I am looking to take on an agency for a point motor with a difference, manufactured by Minx Microdrives in the UK. What I like about these point motors is they are surface mounted but very small. The point motors are a linear actuator and the travel can be set and time of travel can be adjusted. If the point gets jammed or sticks the controller gives an audible alarm.
The controller can be mounted locally and be DCC controlled and controlled remotely.
• The pack contains 2 actuators, 1 controller, 2 connecting ribbon cables, 2 brass rod connectors, fixing screws, comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams to operate 2 points, 2 signals or 1 of each.
• The actuator is about the size of a large postage stamp, 32mm x 25mm x 12mm high. This is close to prototypical size and allows easy and realistic baseboard surface installation, disguised under scenery or buildings . It can also be mounted underneath and is a geared motor drive, not a servo (we found these erratic during extensive testing and unable to give consistent auto calibration and the alarm function).
• The controller has 2 channels, which control points or signals in any combination; each channel has calibration and operating modes with status LEDs and external switching relays with position indicators. It will operate on 12 – 25 volts AC or DC, regardless of polarity .
• Calibrating the “throw” distance of the point blades is easy: you just press a button on the controller, which operates the point actuator and then measures and remembers the range.
• In “run” mode the point can be operated either from the controller or a remote switch, the position of which is self-correcting.
• Point operating speed can be adjusted by the preset potentiometer, the approximate operating range being <1 – 5 seconds.
• The controller sounds and flashes an alarm if the point fails to operate properly, eg if there is an obstruction or the point blades are damaged. An LED on the actuator also flashes. Pressing the operate button on the controller returns the point blades to their original position, releasing the obstruction.
• A solid rod (supplied) connects the actuator to the point tie-bar or blade(s). No springs, compensation or omega loops are required. The point is therefore mechanically locked in either position.
• A change of throw distance due to temperature, repairs or wear is easily catered for; you just re-calibrate the point using the buttons on the controller and it takes < 20 seconds!
• In signal mode, the range of more gentle movement is manually adjusted by a pre-set potentiometer. Once set and operating, the same potentiometer is adjusted to give varying amounts of mechanical “bounce”.
• Each channel on the controller has two independent auxiliary relays which will switch up to 5 amps @ 30VDC, one for live frog polarity and 1 spare. The relays pass through a dead zone and “fail safe” if the power to the controller fails. This gives interlocking with accessories eg. signals with points and avoids shorting the traction supply out in some circumstances.
Question
Dave
Hi lads,
I am looking to take on an agency for a point motor with a difference, manufactured by Minx Microdrives in the UK. What I like about these point motors is they are surface mounted but very small. The point motors are a linear actuator and the travel can be set and time of travel can be adjusted. If the point gets jammed or sticks the controller gives an audible alarm.
The controller can be mounted locally and be DCC controlled and controlled remotely.
The DCC chip just plugs into the control unit.
Your feedback would be great!
Link to there site http://www.minxmicrodrives.com
Here's some info from their leaflet
• The pack contains 2 actuators, 1 controller, 2 connecting ribbon cables, 2 brass rod connectors, fixing screws, comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams to operate 2 points, 2 signals or 1 of each.
• The actuator is about the size of a large postage stamp, 32mm x 25mm x 12mm high. This is close to prototypical size and allows easy and realistic baseboard surface installation, disguised under scenery or buildings . It can also be mounted underneath and is a geared motor drive, not a servo (we found these erratic during extensive testing and unable to give consistent auto calibration and the alarm function).
• The controller has 2 channels, which control points or signals in any combination; each channel has calibration and operating modes with status LEDs and external switching relays with position indicators. It will operate on 12 – 25 volts AC or DC, regardless of polarity .
• Calibrating the “throw” distance of the point blades is easy: you just press a button on the controller, which operates the point actuator and then measures and remembers the range.
• In “run” mode the point can be operated either from the controller or a remote switch, the position of which is self-correcting.
• Point operating speed can be adjusted by the preset potentiometer, the approximate operating range being <1 – 5 seconds.
• The controller sounds and flashes an alarm if the point fails to operate properly, eg if there is an obstruction or the point blades are damaged. An LED on the actuator also flashes. Pressing the operate button on the controller returns the point blades to their original position, releasing the obstruction.
• A solid rod (supplied) connects the actuator to the point tie-bar or blade(s). No springs, compensation or omega loops are required. The point is therefore mechanically locked in either position.
• A change of throw distance due to temperature, repairs or wear is easily catered for; you just re-calibrate the point using the buttons on the controller and it takes < 20 seconds!
• In signal mode, the range of more gentle movement is manually adjusted by a pre-set potentiometer. Once set and operating, the same potentiometer is adjusted to give varying amounts of mechanical “bounce”.
• Each channel on the controller has two independent auxiliary relays which will switch up to 5 amps @ 30VDC, one for live frog polarity and 1 spare. The relays pass through a dead zone and “fail safe” if the power to the controller fails. This gives interlocking with accessories eg. signals with points and avoids shorting the traction supply out in some circumstances.
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