Atlas switches inconsitent operation

Sometimes if you just loosen the mounting screws, the switch will operated better.  Have to be level and not binding.

Your power supply should be 12 volts to the asc. They do tend to act somewhat strange sometimes, but they should work ok. They will seem to be weak sometimes.  The above posters ideas are good to follow. Fred

Thanks to all above, I have 7 switches on one side of the layout and 3 on the other ,opposite side of the layout. It is the 3 on the one side that are not throwing completely. I thought it might be the signal because the SC-2's are on the side working well, but I stood next to the SC-2, and they still didn't work well. Also 2 of the 7 switches working well are on the same SC-2 controller as the 3 working poorly. I am inclined to think it is mechanical but I plan to wire a switch without the SC-2 to see how it operates. I will also check what you advised above, thanks for the quick responses.

John Henry

I think ASCs work better than Sc2 with atlas. Fred

Is it a long way to the other side? Could you have a voltage drop due to increased distance? I just got some new Atlas-O switches and the instructions say they operate best on 16-18 volts AC. If it's small wiring and a long way, could be worth checking? I am not familiar with SC-2's as I don't have any.

It's a power issue. When I tried 13 vac (not 12 volts) none of the switches worked well. I was using 15 vac. When I go to 23 vac they all work. I am using a K line transformer with 3 red and 3 black connections where you can pick and choose your vac (volts alternating current ?) I am afraid I am getting volts, amps and vac mixed up. Help Dale. Manual syas SC- is rated for 15 amps and later says  it needs 7 to 20 vac to operate correctly. Now I need to understand the differences so my switches work and I don't burn anything up.

John Henry

Not sure it is a distance problem. The difference is like at most 8 feet vs 3 feet or a 5 footdifference but it does make sense since 1 side works better and is closerr to power source. These switches all worked before, I may need to switch them to my ZW

John Henry

I use an 18V DC power supply for my Atlas switches.   I find the DC power works a lot better.  

23 vac might be a little much, don't think I would exceed 18 vac as is stated in the manual. According to the manual the 15 vac is a little low, it listed 16 vac as the low end, range was 16-18 volts.

The 15 amp rating would be for the relay contacts in the SC. I would expect the 7-20 vac is what is required by the SC to operate the contacts (relay). The Atlas switches require no where near 15 amps. 15 amps is probably more than most people have at the track.

Since it's only 8 feet, distance is probably not a factor, the 15 volts probably was. At the 15 volts (too low already), could have been just far enough to drop it slightly and cause the problem. Especially if you had very small wire, smaller would cause more voltage drop.

Good to know about the DC, but manual says AC? I think I have seen others say they worked on DC as well. You have had no problems with the DC?

I agree with comments about being careful not to overpower, so I will sort it out. In regard to the second note about DC, I'm not clear on this. The SC-2 manual says I can use the track power terminals for power if I'm using Command where I have set the volts at a constant 17-18. Remind me, are terminals A and D (which I use for track power) DC and terminals B and C which I use for lights and accessoies AC?

John Henry

I don't use SC-2s.

I use a DCS AIU.

I'm just commenting on that I've found that Atlas switches or any solenoid switch for that matter, perform better with a DC power source.  Obviously, if using DC power you will not use track power.

Keep in mind that you can adjust the mechanical non-de-rail (spring tension) on an Atlas switch.  IMO Higher spring tension a better throw but less reliable non-de-rail.  

On my Layout, I had 52 Atlas Switches, all operated with the ASC's. I used 18 Volts AC off a ZW-C. I Never had a problem and never lost a Switch Motor. Used that setup for years.

That's an FYI.

FREDSTRAINS

A Lionel ZW would be all AC, no DC. I am not familiar with the K-line, but would think it would be all AC as well.

Thank you both for the help. I think I will use C on my ZW and put the lights and accessories on B with about 10 volts.

John Henry

That's exactly how I set up my ZW!! I use Outputs A & D for the Track!! Good minds think alike!!  LOL

FREDSTRAINS