I'm using Atlas turnout's on my 3 rail layout and I'm about to make a control panel. I want to install dual colored LED's to show the direction of the turnout. I'll be using DPDT mini toggle switches [on-off-on] to activate the turnout's. My question is, how do I power the light's and make them change color since the track power is AC and the LED's are DC?
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cvtot:
I don't know much about LEDs but make sure the DPDT toggle switches are momentary style. You can buy rectifying diodes (inexpensive) to change the AC to DC and use resistors inline with the LEDs to drop the voltage to LED levels. Whether you need only one rectifier for all LEDs or one for each I don't know. Perhaps someone with more knowledge can offer more advice.
PS - Atlas switch motors are prone to burning out if power is applied to them too long. This is the reason for momentary toggle switches. I have also in the past placed a rectifying diode inline with the wire from the toggle switch to the motor to cut down on the power sent to the motor. It changes the AC to DC which is ok with the motors.
Thank you Joe,
I didn't know about the rectifying diode's.
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