Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

Otis Touch Buttons

Section 1: Basics

Otis Touch buttons utilize a 3-element gas filled vacuum tube as

the active component in the main firing circuit. They are
responsible for the operation and illumination of the buttons.
Anode
Grid
Figure 1 shows the tube in question Cathode
and labels the elements contained
within.

Figure 2 shows the electrical symbol

that shall be used throughout the rest
of this sheet.

The specific tube used in the circuit is FIG 1

a cold cathode type tube similar to the
RCA 1C21. It has been determined that these
specific tubes can be connected in a way
so that the tube can be actived by the
connection of an external electrode to the Anode
glass envelope. In order to utilize this
mechanic, two electrodes are needed, an Grid
anode and a cathode. The grid is not used
execpt in multi riser configurations.
Cathode

Figure 3 shows the pin conenctions used

FIG 2
on the tube.

Indicates tube
is gas filled
Grid

Anode
Cathode
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+135VDC
Section 2: Connections

Operation of these tubes requires

specific voltages of different
frequencies to be applied to the
different electrodes. Shown in figure 4
are the different voltages used on the
different electrodes. It should be noted
that in instances where only one riser
is used, a conductor (J1 in this case)
J1
as often used to tie the cathode and
grid together. We will return to this
later. 150VAC B.O
FIG 4

In other circuits, it is acceptable to +285VAC

instead connect both the DC and AC lines
together on the anode (Figure 5
demostrates this). In this instance, the
voltage will alternate between +285V to
+135V. B.O in both figures is where the
measurement of all voltages is based off
of. B.O is discribed as being the return
path of the current running through the
tube when fired. Thusly, it is
anticipated that B.O not be mistaken as
ground. J1

It should be noted that the circuit in

figure 4 is more commonly used than
figure 5. This is due to the normal breakdown B.O
voltage of the tube. The touch button nomial FIG 5
breakdown voltage is discribed as being ~180V. With 285V applied
to the tube. This would in turn activate the tube. The tube
would essentally turn on by itself. This is undisirable. By
seperating the AC and DC sources as in figure 4, it is insured
that neither sources will accidently activate the tube by
themselves.

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Section 3: Wiring/Operation

Wiring of the tubes is as follows in figure 6.

The nomial voltage drop of the tubes is ~180V. The anode voltage
is held below this point so that the tube doesn’t fire. In order
to fire the tube, an external AC field must be applied between
the cathode of the tube and the glass envelope. The AC source
(AC1) is connected as follows, with one side connected to the
cathode of the tube and the other connected to GRND (ground).
Once a person touches the exterior of the glass envelope, a
circuit is formed with current flowing through the cathode of
the tube to the person touching the tube and through the earth
to where AC1 is conencted to ground. It should be noted that
there are many insulators in this circuit. However this in turn
creates a capaciance between these two conductors. And in an AC
circuit, a capacitor is a conductor. The current running through
this circuit is very small, in the order of nanoamps. However,
it is enough to cause the breakdown voltage of the tube to drop
below the applied anode voltage. This in turn causes the tube to
fire.

DC1 (+135VDC)
It should be noted however, that
once the tube fires. The voltage
drop of the tube lowers to a AR
specific amount (usally listed on
the side of the tube). If the
voltage of DC1 stays constant, the GR
tube will receive more current
than usual. This could in turn
burn out the tube. To avoid this, C1
the current must be limited. This
can be done with a current limited
supply. In the pratical touch AC1
CR
circuit however, a resistor
(CR/AR) is used to limit the (150VAC)
current to a safe amount. B.O
Resistors AR & GR are only needed
GRND
for multiriser configurations. FIG 6

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Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

DC1 is a direct source of voltage, so the tube will continue to

illuminate even after the touch has been removed. Only after the
voltage across the tube has been lowered to a specific amount
will the tube extinguish. This can be done many ways. In the
pratical touch circuit, a positive DC voltage is injected into
the cathode of the tube. Thus lowering the total voltage across
the tube. However, a switch inserted between the anode of the
tube and DC1 will also work.

