MERG Kit 75 Servo4

Well, the MERG meeting went well, and I did get my problem with the "Servo4" board sorted (I'd accidentally got a tiny amount of solder across two adjoining pads which weren't supposed to be joined!). Note to self:- next time use the magnifier!!! Anyway, at last I have succeeded in setting up the first level crossing so that everything works correctly and gates open and close as they should. Unfortunately I can't post video's but I will shortly post a drawing showing how (using the MERG crossing gate servo mounts) I connected the servo's to their respective gates. I hope to have time soon to complete the second crossing, which, due to the position of support struts under the baseboard, have caused me some problems in fitting the servo's, but have now been resolved. Onwards and upwards!
Keith.

 

Here's the drawing (I'm no artist!), but hopefully it shows how I mounted the servo and connected it to the base of the Hornby crossing gate. On the crossing base itself, where the gates actually pivot, it's necessary to drill a 2.5mm hole right through the base and board to allow the 2mm plastic tube which will drive the gate, to pass through. The servo mounting kit as it comes from MERG, includes a small blue plastic cam which mounts onto the servo drive, a 4mm tube which forms a guide tube and is glued into the mount itself, and a 3mm tube which needs one end cut to form a "D'" shape. This then engages into the cam to form the drive tube, and is cut flush with the top of the servo mount itself. Into this is then glued a short piece of 2mm tube which passes through the baseboard to just under the tip of the 'pip' on the base of the Hornby crossing gate, so that the 'pip' is a tight push fit into the 2mm tube. There is a bracket on one side of the servo mount to which a miniature microswitch can be mounted if required. This allows lights, sound or whatever to be switched as the gate operates, but I haven't used this on my layout. With luck, you can get the 'gist' of what I'm on about with the drawing or the following photo.

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....and here's the photo. You will notice the wire links on the board terminals. This is so that both channels are available to switch all 4 servo's (1 for each gate) on my twin track crossings Incidentally, for information, you can only buy these "MERG" kits if you are a member. The range of kits is quite comprehensive, including DCC accessory decoders and a range of easy-to-assemble 'pocket money' projects from a couple of quid upwards, a cheap and easy way to get into electronics, learn a bit about it and build useful 'gadgets' for the layout. I'm no expert myself, but it's really not too difficult, worth a go in my opinion.
Keith.

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