@gunrunnerjohn posted:Rod, you're really going whole hog on this PCB stuff! Good looking project, and something that anyone with Atlas switch machines should probably consider!
Just a note, this type of CD circuit isn't required for the Lionel Oxx machines as the coils only get power until the points move, then they are disconnected. However, for Atlas switch machines, this is highly recommended!
Yes John I am quite enjoying all this PCB stuff; it's been a blast. A big thanks to you for bringing me up the learning curve with DipTrace back 2-3 years ago. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? It is good that the Lionels have coil disconnect switches built in that prevent coil burnout, as K-Lines, and most others do I believe. (I have been playing with and repairing 022/072 switches now for about 65 years; so I am kinda getting to know them fairly well haha! I recently put a post in the Lionel Tips & Tricks forum about doing an on-the-layout repair of a failed 022 switch machine. It sure beat the heck out of tearing up all kinds of track and switches to get to the machine! 
)
But I don't own any Atlas switches so my testing of this board was all done with Lionels. I figured if it would work on these old girls it should work on most anything. And it throws them very well, clean and crisp from my testing. And for those who don't necessarily care for the nostalgia of old Lionel switch controllers on their panel, this board offers an alternative.
I have sent a few blank boards off to my good friend Tom Frye, who operates Atlas switches on his layout. He is going to build up a couple and give them the acid test so to speak. We should hear his results fairly soon. 
Rod