If DC1 was instead an alternating source of voltage, the tube

would remain illuminated as long as the touch is maintained. If
the touch is removed the tube will immediately extingush. In the
original patents of these buttons, it was discribed that this
could be used for momentary functions such as door close/open
buttons. This was never used in pratice however, most likely due
to the complicated nature of connecting two different AC sources
together.

It should also be noted that at some point in the circuit, DC1

is connected to the sheild of the touch button through a
resistor, in the orginal patents, this is discribed to help
stabilize the tube to prevent accidental activation (the same
reason is given for the need of C1). It is important that these
sheilds be isolated from the faceplate to prevent someone from
receiving a shock from touching the panel. B+

In the pratical touch circit (figure 7),

the signal voltage is obtained between
points C and B.O (J2). When no current is
flowing through the tube. It is obvious
that both point C and B.O will be at the G
same potential. However when the tube is
fired, current flows through the tube and
in turn CR. The resistor CR causes a C
voltage drop across it. This means that
between points C and B.O, a voltage CR
difference exists! This parallel path J2
however cannot be used to directly run a
B.O
relay. This will later be explained.
FIG 7
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Section 4: Crossfiring For Multriser Elevators

When there are two or more sets of hall or car panels within one
landing/car, the two buttons are essentally connected in
parallel. The circuit is arranged so that activation of any of
the tubes will in turn activate its ajoining partner. In this
circuit, The anode and grid resistors play an important roll.

+135VDC

* It should be noted
that point G is at
AR1 AR2
some point connected
to B.O. However, this G ~(-20VDC)
TB1 TB2
does not mean that
point G is at the same GR1 GR2
potential as B.O!
Remember that B.O is
just a reference point
where all other
voltages are measured
from.
CR
FIG 8

B.O
In this circuit, after TB1 is activated, current flows through
AR1, TB1, and CR. As for TB2, the potential difference between
the cathode and grid starts at ~20V and jumps to ~80V after
activation of TB1 (Remember that G is connected to B.O. So the
voltage drop across CR is applied to the grid of TB2). This
combined with the ~20V already present between grid and cathode
causes the voltage to jump to ~80V between grid and cathode.
This is enough to cause a circuit to form going from cathode
through the grid to point G (Remember that G is connected to
B.O), and from there to CR and back to the cathode. This lowers
the breakdown voltage of TB2 to just above the normal tube
voltage drop and in turn activates the tube. It is important
that both tubes have the same voltage drop listed on the side.
Otherwise the crossfire may not work as intended.

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Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

Section 5: Signal Circuit

Going back to figure 7, it was mentioned that the signal voltage

was obtained between points C and B.O. However, it was also
mentioned that this voltage could not be used to direcly run a
relay. This is due to the impedence (AKA: resistance) of the
circuit as well as the nature of inductive devices. Inductive
devices (relay coils, solenoids etc.) by their nature require
large amounts of current. But due to the nature of the touch
tubes and the resistors in the ciruit, it is not possible to
supply enough current to run the coil. However, it is possible
to use a SCR (Silicone Controlled Rectifier) to detect the
signal and indirectly control a relay coil. There are many ways
to insert this SCR into the control circuit. Figure 9 shows one
simple way this can be done.

B+
As the tube gets activated,
the current passes through
the tube and CR. Due to the
voltage drop across CR, a SWITCH
voltage is induced on the
SCR (Aprox. 60V). This
voltage and the ensuing
current produced activate
the SCR and allow the SCR
voltage of B+ to pass
through and power the
relay. If DC is used, a DIODE
switch of some sort will be
needed to turn off the SCR.
If AC is used, no switch
will be needed. Make sure
you know which form of CR RELAY
electricity your relay
needs beforehand. A diode
is also added for reverse
polarity protection in the B.O
case of using AC.

FIG 9

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Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

Section 6: Examples

The following are a list of example circuits for different

elevator configurations. (Note: These circuits may not show
every component that is utilized out in the field! Only use to
get a general idea!)

Terminal Hall Call Intermedite Hall Call

Car Tube Base

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Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

Terminal Double Riser

Intermedite Double Riser

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Nathan Kachmarski Touch Button Circuits 9/6/2019

Car Operating Panel (8 Landing | Single Riser)

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