An interesting Podcast

 I've been listening to some US podcasts, and this episode is quite interesting and I thought I would share it. An interesting dsicussion on Model railways and mental health.

Just what I have been looking for.

 For a few years now, I've been looking at using servos on a layout. however mostly this involves some sort of computer programming and being a bit of a luddite I neer really progressed this. To me, digital mostly means using a finger. about a month ago I was looking for something else on Ali Express and came across this.

A single servo driver with a simple push button. The tiny screw on the top is used to set the travel.

From the bottom. The solder joint between the 2 pads close to the "1" means that the push button must be held down to get the servo to travel, and when released it returns to the zero position. breaking this solder connection and conecting the pads near "2" means that the unit "latches" ie push to move and push again to return. The unit can also be triggered by connecting 5 ergs (or volts) to the blob of solder on the right hand side, which is means that its easy to set up a remote push button switch. Wiring is easy. 5V in and plug the servo lead the right way round. You can't control the speed but thats not a deal breaker.

I have been looking for something like this to operate old semophore signals for another project. And with some MDF and wire I managed to make it work. 

Stop

Go

The potential for this is obvious to move all sorts of things, including points. Oh and they are dead cheap, mine were $6 each on my doorstep. The servos are also not hideously expensive, and surprisingly strong. I'm now planning to look at using them for point throws.

Oh and heres avideo with much more information on the ins and outs. Servo driver on the cheap.