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Probably too long of a title, but that is pretty much what I am looking for.

 

I know this is extremely simple, but want to put a couple of sidings on separate toggle switches and have an LED light  when power is applied.

 

I have the LED going on and off with the toggle, but the Negative connection is still connected to the track when the toggle is off.

 

I have wired the following;

 

1. Negative jumper from Transformer (-) to the center post of a DPDT toggle switch

2. Connected a resistor, and (-) lead from the LED (short lead) to the end post of the toggle switch (opposite position of switch position)

3. Also connected a Black wire to the toggle switch at the same location as the (-) side of the LED.  (To provide "-" to the Siding track.

4. Provided 12v +, to the longer lead of the LED.

 

What I expected......  Toggle switch ON, the LED lights, AND Negative potential at track siding.

Toggle switch OFF, the LED light is OFF, and NO Negative potential at track siding.

 

What I get.....  Toggle switch On and Off as expected.

  Negative potential is ALWAYS on the Black Wire.

 

Any Advice?

 

 

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I think I've been working too long on it today.  I found my problem!  I didn't actually have an issue.  I was measuring voltage potential, not actual track voltage!  DUH !!!  I was thinking about it more after talking with John, and put a volt meter at the leads going to the track section, and it was turning off and on, as it should.  Then checked continuity, and it was correct.  So I just created my own issue!

 

I really appreciate your inputs, John and Matt!  You guys got me back on the right track.  In summary,

The layout has 3 main lines all TMCC/Legacy.  Two of the mains are elevated, and there are a total of 33 switches, and 17 sidings and/or bypass tracks.  Using 2 ZW transformers, 1 is the new ZW-L, the other a ZW-C.  I've been asked to do all the wiring and make a conventional Control Panel, with LED's indicating switch positions.  Also indicators for the sidings being on or off.  The control panel has somewhere between 130 to 150 holes drilled in it for switches and LED's.  Wiring is in the neighborhood of 400-450 wires.  The footprint is 12x24 (Lexan).  I will follow up with some pictures.

 

Thanks again, I got to get back to work.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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