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..............Previous Page..............................Mounting the Servo

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…....--- Servo Controller & Servo Tester/Installer ---

Building one of these is inexpensive, just a couple dollars more than building a switch box for the servo on the layout. It will simplify adjusting the servo throw with the two pots on the servo controller and I like to test the servo controller and servo before installing on the layout as these aren't always parts made with a lot of quality control.

I also use it once the servo and controller are in place on the layout. You can adjust the throw of the servo to make sure you aren't overpowering the points using it. You can do all of this with the switch-box you are installing for the servo but this has one feature, a locking pushbutton (could use a toggle) switch which frees up a hand while adjusting the pots on the servo controller.

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You can make an enclosure from about anything if you don't have a printer. The power adapter/wall wart is also not critical. You probably have one off of something that doesn't work anymore. If you have to buy one they are cheap. The buck converter is also on a couple dollars.

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Above the tester is being used as the servo switch-box testing newly installed turnouts before the permanent switch-boxes are put into place. It is also being used along with the servo controller to set the travel of the servo so that the switch points contact the stock rails but are not forced into them to hard. This is important as you don't want to overpower the points. It only takes a couple minutes per turnout to do this. For some commercial servo controllers this is a complicated procedure.

With the servo tester you can push the black button above so that it is latched on. Doing that means you don't have to push the red button to activate the servo controller. Now you have both hands free to work the two pots on the servo controller. Rotate one pot and move the points to one side until they just touch the stock rail. Throw the toggle on the tester and the servo moves the points to the other side. Rotate the other pot to move the points just up to the stock rails on that side. Easy as that and you are done. Next mount the permanent switch box and plug the servo cable to the servo controller and that turnout is ready to use.

Watch the YouTube above or ( HERE ) for more details on how to adjust the servo throw for the points. I made the better tester shown on this page after the video was shot. It is easier to use since you can use the black latching button instead of having to hold the red momentary button down.

Above or ( HERE ) I'm using the 5v external terminals to to test a switch-box, servo controllers and servos.
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