Model Railway Turnout

Control
Hans Zijp
+U LOGIC
This small circuit can be used to control +5V...+12V
L1
model railway turnouts operated by AC * see text
voltages. A logic level in the range of T1
TRI1 * TIC206D
5–12 V can be used as the control sig- 2x MT2
1N4148
nal. The coils of the turnout are switched BC547 D1
TRI2
using triacs. C1
G MT1
MT2
R1 2x
Changes in the logic level of the input 470 Ω TIC206D
D2
signal are passed on by the buffer stage 47µ G MT1
16V
built around T1 and T2. The buffer stage T2 R2 R3
MT1 G
is included to boost the current available

10k

10k
MT2
at the gates of the triacs. If the input goes
BC557
high, this positive change is passed
through via C1. That causes a positive 050155 - 11

current to flow through D2 (D2 is reverse

biased) to the gate of T3. That triac
switches on, and power is applied to the
turnout coil. This situation persists until C1
is fully charged. No more current flows
after that, so the triac does not receive
any gate current and switches off.
If the input is set low, a negative current
flows briefly via C1. It can flow through
D2, but not through D1. T4 is switched
on now, and the other turnout coil is ener-
gised. This circuit takes advantage of the
fact that triacs can be triggered by nega-
tive as well as positive gate currents.
If the turnout coils are energised for too
long, you should reduce the value of C1.
If they are not energised long enough,
increase the value of C1.
The TIC206D can handle several
ampères, so it can easily drive just about
any type of turnout coil.
You can also use a different type of triac
if you wish. However, bear in mind that
the TIC206 requires only 5 mA of gate
current, while most triacs want 50 mA.
That will cause the switching times to
become quite short, so it may be neces-
sary to reduce the value of R1.
(050155-1)

2 elektor electronics - 7-8/2006