright Accessories
5 Volt 4 Amp Power Supply

The ideal power supply for the SwitchWright, this unit is well-regulated and current protected. The unit has a barrel connector that fits the adapter below or you can cut it off and strip the wires. It can support about 30 SwitchWright switch machines. 115V (US) input only (not suitable for 230V).

 DPS005   $16.95 USD
Input: 90-132 VAC 60Hz
Output: 5VDC @ 4A
Specifications/Features: Switching plug supply with overvoltage & current limit protection. Non-Polarized 2 blade input. 6ft output cord with 10mm X 5.5/2.1mm ID Right Angle coaxial plug Center +. UL/canada/usa/listed. RoHS compliant .
H: 3-3/8" W: 1-1/2" T: 2-1/4" WT: .3


Power Jack to Screw Terminal Adapter

This adapter mates with the above power supply to make it easy to hook up to wires using the screw terminals. Jack size is 5.5/2.1 mm. Plus and minus terminals are marked. Price is for one adapter - picture shows two to illustrate both ends.

JCK001   $1.50 USD


Extra Programming Jumpers (Shunts) (Set of 10)

Most of our boards come with enough jumpers for normal use.  However, these little guys have a way of disappearing and so customers often need more so we are now offering this small 10-pack for your convenience.

 JMP001   $1.50 USD
(Set of 10)


Servo is shown for illustration purposes. Kit includes 8 L-brackets and 8 screws
L-bracket Mounting Kit

This is a nice way to mount servos for operating a semaphore blade.  The kit works well for both miniature (SG90) and standard size servos. The kit includes (8) 3/8" L-brackets and (8) #4-40x1/4" screws for mounting four servos.

LBR001 $5.95 USD



How to drive a turnout using the bracket mount. Drill a 3/8" hole below the turnout throwbar. Mount the servo so that the wire is centered. Do not use too stiff a wire; some spring action is required. .032" music wire works well. (the L-brackets are left off for clarity.).
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