Modifying a Servo Tester for Toggle Switch Operation

[@stevecoops8025]

Interesting, I've seen variations using switches and resistors across the Pot but never directly switching across it. I suppose the later allows to have some means to adjust the end stop but it you want to simply sweep the servo from end to end then this is perfect! I do have a good servo control board on my model tramway for the points but want a cheap system to rotate the trolley poles off the edge of the layout. Tried messing around with a 555 control circuit but if they require "exact" components so I think I'll do it this way!!!

[@TheSwitchList]

Glad you found the video valuable Steve. I appreciate the feedback.

[@pathfinderrailroad5721]

This is much needed info. . . . thanks for 'easy to understand' instructions great vid thanks for sharing !

[@TheSwitchList]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Glad you found it useful! -Rick

[@davidc9441]

Perfect. Ive been wondering if you could do this exact thing. Off to buy the bits now. Thank you for posting 👍🏻

[@davestrains6816]

Great video on less expensive turn out control. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSwitchList]

Thanks for the feedback Dave. -Rick

[@SchuylkillRiverValley]

Very nice Rick! Great idea and useful info. Thanks for sharing. Best, John

[@TheSwitchList]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback John.

[@StanFerris]

Nicely done!!!

[@TheSwitchList]

FerrisMedia thanks! I appreciate the feedback.

[@johnzubrickas5235]

Hi Rick, were you able to use this on your layout? How did you adjust the length of throw? Cheers John Sunny Sydney Australia

[@TheSwitchList]

Hi John. I have not installed any of these on my layout yet, but did play around a bit with a test setup - turnout mounted on a small section of 'benchwork' and then mounting the servo underneath. I used a bent piece of wire that came up through the plywood in between two of the ties about half an inch away from the the throw bar and then bent the wire parallel to the plywood and then bent it down into the hole in the throw bar. Underneath there was one more bend so that the entire wire looks like a squared off 'S'. The end under the layout could then be connected to the servo throw arm in an orientation such that when the servo rotates the points move. Throw distance could be adjusted by moving the distance between the servo and where the wire goes up through the plywood, and finer adjustment could be made by moving the wire between the different holes on the servo throw arm. I hope this made at least a bit of sense. Good luck with your installs, and thanks for watching and commenting! -Rick

[@caferbiker]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks

[@TheSwitchList]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@mainzelmannchen5073]

Haha me too for the license flipper right?!

[@XXBearcat]

Question is there anyway to make that tester keep its preset so that when power is applied it sends the signal say for a brushless motor and esc it be continuous after being toggled on?

[@TheSwitchList]

Not that I know of.

[@larsvommars8200]

Can I also use the switch in manual mode to control an ec motor. So as soon as I switch the motor runs with the rpm I set with the servo tester and if I switch again the motor turns off?

[@TheSwitchList]

Hi Lars. I am not sure I understand what it is you are wanting to do so I cannot answer. Maybe if you give me some more info I can understand. Thanks.

[@benedictcumberbatch4275]

Hi, can you do this same trick using a momentary push button to control an esc and brushless motor? 😊

[@benedictcumberbatch4275]

Thanks, think I just figured it out using your method! Appreciate it :)

[@TheSwitchList]

Great! My apologies for not responding sooner - I have been a bit sidetracked lately. Would love to see the circuit you came up with to do what you wanted. Regards, Rick

[@benedictcumberbatch4275]

Hello Rick. I ended up soldering a momentary switch from the middle node to the right node under the potentiometer. It worked to control the brushless motor, only at top speed which was fine . It's genius! :) Appreciate the help. Thx

[@MrDrushkan]

Servo tester is connected only on power source pozitive +, and negative -? And signal wire?

[@TheSwitchList]

DC voltage is applied to the tester as normal, no change. The toggle switch is connected such that the green wire goes from the common contact of the spdt switch to the center contact of the variable resistor on the servo tester board. Then the other two contacts of the spdt switch connect to the other two contacts of the variable resistor on the tester - it does not matter which. Thanks for watching and hope this explanation helps. -Rick

[@MrDrushkan]

@@TheSwitchList yes, but is it enough to connect servo tester on battery power, only with "+" and "-" without "signal" wire? Connecting toogle switch with servo tester is clear to me.

[@TheSwitchList]

@@MrDrushkan Yes, you only need + and - connected to the power connector of the servo tester - the S line is not needed.

[@JamesR5D4]

Hi Rick, have been searching for similar activation but with the sweep setting. Would like it to operate when power is applied and sweep a servo. If you (or anyone reading this) has any ideas or links,they would be much appreciated. Thanks 👍🏽

[@TheSwitchList]

Hi James. If you are looking for a way to make the servo motor controller go into sweep mode on power on then I do not see any way to do that with the existing controller. I would think you could do what you want with a very simple arduino sketch (if you are familiar with the arduino). Good luck!

[@arnelacosta4496]

Sir can you make a video using that circuit to control the toggle switch?

[@TheSwitchList]

Hello Arnel, thank you for watching the video. I am not sure I understand your request. Can you please explain a little more what it is you are looking for and I will see if I can make a video or point you to another channel that has a video covering it. -Rick