Common questions about the Classic range. Can’t find your answer? Get in touch.
These FAQs cover the Classic range — MultiPanel, MiniPanel, the servo / solenoid / stall‑Kato controllers and the original modules. System2, our current wireless range, is set up entirely from each board’s own built‑in configuration pages, so most of these don’t apply — see the System2 overview or Support instead.
How can I power my frogs?
Your options include: Use our servo controller with integrated frog switch (Servo 4R). Add a relay driver board and integrated relay. Add a micro switch that’s activated by the servo horn when it moves. Fit the micro switch to a wooden post placed near the servo output arm. When the servo moves the points it also operates the switch. See the picture or the video section for an electrofrog installation. What other components may I require when installing servo controllers?
Where can I get those amazing semaphore signals I see you demonstrating?
Speak to Jon at BoltonsBits. He custom makes amazing ‘O’ gauge semaphores including the robust version I had made for my exhibition stand.
Why don’t my semaphore signals bounce like yours?
I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon when using TowerPro SG-90 servos configured as semaphore signals. The servo is not fast enough to keep up with the acceleration curve as the semaphore falls from clear to danger the first time. This is the point the servo has to move fastest. What is strange is that the TowerPro SG-90 servo has a rated speed of 60 degrees in 1/10th of a second, exactly the same speed as stated on the HobbyKing servos I also recommend. The HobbyKing servos are able to keep up while the TowerPro servos are noticeably slower. I lack the equipment to determine whether the TowerPro is below spec. or the HobbyKing servo exceeds spec. The TowerProSG-90 servos are fine for points and just about anything else, but you will loose some resolution if configuring as a semaphore. It may help explain why your observed semaphore bounce dosent match what I have in the videos. Makin
I want to make my own cables and servo plugs, what do I need and where do I get it?
If you decide to make your own extension servo cables you can follow these eBay links as a guide. The links will show you the type of crimping tool, crimps and plugs you will need as well as servo cable you’ll need. Don’t just buy the products we’ve listed, but use them as a guide. If you search you probably find the same items for less. Crimping tool and components link here. Servo cable: Link here Note: Links can age out from eBay listings. Please let me know if this happens and I fail to notice. Servo Mounts
Which Aluminium channel should I use to mount my servos under track?
I use 13mm (inside width) from B&Q. The store lists the dimensions as H 15mm, W 15mm, L 1M Anodised Aluminium. The link is hereor an alternative here. Before buying measure the width of your servo (or better still take it into the store with you and check it fits). Don’t forget our purpose made servo mounts available from the web shop. Power supplies
What power supply do you recommend?
We now have our own range of 12 volt regulated power supplies fitted with screw terminals for easy wiring and come complete with a UK mains cable. See below for details. 24 Volt 6 Amp Silent Regulated Power Supply £32.00 ex VAT £32.00 Add to basket Power Distribution Board £12.00 ex VAT £12.00 Add to basket 12 Volt 8 Amp Silent Regulated Power Supply £32.00 ex VAT £32.00 Add to basket For solenoid driver boards we recommend 16V AC at 40VA or 1.5 Amps minimum. If you are looking for a new power supply, the RS Components transformer found on this page is excellent. You will however need to place in a box and wire to a plug. Mimic panel questions
Which LEDs do you recommend?
Farnel sell panel mount LEDs link here or use our pre wired 3mm LEDs (available in GREEN and RED) which just plug in. See the plug-n-play products for details here.
What buttons do you recommend?
I use a quality push button (normally open – push to close) with an epoxy base so they are less prone to melting during soldering. See the Farnel link here or use ours, pre wired ready to plug in. See the plug-n-play products for details here.
Can I use stud and probe?
Yes you can. It works great.
How do I add an LED to each set of points to indicate direction rather then just ON or OFF?
Version 1 & 2.0 MultiPanel Processors require an LED expansion board to provide the complimentary LED output. Version 2.1 and later MultiPanel Processors and version 2 LED expansion boards now drive a pair of LEDs per channel, so it’s built right in. Version 2 LED expansion boards are also compatible with version 1 MultiPanels. This website suggests the latest versions of all products or makes it clear where appropriate choice is available. See the plug-n-play section for details.
Can I use lever frames with a MultiPanel?
Yes you can. Just enable lever frame mode on the board (it’s in the user guide) and it will accept toggle switches or lever frames to control the turnouts. Certain multi user features will automatically be disabled when doing this as you cant have a lever in one position and the turnout in another due to a DCC command. Which one would be correct? If you need further advice on this, email or call me. Show me different ways to control my system