Sound System Reed Switches

[David]

Is there a standard or pseudo-standard for the mounting location of the magnetic reed switches used to trigger the bell and whistle functions for sound systems? That is, does the bell switch go on the fireman's side or the engineer's? The whistle switch would go on the opposite side.

[Barry BBT]

David,

I don't think there is a universal convention, but I install the whistle reed switch on the Engineer's side and the bell ofn the Fireman's side.

Barry - BBT

[jebouck]

And if you turn your train around and run the other direction?   

It matters not which side those things go on.

[Joe Satnik]

Would it work to put the magnets and reed switches at different distances from the center-line of the track? 

For example, whistle 1.5" from CL on engineer's side,  bell 1.75" from CL on fireman's side.

Joe     

[Barry BBT]

First,

If you want the bells to start as you approach a train station and the magnet is on the left and the bell starts ringing.  When returning on the same track the magnet is on the right of the loco and the whistle blows as the train runs through.  I does matter if you want the proper events to occur.

I suppose one could imagine three tracks, two near the rails and one down the center.  I think the reed switches I use (Phoenix) are too sensitive to be able to be discreet in four tracks (magnet tracks).

Barry - BBT