Source for Control Panel parts ? - DPDT switches, LEDs, Momentary Contact

[Bart1701]

I'm getting ready to build a new control panel for the hidden staging yard on my N-Scale layout. I want to have DPDT switches with one side wired to LEDs that will indicate the direction of the turnout, and the other side wired to a Momentary Contact switch which will route power to throw the Atlas turnouts in the selected direction of the DPDT switch. So basically, use the DPDT to select a route, and the press the Momentary Contact to activate the route.

While Radio Shack can supply me with these items, I am wondering if there are other good sources for these types of items that might provide a broader selection than Radio Shack?

Thanks,
Bart

[peteski]

There are many model RR suppliers who sell LEDs and switches (but their prices are usually high).

You can get them from industrial supply companies (they also sell to individuals). Price is lower (especially in quantities)  but the wide range of choices might overwhelm average modeler.
http://www.digikey.com/
http://www.mouser.com/

You can also try surplus electronic dealers.  Here are couple:
http://www.allelectronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/

Then of course there is eBay - all sorts of electronic and electromechanical items are available (mostly from Chinese sellers).

[mighalpern]

in the San Francisco bay area there is "halted electronics"  they sell alot of cool surplus items, but also bulk switches and such.  I got my  DPDT switches ( 50 ) for about 1 dollar and pennies last year.  look just like minatronics, and they work very well at a 1/5 of the cost.    dont know where your located, but that is a fun store to go blow money at.
 http://www.halted.com/
I have bought bulk LED's from frys electronics for my panels, 25 packs,  so so on the price.
my 2 cents
good luck
Miguel

[Bart1701]

Thanks for the links. Never knew there were so many different switches and LEDs 

What would be recommendations for the gauge and type of wire (stranded, solid) that you'd recommend.

One side of the DPDT toggle/rocker On-On switches will be routing DC power over to LEDs (12v DC, 15mA, 25 mcd ) to illuminate the selected route.
The other side of the DPDT switches will be routing AC power to throw the Atlas turnouts when a Momentary Contact push button is activated.

Distance from the Control Panel to the hidden staging yard should be around 30".

Thanks,
Bart

[mighalpern]

If you use a DPDT switch like I am using I just put the LED in -line with the power wires that  throw the tortoise machine.
One side is a green LED and the other is a red one.  super easy, no resistors needed and I am using a 12 volts wall wart at 1 amp. Enough to power about 40 tortoises.  I like the tortoise because it can also route the frog all in one neat package. 
Don't know about AC and momentary, seems like an extra switch in the loop that the single DPDT switch will give you.
my 2 cents, am I'm an idiot when it come to electronics

[peteski]

Don't know about AC and momentary, seems like an extra switch in the loop that the single DPDT switch will give you.
my 2 cents, am I'm an idiot when it come to electronics

From his description it sounds like he uses Atlas twin-coil switch machines. He needs the momentary push-button not to burn out the coils.  The only negative I see in this circuit is that the LED only shows the position of the DPDT switch (not of the turnout/switch machine). If for some reason (like getting distracted) he forgets to press the momentary button, or he manually throws a switch, then the LED indicator could show the incorrect route.