2013/02/10

An archive of MODRATEC Newsletters and updates.
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modadmin
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2013/02/10

Post by modadmin »

We can now provide electrical tappet locking for interlocking lever frames.

From now on, all of our interlocking frame kits will incorporate a slightly
revised configuration so that electrical locks can be easily added on a
per-lever basis.

It is, however, possible to add electrical locking to an existing
interlocking frame, although this involves adding some new parts including
the tappet to be locked.

We are calling our electrical locking project Eemeck - for
electro-mechanical, and the new style of interlocking frame is the LE
Series.

With electrical locking, it is possible to lock levers normal, reverse, or
both ways. You can even lock them in the central position for those
modellers of Southern Railway who require push/pull levers.

We can also offer a frame with no mechanical locking but able to be
completely electro-mechanically locked.

As with the real thing, our electrical interlocking does actually lock the
levers, not just their function!

We are still working on pricing and support software issues at present, so
it may be a little while before the products appear in The MODRATEC Shop,
but we are happy to quote for specific orders in the meanwhile. However, the
price of LE Series mechanically interlocked frame kits will be the same as
the previous series. Any interlocking kits ordered now will be supplied as
LE Series.

The new LE Series frame is generally similar to our previous frame, but the
support of the frame is now by means of two aluminium bars under the frame.
These extend sideways and may be fixed below or above a baseboard or
mounting frame. The bearers have been shortened as they no longer perform
the support function. The front support bar is arranged such that electrical
locking elements may be directly fixed to it.

The electrical locks require a 5V d.c. power source. The switching
requirement is 500mA (0.5A) current rating.

An electrical lock is released by an illuminated push-button. If the lock is
releasable, then the button will light. When the button is pressed, the
locking actuator pulls down away from the tappet to allow the lever to be
moved. The actuator operation is silent and takes less than a second to
release. The release button is incorporated within the electrical locking
unit, but if an additional remote push-button is required, we can add flying
leads for that purpose.

You may have followed our twitter messages about testing the mechanical
endurance of the actuator. Our design figure was 10,000 operations. We have
tested it to more than 50,000 operations and it is still going strong with
no measurable change in performance.

We look forward to hearing your comments about this exciting development.

----------------------

On another note, we will be in the UK soon, mainly to visit our expected
first grandchild!

However, we will also be visiting the London Festival of Railway Modelling,
Alexandra Palace, London, 23-24 March. You will find us at the DCC Supplies
stand. There will be a further opportunity at the Crawley Model Railway
Exhibition, Tanbridge House School, Horsham, 13-14 April. We are planning to
be there on the Saturday certainly and Sunday maybe.

I will also be presenting a seminar at DCC Supplies near Worcester on
Tuesday 16th April - more details shortly.

We are open to invitations to visit customers' layouts or clubs if
practicable.

----------------------

DCC Supplies Ltd, as MODRATEC UK, will shortly begin manufacturing our LE
Series interlocking frames under licence. Good news for UK customers.
All the best from "modadmin"
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MODRATEC
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