Atlas # 57 switch controller and DS-1000 Switch machine

Hold off on purchasing the Atlas #57 switch controller.  Some of them have sticking buttons which when stuck cause the coil in the turn out to stay on and overheat and burn out!.  Atlas is re-designing the switch controller to keep this from happening (so I am told).  The re-designed # 57 will be available in May.  And yes, I do like this switch controller and once the issue is sorted out, it is a great device.

I've tried buying these switch controllers by Atlas for the past few months - they are extremely hard to find.  I'm told that Atlas is having an import problem from China - that's why they aren't being found in the US.  I hope they show up in May - 

If you have a source for these controllers I'd appreciate an e mail!

thanx - good luck

Thanks guys. I will be holding off on these controllers for a while.

Still would like to know if they will work with dz1000 switch machines though.

Thanks again.

Ted...this is kind of a non-answer...but, I could not find a way to wire them to the DZ2500 switch machine and neither would anyone come up with a way.

I don't know how similar the two are...but, I'd bet pretty similar.  So, I doubt they can be wired to those machines.

Thanks.. saves me from pulling out what little hair I have left! Does anyone know of a replacement controller that will work with the DZ1000 or DZ2500? I really hate those little buttons that come with them.

Ted

This is a link to an ebay seller offering the item - $17 which seems pricey. Searching the web you will find other stores that sell them for a lower price but are out of stock. You may wish to try the 'basic 57' switch. very cheap without LEDs direction to test your application and then you can be ready when the upgraded deluxe comes available.

Atlas Illuminated Deluxe Switch Control Box #57

The Zstuff uses momentary switches. IMHO, any momentary device - that works and doesn't stick - will do it for you. I do not use the Atlas momentary. I purchased some pushbutton momentary from electronics stores - some are bussman, MJA and Allelectronic. They are tiny and do not have the LED feature the Atlas has but they do work with either z1000 or z2500. I added small lites on the panel - not LEDs - to show direction of the turnout on the control panel. The overall result is less footprint used on the panel which was my goal. I do very much like the look of the Atlas 57. You can gang them together which is another nice feature, but that may cause some of the momentary's to stick.

Ralph