Diesel Bell

[steamoil]

I have just purchased my first diesel for the hobby. I would like to install a bell that is NOT an electric sound card. Friends have told me that a skill saw blade of the proper size sounds great and I have researched this but I would like to have information on an accuator for the striker. Can anyone help.....and keep in mind, that I have been with live steam locomotives for the past 20 years......I am not an electronics wizard.....
Thanks, Steamoil

[Carl Helquist]

Steamoil,

I am not an expert in this area by any means, in fact I am not even a beginner! But your idea tickles that part of my brain that tends to say "what a great idea, why didn't I think of that?"

Here is my thought: why not research a little into clock strikers? Clockmakers have had this problem solved for some time. It seems to me that a cam operated hammer with a provision for quickly retracting the head as soon as the blade is struck would do the trick.

Please let us know if you get this one working.

Thanks,

Carl Helquist

[steamoil]

Thanks Carl,
I have the sound of a steel bell just the way it needs to sound. A 4 1/2" saw blade is perfect. I have thought of a cam and motor but retrieving the plunger quick enough is the problem. I am sure there are some folks that know electronics out there that can help me with this one.....Thanks again, Steamoil

[willjordan]

Doorbell chimes have just the part you need, a springloaded solenoid that is springloaded into the retracted position and pop out when you push the button. And the voltage is right, too, with most operating on 12 -24 volts.

If you want the bell to ring once for every button push, then all you need to do is scavenge a doorbell unit. I see them with some frequency at garage sales, but even new, the cost is not prohibitive.

If you want an automatic repetitive ring (rings repeatedy while a toggle switch is on) a bit of circuitry is necessary, but it's pretty simple stuff, and probably could be done with a turn signal flasher module.

[The old door bell]

Thanks Will......The door bell plunger will work. The only problem with using a flasher is that they are designed to stay on for a short time. Just long enough to stop the tone. I was hoping to find a way of making it instantaneous. I have heard of a timer chip called a "555" and would like to know if anyone has used this type of chip before and what it would take to set it up.
Thanks again, Steamoil

[Eastern Machine]

Back in 80's I think Live steam ran an article about building an electric bell from a fire alarm bell with a speed control to set it to the frequency that you desire. If interested I am sure I could dig it up over the next week. If I remember correctly all the directions were in the article

[Sounds great]

That sounds like a good place to start. If you would have the time to look for that I would greatly appreciate it......Thanks