atlas switch wiring problem

Sounds to me like there is a short between the center rail and an outside one on either or both of these switches. Try removing them from the layout and checking between the rails for a short.

Perhaps a track plan with more wiring information would allow someone to provide more assistance?

I have a similar layout with 12 Atlas switches (and double crossovers), but no TMCC lock-ons and I have not had any problems with it. All I insulated was the center rail.

Also check the above post by Trainman129.

Sorry no layout pic, It's basically a L shaped layout, when I remove the switches there  no problems, but when I reinstall them and throw them both diverging and thru route Both lockons trip???????????

Lennster,

Try calling 908-687-0880 Ext 7142 that is my extension here at Atlas and I will be happy to help you.

Steve H

Please let us know what you discover. I'm curious what the problem turns out to be.

Lennster:

Hopefully Steve can help and I am interested in knowing what the result is. Right now only guess I have is that one loop is wired backwards (gnd and power) from the other loop. However with this scenario an engine would not work on the one loop of track but I don't know if you have gotten that far as yet.

Joe

Model Structures posted:

Lennster:

Hopefully Steve can help and I am interested in knowing what the result is. Right now only guess I have is that one loop is wired backwards (gnd and power) from the other loop. However with this scenario an engine would not work on the one loop of track but I don't know if you have gotten that far as yet.

Joe

My guess also is you have reversed the hot and ground on one loop so when switches are diverging the switch points touch the outer rail and create a short.  Probably the points don't quite touch the outside rail until an engine or car wheel forces the points over fully, then the TMCC lockons respond to a short . 

Best bet, follow your transformer wires to all lock ons, making sure the hot is to center and ground to outer rails..

If you are using two or more power packs, one may be out of phase with other so they trip the lockons, because current "bucking" each other.  There are numerous OGR threads that detail how to phase transformers or how to make different type transformers play nice.

still working on it, all transformers are phased, got my old ZW to power all the switches checked my wiring and all seems to be ok, I think i need a new set of eyes, or just start re wiring everything

I Really don't want to do that.

If you haven't called Steve Horvath, I would highly recommend doing so. Steve knows his stuff and also Atlas products. Alos, good luck and I hope you don't have to do a re-wire. I would also be very interested in hearing what the problem was when you get it all fixed up and working properly. Again, good luck.

Does this shorting happen with one engine or all engines?  Happen in either direction through the pair?  Might roller diameter be bigger so it falls shorts between the center rail and an outside rail as it crosses over?  Turn out the lights and slowly run or push the engine over the switches and observe if there is a spark.  Maybe have to bypass lockons and directly connect to track so can observe shorting if it is occurring.  May need to insulate with tape.  On my layout I had to place tape in strategic spots on KLine O72 switch rails as some engine wheels and rollers would short the track.

I'll talk to Steve a few times he probably wishes he never heard of me he seems to think I've got a wire crossed somewhere I can't see it and this short Icarus they are no engines on the track no engines at all I can't see any wiring crosses

When you said the TMCC trips momentarily, does layout then operate normally with crossover in diverging path or does layout remain shorted out? 

If you are using two or more transformers, try running whole layout from just one transformer and see if short condition persists.  If it does then problem is in turnout itself such as metal particle stuck somewhere.  You say three switches are doing this, does this include the two in the crossover or is it three others elsewhere (five culprit switches)?  I am assuming you are not using the Atlas non derailing boards, just used out of box without any extra wiring to turnout rails?  Seems odd unless you got a bad batch of turnouts from one supplier at same time.

Sorry so many questions, so few helpful answers.

I would have also suspected a crossed wire or something touching when it shouldn't, but it's all just guessing on my part. Have you got anyone that could come over and take a look at it with you? Hopefully they would have some knowledge of train layout wiring, but not mandatory. You could just explain it to them or show then a wiring diagram. Just thinking out loud here, but my thought was that two heads are better than one and 4 eyes are better than two. Might be worth a try if at all possible. 

Also rrman has good suggestions above as well.

Lennster:

There is no need to disconnect everything and start over again. This method will take time - disconnect one set of power/ground wires at a time and test. Start around your turnouts.

I have a friend who had a similiar issue - he found he had connected one set of power/ground backwards.

Joe

Hi Lennster, wondering if you found what was causing the track/turnout problem(s)?

I also have Atlas track and switches. I have a power feed on all 3 sides of every switch and have had no problems what so ever. I have several insulated rails to trigger some signals.  Everything works great. I power the track with MTH Z4000 run Legacy. I have a small separate transformer that powers all my switches.

Finally fixed!

I found some power feeds crossed, ground to common, I also have power feeds at all 3 legs of each switch, I am using a ZWC with 2 1350 watt bricks, and 1 180 w brick, all switches are poweredpowered by  the 180 w brick on  the D post of  my ZW . All my snap relays are on D post also connected to  dedicated buss wire, all the dwarf signals are working fine. i just have 1 switch that's throwing very slow, I'm gonna tackle that this morning.

lennster posted:

Finally fixed!

I found some power feeds crossed, ground to common, I also have power feeds at all 3 legs of each switch, I am using a ZWC with 2 1350 watt bricks, and 1 180 w brick, all switches are poweredpowered by  the 180 w brick on  the D post of  my ZW . All my snap relays are on D post also connected to  dedicated buss wire, all the dwarf signals are working fine. i just have 1 switch that's throwing very slow, I'm gonna tackle that this morning.

Glad you found the trouble area(s).  Certainly can be frustrating pulling wires and checking they REALLY go to the right terminal/rail/accessory(s). 

Of course I never have this problem as I ALWAYS use the same color wire for a circuit, and I ALWAYS document every connection, and I NEVER splice a circuit with wrong color wire,  (and I also have the Brooklyn Bridge deed I can sell you cheap)

Happy running, and just in time for Christmas.

LOL  I also labeled every track feed, bought a label machine at Office depot, for  20 bucks on sale,the refill tape is 27 bucks, already been thru one cartridge

Glad you got things all worked out and fixed up and operating. The home label machines are like razors and razor blades and printers and ink refills. They nail you with the refills. 

Thanks for letting us know the outcome.