barhamd wrote:The servos I used were DYS0201 from Giantcod http://www.giantcod.co.uk/dys0201-micro-servo-torque-p-402575.html at £2.83 each.
The method of locking with a two lengths of of K&S tube, say £2 each for the length which did 20 levers, I made all the mechanics for the locking of 20 levers in an evening. There were also two lengths of 1/4 angle which had the short lengths of the tube in which the slotted lock rotates.
I reckon the total cost of the ironmongery was well under £10.
David
Ta for that.
It looks quicker to build than I expected so is very time and cost effective for Cbus users.
Those without Cbus would need to add servo driver electronics eg Merg Servo4f board at £5.50 for a kit for 4 servos + Merg membership + an evenings work + setting up time.
For these bods the solenoid route is a clear option as the sophisticated servo electronics is not required, even if DiY coils are too daunting or time consuming.
A quick search for cheap suitable solenoids in the market showed some options around £3...data being sought. ( Most commercial offerings like the MSE and RS ones mentioned are overpowered and overpriced for this light task.)
Andrews "mod. a relay option" may be easier for most bods than wind your own coil, assuming like him you have some freebie or cheap suitable relays to cannibalise
At least we now have several choices.
As a Merg member and regular Merg Forum visitor I forgot that I was in S4um in this thread so apologise for using Merg jargon. Cbus, Servo4f and CanAcc8 refered to above all refer to Merg ( Model Electronics Railway Group) kits for model railway electrics. For more info PM me or visit www.merg.co.uk