Fastrack Switch Reliability Upgrade

Guns,

   Outstanding upgrade!

PCRR/Dave

Dave, it's cheap as well!   The only thing that costs more than a penny is the RF choke, 30 cents or so.

John, would you please elaborate on why the choke would be an added benefit to the switch when using DCS?

Thanks.

Larry

DCS uses the track as a transmission line for the 3.27mhz carrier.  If you have any circuit that adds a capacitance across the tracks, such as the switch electronics in this case, that can impact the DCS signal.  The 22uh RF choke presents a high impedance to the DCS signal to prevent the internal electronics from attenuating the signal.

Do note that this is only if you use track power for the switch.  If you have a separate aux power supply for the switches, that's not necessary.  Since Fastrack command switches consume so little power, it's just a lot more convenient to use track power, that allows you to install them with absolutely no wiring required.

Thanks, John.  I have already soldered several of my Fastrack switches.  I'll have to purchase a bunch of the chokes since I have quite a few O72 switches.  Not to change the subject but I had one switch with a lantern LED that burned out.  I replaced it, but now it is burned out again.  The last time, some how I managed to solder the small wires to the LED leads, but this time I gave up since I was having a heck a time.   For some reason or other the voltage is too high that supplies it.  I had bought a resistor to install to drop it down to a reasonable voltage for the LED.   I probably need some of those helping hands.

Larry

I checked the voltage on my switches when I replaced the bulbs, but they seem fine.  The current was only around 11ma, certainly no problem for the bulbs.  I don't know what goes on inside that kills the bulbs, but something sure does.  Lionel was no help when I asked...  If I lose any more, I'll consider the resistor as well.

Off topic, John, would you email me your email? Have a board question for you. Thanks!

Luke, it's in my profile here.