Skip to main content

I would like to wire an Atlas O switch machine to a momentary toggle switch and also provide LED indication on a control panel for their position.  Also I would like to wire them for non-derailing.  Searching on the forum today for a diagram on wiring this, I have read allot of ugly stories regarding these machines and burning them up. What are other experience with this?  Is their a wiring diagram for this?

 

I am currently using the DZ1000's and the wiring for this seems straight forward and only requires a few components for the LED's (a couple or resistors).

 

Mike

 

 

 

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I would say if you are using DZ1000 machines, get the Z Stuff add on for lighting purposes, and the non-derailing feature like the DZ wiring diagram describes to wire the turnouts. if you were using the Atlas machines, then I would use the Atlas Relay for

non-derailing.  DZ 1000 machines come with lighted buttons. 

I wired all mine with Lionel ASC's for Cab 2 Control of the turnouts. 

With Command, a control panel is not really necessary.

 

Here are some good threads on Atlas-O switch wiring. Wiring diagrams are included in the threads. Lots of info on wiring the #6924 non-derail boards that do a lot more than just non-derail functions.

 

Atlas also makes the snap relay for switch position indication. It is just a latching relay that switches with the Atlas switch machines. If the switch gets hung up it is possible for the snap relay to get out of sync with the actual position of the switch rails.

 

The problem with the Atlas Switch machines its when you hold the switch button in too long, or hold the toggle in the activate switch position too long. It burns up the switch motors. They are meant for momentary contact operation only, a maintained contact will burn them out.

 

Wiring an Atlas 6924 N-D Board w/ #57 Switch Control

 

Atlas turnouts & 6924 circuit board questions

 

Throwing Atlas switch machines using a toggle switch

 

All I have is Atlas-O stuff, don't have any DZ-1000's. I do know the DZ-1000's operate differently than the Atlas switch machines.

I also plan on slowly migrating mt Atlas O turnouts to DZ1000 switch machines as the motors burn out. With the aid of the DZ1008 relay I am going to figure out how to make the turnout non-derailing and also power a dwarf signal at the turnout to tell me what position the turnout is in (I use momentary toggle switches on my control board).

any new turnout I need I am going to Ross Custom Switches.

In the meantime you can wire a 1N4001 diode in series with the power line to the Atlas switch motor. The diode cuts the sine wave in half so helps protect the motor from burnout. So far I have not had any switch motor burnouts since doing this.

Joe

If you haven't seen it, you might want to check out Alex's device here, it looks really nice, easy to install and works really well. Very impressive and indicates the position of the turnout points, not just the switch machine. He has them for both Atlas and Ross switches. Won't help you with the non-derail though.

 

Non-contact, turnout points TRUE position detector

Last edited by rtr12

Add Reply

Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×