SmartSwitch uses compact yet powerful servo motors, which can be programmed to provide very precise movements at a speed that can be selected by the modeller (and there are 9 possible speed settings!). They are capable of throwing any sized PECO turnout in slow-motion without the need to modify it or remove its over-centre spring.

The main set PLS-100 comprises of the following components:

SmartSwitch board - the brains of the system
Programming board - used to set the speed and desired movement of the servo motors
4 x servo motors - including all brackets, fixings and template stickers for positioning
4 x 1m cable - with plug-in sockets
Easy-to-follow set-up manual

Set-up is easy: all connections to the SmartSwitch board simply plug together or attach to screw terminal blocks. Programming is easily done using the detachable servo programming board, and full, plain-English instructions are included with each set.

Each servo has a mounting bracket included and everything to connect it up to a turnout is supplied, with a variety of mounting options. The template stickers help with positioning.

Out of the box, SmartSwitch is a standalone system, with only an external 12vDC power supply required to operate, and it uses traditional toggle switches (included) to activate the servos. The toggle switches will accept the Pecolectrics PL-31 connectors, for those wishing to avoid soldering.

With the addition of the PLS-135 Stationary Decoder, SmartSwitch can be operated by a DCC controller, and uses the constant DCC voltage in the rails as its power supply. The decoder is also easy to program, and is compatible with most makes of DCC control systems.

If the SmartSwitch system is used to operate PECO Electrofrog turnouts, the polarity of the frogs can be changed automatically, electronically and 100% reliably, when the servo moves the blades across, by adding a SmartFrog to each turnout. LEDs can be added to the SmartSwitch or SmartFrog to show the directional status of each servo - ideal for control panel route indicators or operating 2-aspect signalling.

Each SmartSwitch control board operates 4 servos and the system can be expanded with additional control boards and servos, available separately, to meet the requirements of any sized layout. Each control board needs its own 12vDC supply.

SmartSwitch is great value and compares very favourably against ordinary stall-type slow-motion motors, and the system is much more versatile. Remember, everything needed to operate 4 accessories is included in the box, right down to the last screw! The plug-and-play nature of the system means that set-up is straight forward, and should be within the grasp of most modellers.