Atlas Dwarf Signal Problem

If the Dwarf signal pc board is connected to the Through and Out terminals of the switch motor, then the switch motor is the problem.  Contact Atlas, Steve Horvath.  The impedance of the under-table switch machine is the problem, or at least that was the way it was explained to me.  Requires a replacement switch motor.  I did my entire layout and had 2 or 3 switch motors that did not work well with the dwarf light/dwarf light pc board.  You may want to check the Dwarf light with another switch motor.

Atlas wiring diagram using an AIU

Atlas wiring diagram 6931 dwarf signal to switch motor

Click to Email Steve         

Phone:          908-687-9590

Fax:          908-687-6282

Thanks Mike.  I'll try changing the switch motor.

 

I always enjoy seeing/reading your posts.

 

Zac

Zac,

Mike is correct the dwarf signal was originally designed to work with the standard Atlas switch motor that comes attached to the switch. The circuit design is similar to a radio tuner. The circuit board reads the impedance from the center tap (middle screw) to either side (left or right screw). The number of wraps and size of the coils will give different readings and depending how close to the circuit design tolerance the light may or may not work if substituted. If you need further help you can reach me at 908-687-9590 X-7142. Steve H. Atlas Technical Consultant.

 

Mike CT

Would you mind calling me I would like to discuss something with you when you have a minute. If you get my voicemail please leave a reach telephone number and your email address.

Thanks

SteveH

 

Thanks Steve.

 

At least I know that I might not be crazy.  I substituted some of the above the table switch machines that I have and everything worked.  I went through all 5 of the under the table machines that I own and they all failed to work correctly.

 

Steve, I will call you Monday.  Thanks.

Hi all

 

Looks like I am having the same issue as well. I am using one Z4000 transformer. Currently I am powering my Atlas Switches through track power while using the accessory port 10V for the Atlas Dwarf signals. I am using control boxes to throw the switches. Thanks for any help. Curious thing though out of the 10, 2 of them are working correctly. 

Mike& Zak

You can no longer reach me at Atlas as I left and moved West. I still monitor the forums and keep in touch with the folks at Atlas and gladly help modelers with problems where I can. If you have questions or need help you can reach me at Steve@MontanaRailPower.com         

 

Steve H

 

Yesterday I wired up the snap relays parallel to the atlas switch machine. I am using two atlas dwarf signals.  I tried a single crossover using one snap relay. Also using one control button without led. I notice when I pushed the control button that only one of the switch machines threw the turnout. The dwarf signals worked fined. But for some reason the other switch machine is not throwing almost like its getting enough power. I am using the z4000 at 18v. Any ideas?

Check machine for binding. I throw my Atlas switches with a toggle switch this way. You could throw the snap relay in parallel with the machine the same way.

 

www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=411

 

 

 

Click to enlarge

 

Dale H

Dale,

 

I forgot to mention that when I removed the snap relay and other switch machine work fined. I read somewhere that I made need a resistor. Is this case?

Here is a link to the Atlas wiring instructions for a double switch (cross over) combination with the dwarf signals.  It does not involve the snap relay.   There are diodes to be added.  Access the link by clicking on the underlined phrase.  The Atlas 6931 dwarf signals, with their own PC board, require a power feed to the board and are triggered by the switch motor impedence.  I was referred to this diagram when I had trouble with my crossover dwarf lights.   Never had an issue throwing the two motors at one time via  an IC Controls ASC 3000.  The dwarf lights don't work properly.     Mike

borderman

If you read my post above you can reach me via my email as shown in my post. Also if you visit the website I have a reach telephone number. Many times a simple call eliminates a hundred posts.