Hi Luis

The only ones I can find in a hurry is:
FEME A001 9205, 24V AC, one-pole changeover contact
FEME A002 9205, 24V AC, two-pole changeover contact
290 ohm coil, max. 5A switching current
These are 29,4x12,5x25,2 mm with transparent plastic housing.

Thanks guys!

Almagik, as ususal, you are a magician!

Anyway, after I browsed through dozens of datasheets (today is a national holiday in this country...) I found several relays that fit the specs and ordered these: 200-1904, from RS.

These are DPCO relays, can switch 8A and are actuated by 18 to 30 V AC (24 nominal). This fits the bill for digital, not analog AC, so, all my doubts as to build the shadow station in analog or digital only are gone....

I quit the TAMS modules idea and just ordered a few Viessmann 5552 relays to control the sidings.

This relay will protect the entry of the shadow station in such a way that, as long as the "tail" of a train is still in the station entry area, no other train enters it.

For additional safety and convenience, I'll still get a TAMS device, slowdown module for the whole station block, so that I may throw the trains at full speed underground without thinking much.

The idea is to send my BR602 whizzing down to the station at full speed, and get it slowed down safely, safely parked, stopped and stored.

Luis

Here's the full link:

http://www.rs-portugal.c...ge.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1515513182.1162427259@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgaddjffhmflhcefeceefdffhdgnl.0&cacheID=ptie&Nr=avl:pt

Obviously, this is the link to the Portuguese RS site, but I would think it's the same in all RS sites.

Luis

laalves,

Can I ask why you gave up on the TAMS idea?

Hi,

These AC relays are quite rare, and somewhat expensive.
What about using a simple DC monostable relay, together with a rectifier diode and a capacitor, who transform the AC voltage to DC ?
Adequate DC relays cost between EUR 1,10 and 2,50 from Conrad (+ 50 cts for diode and capacitor).

Hans Martin

hmsfix, what Al is saying is that it won't work. You cannot return rectified ground to the Märklin rails. Strange things would happen.

The most benign thing I can imagine happening (mixing DC signal with digital power) would be triggering Märklin's brake mode. The worst would be burning the decoders.

To use this method, you have to use AC controlled relays. I ordered 10 from RS, should be here tomorrow. I will definitely be using these to protect a few blocks in my layout, such as the turntable bloc, station blocks, etc.

Luis

Or rich [xx(] ... So give 'em the guts, Al [}:)][}:)][}:)]

Ah, wadd'ya know, you're right!!!

Almagik?

Luis

It works,
only the first tipe burnt the led diode during the load of condenser.
So we changed it with a more big standard diode and now is all ok.
The next day I'll post two new pics front/back.

Regarding relays... Some years ago, I stocked up some Roco 10019 universal double-coil relays that I intend to use... The cost of a DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) bi-stable relay in electronics store was almost the same... The relay can switch 4 outputs so it is quite usable, especially if you use one output to indicate the state of a signal, turnout or such to an S88 or just a visual LED...

But this of course does not switch back without a trigger as the original question was...

BTW, here's the shadow station plan:



The half loop is R3, all C-track. The layout will have c-track in the hidden areas and k-track in the visible areas, planning to use flex track only, other than switches and stuff like that.

All needed is either on order or already here. On order also (from Fohrmann) are things like Krauser clamps and spacers, for flex track laying. I think I'm gonna go in a low-tech approach to planning, drawing the main areas buying a bunch of wide k-track switches and flex-track, and trying a bit as go, rehearsing some bits with spare c-track.

Nothing else is designed yet, but since the shadow station is a major design constraint, I think it's fun to start by this bit!

Luis