Trekkie99 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 I was curious if there is a way to make the PF switch (part #bb339c01), spring loaded so it will function like the basic PF remote (part #58122c01). Understandably I can operate the switch by hand to do the same thing, but I thought it would be a fun function to add to the switch. I was thinking someone had probably already accomplished this way better than I ever could, but if not I guess it's back to the drawing board. Quote
Brickthus Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 You could fit an axle and crank to the side axle hole of the switch, with the crank on the lower side of the axle, and pull it downwards with a belt. That would spring it back to the centre. Alternatively, with the crank on the upper side, push upwards from below with a suspension spring. Mark Quote
doug72 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) Edited January 27, 2018 by Doug72 Quote
Andy D Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 @Doug72 Wow! That was quick! An entirely LEGO solution. I must remember this, it looks so useful for several situations. Andy D Quote
doug72 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 1 minute ago, Andy D said: @Doug72 Wow! That was quick! An entirely LEGO solution. I must remember this, it looks so useful for several situations. Andy D Also useful for steepers. Quote
Trekkie99 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 8 minutes ago, Doug72 said: Wow, that's pretty cool! However, I was thinking a spring mechanism that allows the switch to turn on for both directions. Quote
doug72 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 25 minutes ago, LegoMonorailFan said: Wow, that's pretty cool! However, I was thinking a spring mechanism that allows the switch to turn on for both directions. I'll put my thinking cap on !! Quote
Trekkie99 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 4 minutes ago, Doug72 said: I'll put my thinking cap on !! Cool! Thanks so much man! Quote
doug72 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) Two way - Return to Center Sprung PF switch:- Tested and works OK. Edited January 27, 2018 by Doug72 Quote
syclone Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 Isn't a hockey spring a much smaller solution? part x928cx1 Quote
Trekkie99 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 52 minutes ago, Doug72 said: Two way - Return to Center Sprung PF switch:- Tested and works OK. Sweeeeet!!! Thanks so much! This should work perfect. 8 minutes ago, Xewyz2001 said: Isn't a hockey spring a much smaller solution? part x928cx1 Maybe? But isn't that a rare piece? Quote
doug72 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 28 minutes ago, Xewyz2001 said: Isn't a hockey spring a much smaller solution? part x928cx1 Tried that and the hockey spring is not strong enough to return the PF switch back to centre. Quote
Toastie Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 Yes, Doug's solution is very nice. You can even have the return-to-center-mechanism electrified (all LEGO solution); I have used this to "control" a row of PF-switches for remotely operating train switch points: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/154740-moc-lego-switch-drive-controller/ I like the all-Technic solution very much! Best Thorsten Quote
dr_spock Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 There is the very expensive LEGO solution with the EV3, servo motor and sensors: The GBC Saver Button by dr_spock_888, on Flickr Quote
Captainowie Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 The 8480 Space Shuttle used the old pole reverser switch with this functionality, using a rubber belt as a return-to-centre. I know the newer switches are stiffer to operate than the old ones, so you might have to experiment with lever length and band tension, but I expect you could get something reasonably compact. Owen. Quote
doug72 Posted January 28, 2018 Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) The problem is if the rubber band or springs are too strong then the PF switch can detach from the 2 x 2 plate with pin hole connectors when operated !!! Edited January 28, 2018 by Doug72 Quote
Trekkie99 Posted January 28, 2018 Author Posted January 28, 2018 So last night I remembered a very common return to center steering design that looks like this picture below, and I thought I'd adopt it for this scenario. Instead or a rubber band, I used springs. The end result works quiet well actually. I'll post a picture or two when I get the chance. Quote
HorcikDesigns Posted January 28, 2018 Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) Some time ago I used this setup in my first cable-powered Trial truck The PF switch is connected from the other side (to the plate via studs) and there is a rubberband between the ball-pins. Reinforcement needed, and testing of the switching force. Edited January 28, 2018 by HorcikDesigns Quote
Trekkie99 Posted January 28, 2018 Author Posted January 28, 2018 Here are the pictures. Should be pretty easy to replicate for those interested. Regards. LMF. Quote
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