dwarf signal for switch machines

The Atlas dwarf signals are designed to hook to the Atlas twin coil switch machines.  There is a small PC board that comes with each dwarf signal.  Using other dwarf lights would involve using relays of some kind.

Click on this link, underlined phrase. to the Atlas wiring diagram.   The small wood/painted concrete, bases were fabricated, not part of the dwarf lights.

Lennster:

Mike is correct - pretty much every other manufacturers' dwarf signal (may be some exceptions) need a latching relay to operate their dwarf signal. The appropriate power source (i.e. voltage level / ground is connected to the signal and the relay is normally connected to the NC NO terminals - however different manufacturers have different connection schemes). There are also connections from the switch control buttons needed. Basically when you press the control switch button to change turnout direction it also activates the relay which changes the dwarf signal color. 

I have both Ross and Atlas O turnouts. Z-Stuff offers the 1008 relay which I use for my Ross turnouts. I am pretty sure the 1008 will also work with the Atlas turnout since basically it is not connected to the turnout machine but to the dwarf signal and the control switch. I have not gotten to this point yet so have not tested the theory.

To play it safe look at the Atlas O 200 snap relay. It functions the same as the 1008. It has its own connection scheme also. The difference between the two is that Z-Stuff is electronic while Atlas O is electromechanical Whether you use the 1008 or the 200 I am pretty sure you can use any other manufacturer's signal.

As I wire one thing or another I always make connection drawings. Once you decide which way to go let me know and I will see if I have a connection scheme for your situation. 

PS - I have decided to standardize on Z-Stuff 1011R dwarf signals. I like their looks plus they can also function as detectors - detect a passing train with outputs to control other accessories.

Joe

I did the 1008 relays for dwarf lights on my friend Tom's switching layout.  They worked quite well with the dwarf lights. supplied. 

Dwarf lights installed.  1008 relays are under the table.

Shouldn't the Signal's be placed ahead of the Switch Machine to protect the Switch-Tracks.

Good Luck, John 

Depends on how you want them to function. I use mine solely as an indication of turnout position so I place mostly opposite of the switch machine whenever I can. However double thinking on what you said I could also place them ahead of the switch machine to serve both functions - turnout position indication plus more realistic track signal operation.

Joe

NYC,SUBWAY TRANSIT SIGNAL posted:

Shouldn't the Signal's be placed ahead of the Switch Machine to protect the Switch-Tracks.

Good Luck, John 

 

Good Point, thank you.  As a single signal for a cross over pair, I positioned the lights center of the cross over pair, visible from both directions.   ?? May be two dwarfs for a cross over pair??  

Mike CT.  

Thanks, Good Luck, John  My E-mail is  john.dealto@yahoo.com  

Mike:

May be overkill - I place dwarf signals at each end of a crossover. For example on a double crossover I have four signals, however two are slaved together so always have the same color. This way I am good for train going in either direction plus only two relays are needed. On a single crossover I have two both of which are slaved together so only one relay is needed.

Joe

Mike CT posted:

I did the 1008 relays for dwarf lights on my friend Tom's switching layout.  They worked quite well with the dwarf lights. supplied. 

Dwarf lights installed.  1008 relays are under the table.

Mike is using DZ-1000 switch machines which are relatively easy to hook up to the dwarf signals using DZ-1008 relays.  Since the OP has Atlas switches I would think the Atlas dwarf signals are a better choice. While the DZ-1008 will work, I would search for new or used Atlas ones on the sale/auction sites before trying a DZ-1008 set up.

Thanks for all the replies and help, all the atlas dwarfs are on back order at Atlas, don't understand that at all.

Haven't found any used ones anywhere guess I'll have to keep looking....

Has anyone had luck wiring up an Atlas dwarf signal to a DZ1000 switch machine? Do I need to add teh 1008 relay in between to make this work or is this set up impossible? 

Cmontagna posted:

Has anyone had luck wiring up an Atlas dwarf signal to a DZ1000 switch machine? Do I need to add teh 1008 relay in between to make this work or is this set up impossible? 

See - https://ogrforum.com/...as-6931-dwarf-signal

Chris:

I have a thread on the track plans and layouts forum. I just did a bunch of 'bench tests' with  DZ-1000 and Atlas switch machines / DZ-1008 and Atlas 200 snap relays with DZ-1011R anf MTH dwarf signals. Please go to

https://ogrforum.com/...00#80128401085132500

go to the end pf the thread - last few posts. There are circuit diagrams.

Joe

Chris,

Give me a call at Atlas  908-687-0880 Ext 7142. If I miss the call leave a message with a good reach telephone number.

Steve H

leapinlarry posted:

I recently reached out to Steve Horvath and he was very helpful in helping me connect this trackside dwarf signal to the DZ1000 switch motor. In fact, he sent me a new board, wiring diagram to correct the issue. I have a 12 volt dc transformer coming in Monday and will install this new board and wire up the signal, and hopefully have a success story to post here on the forum. Just for the record, the original kit, with the original board, hooked to a DZ1000 switch connected to the DZ1008, (all those wires) did not work. I only could get the red light to come on, once in a blue moon the green light appeared. I’m confident this new board, connected properly will work.  It’s nice to have others chime in on these type issues that arise in our hobby. Thank You all.

Larry - I am looking forward to your update on this so I can follow suit. I haven’t had any luck with the DZ1008 hookup either. 

I will be working on this soon and will post my results. I’ve spoken to Atlas O and have some good ideas for making these signals perform as they should with the DZ1000 switch machines. I will also be connecting these signals to an Atlas Switch motor. 

You can see there no lights on in the signal in my post above,  the wiring process will begin next week. I am looking forward to adding many signals for letting my friends, when we’re running trains that blocks are occupied. Just for fun.